Fantastic Four of Waterton-Glacier: the International Peace Park Challenge

Crypt Lake

Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 mi (return)
Time: 6 - 8 hours (plan a full day)
Elevation Gain: 700 m / 2297'

An awe-inspiring full day hike involving a boat taxi across Waterton Lake, and a gradual climb of over 2300 feet. Experience a 600 foot cascading waterfall, natural tunnel and cliff traverse. As you reach your destination, you'll be rewarded by the turquoise waters of sparkling Crypt Lake, and maybe even catch a glimpse of an elusive white mountain goat, or the rare alpine pygmy poppy!

Alderson- Carthew

Distance: 18.0 km / 11.1 mi
(one-way, transportation needed to or from trailhead)
Time: 6 - 8 hours                                   
Elevation Gain: 650 m / 2132'

This trail winds through the montane, sub-alpine, and alpine zones! From Carthew Summit look east over the peaks to the prairies, and south into Glacier National Park, Montana.

Highlights include a misty walk through one of Waterton Park's oldest forests, and the pyramidal grandeur of Mt. Alderson. You can take the hike from Cameron Falls in the Townsite to Cameron Lake, or from Cameron Lake to the Falls.

Garden Wall

Distance: 18.5 km (roundtrip)
Time:5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 253 m (830 ft)

The Garden Wall in Glacier Park, is a section of the Highline Trail. Heading West on the Continental Divide, Garden Wall features amazing panoramic views. It boasts alpine tundra, talus slopes, cliffs, many subalpine firs and Engelmann spruce. This is also a great trail to spot wildlife: hoary marmots, mountain goats, raptors, bighorn sheep, and more.

This hike begins at Logan Pass, across the highway from the Visitor Center. The best time to enjoy Garden Wall is July to October.

Although there is mostly a consistent level of elevation, the trail follows a narrow ledge above Going-to-the-Sun Road (for this reason, many people decide to turn back and end their hike after the first 1/4 mile.)

Siyeh Pass

Distance: 16.5 km (round trip)

Time:5-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 683 m (2,240 ft)

Beginning at Siyeh Bend, 3 miles East of Logan's Pass, you will follow the bank of Siyeh Creek to Sunrift Gorge, just below the chasm.

Expecting a high-elevation route, the two passes of Siyeh Pass round Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. It is recommended to check on trail conditions before you venture out: accumulated snow will sit on Matahpi Peak until late into the hiking season. After 2.7 miles, the road forks with Siyeh Pass on the right, through Preston Park and Piegan Pass via the left fork.

As you descend the last leg of the Baring Creek Valley's West wall, exercise caution: grizzly bears are not a uncommon sighting. There are also highwinds and many short switchbacks. That said, there's a great view of Sexton Glacier.

2011 Glory Board

Congratulations to the first finishers of the 2011 Fantastic Four Challenge: Tanner Rodgers, Parker Rodgers and Myrle Rodgers of Lethbridge, Alberta!