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Paradise Valley - Horseshoe Lakes

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Horseshoe LakesGlacially fed alpine lake still half-frozen at top of Paradise Valley under Mount Hungabee in Lake Louise area. More info

High Res: 5472 x 2848, 11.5 MB
Price: 15 USD

South end of largest Horseshoe Lake looking towards Wastach Mountain

June 11, 2015

Paradise Valley is one of most scenic areas in Banff National Park.  Sitting between Mt. Temple on south side, Haddo/Aberteen/Lefroy on north and Mt. Hungabee/Ringrose Peak on west it offers fantastic view of these Rockies giants.  Initial approach follows Paradise creek and mostly travels below treeline, however after climbing the rockslide above Annette lake far reaching views open up. There are many other scenic highlights -- cascading waterfalls of Paradise creek in upper valley (also called "Giant Steps") are one of most photographed motifs in Canadian Rockies.  Feasible as day-hike, but overnight is also possible due to campground near Giant Steps - about 10km from trailhead at Moraine Lake road.  Real rewards are in upper valley past Giant steps.  Tucked under towering Mt. Hungabee are set of lakes glacially fed by receding Horseshoe glacier; this is the origin of unofficial "Horseshoe Lakes" name.  Lakes are not frequently visited as there is no trail past Horseshoe Meadows and most hikers are not aware of their presence since they can be spotted only from higher elevation (i.e. Mt. Temple or Wastach Mountain).  Note that groups of 4 are required in prime hiking season  (July - October) due to grizzly bear activity; for more details see Parks Canada website.  Popular extension with 2 cars is traverse to Valley of Ten Peaks via Wastach Pass and hike out via standard Wenchemna/Eiffel lake trail.

Trailhead is at left (west) side of Moraine Lake road few kilometers past junction with Lake Louise access road. Parking space will not be easy to find during sunny summer weekends. Follow well defined and wide trail to Lake Annette for about 6km (1 1/2 hours of moderate pace). All junctions are marked.  There are couple of bridged crossings of Paradise creek;  only steep section is last 15-20 minutes after final crossing to left (south) side.  Scramblers heading for "Little Temple" will leave trail here and head up grassy slopes after circumventing the lake.  Paradise hiking trail climbs up in westerly direction, then traverses open slopes beneath north aspect of Mt. Temple. In early season thundering avalanches can often be observed from here. This stretch is also dotted with larches that turn golden in late September.  Trail stays level till junction with Sentinel Pass, then descends via series of switchbacks to Horseshoe meadows and Paradise campground next to Giant Steps. 

To visit Horseshoe Lakes follow Paradise creek upstream. There is no trail, but travel is easy. Upper Horseshoe Meadows are reached about 15 minutes from Giant Steps.  Make your way towards moraine bench under Mt. Hungabee at far end of the valley.  Any direction will do; in early summer patches of snow can be utilized for better support.  Circle the lakes to south end towards Wastach Mountain. Wastach Pass and crossover to Valley of Ten Peaks is easily reached from here; to return the same way descend talus to creek draining the lakes, then trash towards Horseshoe Meadows where standard Wastach trail can be joined; Turn left and follow back to main valley trail near Giant Steps.

Note there is alternate more direct trail that descends the valley on north side.  This trail has been deactivated, and deadfall is accumulating. It is still relatively easy to follow, but lower down there are couple of crossings of Paradise creek that are not bridged anymore.  In early to mid summer ford will be difficult if not impossible thus requiring unpleasant trash for several kilometers along the creek. It is better to return the same way via Lake Annette trail.

Note:  As of summer '23 personal vehicles are not allowed on Moraine Lake Road.   Best option is to simply walk couple of km to Paradise Valley Trailhead, Loop return via Moraine Lake now has significantly more logistic problems.

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