Home»All Photographs»2020 Hikes»Lake O'Hara Tour 09-30-20

So, Lake O'Hara is known as one of the most beautiful locations in the Canadian Rockies. This popularity has led it to become a sh** show to visit - in normal years. But this is not a normal year. Because of Covid-19, no shuttle bus is running up the 11 km access road, and the schwanky lodge has temporarily ceased all activity. On this solo day out, I hiked up the long gravel road and arrived into pure bliss. I saw maybe five or six people all day here, when the skies were blue and it was the height of larch season! This weird summer sure had some hidden-gem aspects to it.
After passing by Lake O'Hara, I scrambled up a decommissioned route (oops) to Moor Lakes. From there, I headed to Opabin Lake and did some reconnaissance for a future trip up Yukness Mountain. Then I hiked the All Soul's Alpine Route - still hadn`t seen a single other person - unreal!
I took a lengthy lunch at All Soul's Prospect and geeked-out with my binoculars, spying several distant peaks.
A steep descent to Schaffer Lake followed, and then on to Lake McArthur - my favorite spot in all of O'Hara. A snack and a quick nap here just seemed right.
I continued on, and hiked the Big Larches Trail - it's true; they are big. Soon, I was back at Mary Lake Loop and onto the long gravel road egress. Mental games and exercises help with this stretch of boring road. I took one more snack break in the dusk, at the four km marker, knowing I only had 1 hour back to my vehicle.