Saddleback - Fairview Mtn Trail hike on 12-Oct-2022

Arriving before 9AM, we all managed to get a parking spot in the main Lake Louise parking lot. It is easy to see why parking is an issue as Parks Canada has changed half of the main lot to disabled parking only, leaving limited parking left to the general public.

We started up the trail under sunny blue skies at 9:15 AM. Traveling at a moderate pace we made good time reaching Saddle Pass, where the group stopped for a rest break.

Saddle Pass with Haddo Peak in the distance
Saddle Pass with Haddo Peak in the distance

With the exception of a few small larch, all the trees had lost their needles.

Fairview Mountain from Saddle Pass
Fairview Mountain from Saddle Pass

The group then started up the trail leading to Fairview Mountain.

Janice heading up the trail above Saddle Pass
Janice heading up the trail above Saddle Pass

The well beaten trail allowed all our group to reach the top of Fairview before 12 noon. The cloudless blue skies and only minor wind allowed everyone to settle in for a long lunch on the summit. Surprisingly we had the summit all to ourselves.

Lunch on Fairview under glorious blue skies
Lunch on Fairview under glorious blue skies

Looking West from the summit towards Mount Victoria
Looking West from the summit towards Mount Victoria

The 360 degree views were superb and we were able to enjoy the amazing views of the peaks along the divide area of Lake Louise.

Haddo, Aberdeen and Lefroy from the summit of Fairview
Haddo, Aberdeen and Lefroy from the summit of Fairview

Ramblers at the top of Fairview with Mt Victoria in the background
Ramblers at the top of Fairview with Mt Victoria in the background

Reluctantly the group left the summit and started back down the trail to Saddle Pass, where we took another long break.

Saddle Pass below with Sheol Mountain and Temple to the South
Saddle Pass below with Sheol Mountain and Temple to the South

We were all back at the vehicles before 3 PM.

A few of us walked over to Lake Louise to grab a few photos.

Lake Louise in the late afternoon October sun
Lake Louise in the late afternoon October sun

The Lake was very crowded and when we returned to our vehicles, people were circling the lot looking for a place to park - welcome to Lake Louise in mid October!

My thanks to the group Rosanne, Philip, Kim, Jeannette, Janice, Clifton, Jane and Barbara for their great company and for joining me Kevin (C/S) on a fabulous day of hiking in the Lake Louise area.

Total elevation gain 1000 m
Total distance 10 km
Total time 5.5 hrs

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