Carthew-Alderson Trail
By Kyle Bullock
One of my favourite hikes, even with all of the amazing places I have been, is still the Carthew-Alderson trail in Waterton.
We did the 20km, one-way hike last summer with some friends and left the kids at home with a babysitter.
I was told that the hike is like an upside down check mark; shorter, steeper section at the beginning until the summit, then a gradual decline back to Cameron Falls in the Townsite, which was pretty accurate.
We took the shuttle up the Akamina Parkway to the trail head and gathered up our gear. While the other hikers on the shuttle quickly trudged ahead, we took our time and stayed back to enjoy the scenery.
We were glad we did, because our first treat of the day was a quiet, magical, misty lake just before Cameron Lake.
One of my favourite hikes, even with all of the amazing places I have been, is still the Carthew-Alderson trail in Waterton.
We did the 20km, one-way hike last summer with some friends and left the kids at home with a babysitter.
I was told that the hike is like an upside down check mark; shorter, steeper section at the beginning until the summit, then a gradual decline back to Cameron Falls in the Townsite, which was pretty accurate.
We took the shuttle up the Akamina Parkway to the trail head and gathered up our gear. While the other hikers on the shuttle quickly trudged ahead, we took our time and stayed back to enjoy the scenery.
We were glad we did, because our first treat of the day was a quiet, magical, misty lake just before Cameron Lake.
A mother deer with it's fawn were cautiously wading into the water for a quick bite to eat.
It was like a dream or a scene out of Bambi!
After gawking at them for a few minutes, they eventually ran into the trees and we moved ahead.
Passing Cameron Lake, I was shocked at how calm it was! We continued into the switchbacks for a while until we came to Summit Lake. Again, the lake was glass and we stopped for a snack and enjoyed the crisp, cool air.
This didn't last long.
It was like a dream or a scene out of Bambi!
After gawking at them for a few minutes, they eventually ran into the trees and we moved ahead.
Passing Cameron Lake, I was shocked at how calm it was! We continued into the switchbacks for a while until we came to Summit Lake. Again, the lake was glass and we stopped for a snack and enjoyed the crisp, cool air.
This didn't last long.
Soon we started up the steeper trail towards the summit.
Every time we'd stop to rest, we could look behind us to a new angle of the beautiful green mountains with lakes reflecting the bright blue sky.
After catching our breath, we'd turn around to the red shale rocks to keep hiking.
It's hard to pick a favorite part of this hike, because each section is so different, but this is definitely up there for the best/hardest part because of the satisfaction you get as you quickly ascend. As you get above the tree line, things get sunnier, windier, and of course, more sweaty!
We took the trail to the right to rest on the rocks and take in the view.
Every time we'd stop to rest, we could look behind us to a new angle of the beautiful green mountains with lakes reflecting the bright blue sky.
After catching our breath, we'd turn around to the red shale rocks to keep hiking.
It's hard to pick a favorite part of this hike, because each section is so different, but this is definitely up there for the best/hardest part because of the satisfaction you get as you quickly ascend. As you get above the tree line, things get sunnier, windier, and of course, more sweaty!
We took the trail to the right to rest on the rocks and take in the view.
Other hikers came and went to take their selfies, their badge of honor for making it to the top.
We took our time, sitting, enjoying our sandwiches, fruits and veggies, and the essential Costco Chicago Style Popcorn. Looking down the other side of the mountain was like a whole different world.
Clouds were swirling and hugging the side of the mountain. You could just make out the red rocks on the other side and down below was a group of mountain sheep.
Our daughter afterwards when we told her about the hike, was so amazed that we actually got to touch the clouds!
We took our time, sitting, enjoying our sandwiches, fruits and veggies, and the essential Costco Chicago Style Popcorn. Looking down the other side of the mountain was like a whole different world.
Clouds were swirling and hugging the side of the mountain. You could just make out the red rocks on the other side and down below was a group of mountain sheep.
Our daughter afterwards when we told her about the hike, was so amazed that we actually got to touch the clouds!
The cool part was that we couldn't see very far ahead so, it was a surprise every time we got to a new location with a lake, or a waterfall, or different kinds of wildlife.
There were lush meadows with waterfalls and craggy lakes surrounded by cliffs and boulders.
We took a bit of a detour over a shale path overlooking Alderson Lake. I'd never seen a lake so blue before!
After we passed the lakes, and got lower down the mountain, the bushes and trees became thicker and thicker. The weather changed from mist to rain and we were glad we had an umbrella for the rest of the way!
Finally, we caught a glimpse of Waterton Lake and were so relieved to had made it back!
Needless to say, our legs were tired and achy, but we hardly even realized it during the hike because there was so many amazing things to see! It took us about 8 hours or so from the trail head to Cameron Falls.
I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone who wants a full range of mountain scenery and wildlife!
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