This trail leads everywhere
July 23rd Wednesday 2014
Paradise Valley Giant Steps Hike is one of the classic hikes in the Lake Louise area and is accessed from the Moraine Lake road. To set off on this hike you are required to be in groups of four or more. The sign, as shown in the Gallery, is to eliminate bear attacks. I would rank this hike as high as the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park for scenery. The distance the signs show are far longer than my GPS recorded. 10.1 km out 20.2 km return I only got close to 19 km and the hike included the extra little loop up to the Sentinel Pass turn. Another point to note is that the trail that follows the valley past the bridge at the Lake Annette turn is now closed to the Giant Steps. You have to go via the lake.
Nice wide trail to Lake Annette
This is the type of trail for most of the way to Lake Annette. After that it is still well defined and has signs at all junctions.
Lake Annette & Mt Temple
To get to the lake there is a small hill up from the bridge in the valley.
Hungabee & below Horseshoe Glacier
This open area is shortly after the lake.
Platforms before the Giant Steps
There is a slight loss of elevation before arriving at the Giant Steps.
Giant Steps waterfall
The trail ends here but you can return by making a small loop by taking the trail to the right signed Sentinel Pass.
The Sentinels
If you made a big loop back via the Sentinel Pass to Moraine lake you would hike past these rock formations. Two cars required or hitch hiking.
The trail to Sentinel Pass
This is the signed route to Sentinel Pass.
Distance return 19.0 km Time return 6 hrs ( inc 30 min lunch ) Elevation Accumulated gain 720 m Elevation to Summit 403 m Summit height 2141 m
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