Google Map

Rockies :: Icefields :: Mosquito Col

GPS Track

Panoramic View south from Mosquito Col into Pipestone Valley  (Descent Line).  Cataract Peak distance just right of center.  Low point saddle center left is access route to rarely visited Deluc Alpine Basin

Multiple Dates, last Aug 6, 2022

Mosquito Col is one of three possible ways into Pipestone Valley that provides usual access into Siffleur wilderness area in eastern ranges of Banff National Park.   (Other two being official but longer Parks Trail via Fish Lakes, and second most direct but dangerous route via Quartzite Col).   It is also worthwhile day hike destination on its own as it passes through exception alpine area and views are nothing short of spectacular!  No trail exists past meadows below North Molar Pass, but none is needed.  Major scenic reward is secluded Bolt Lake in cirque below south ridge of Mosquito Peak;  most hikers bound for Fish Lakes are totally unaware of it!  Snow lingers till mid summer in this cirque and might present an obstacle if trying the trip too early.  Several extensions are possible including scramble of Mosquito peak (longer, but more rewarding than described in Nugara guide).   For backpacker bound for Siffleur Wildernsss time savings will not be substantial (~1hr estimate at most), but will make reaching Devon Lakes in a day more feasible.  This route makes most sense when used for approach to rarely visited Deluc Peak alpine via easy col on Pipestone Valley east side.

Trailhead Parking is at Mosquito creek hostel and campground on west side of Icefields Parkway, some 20 minutes north from Lake Louise.  (If you are leaving car overnight for several days, make sure your Park Pass is valid for entire time!).   Trailhead is at other side of the road, past small bridge.  Follow well defined and gentle trail for ~5km to official MO5 campground, passing Quartzite Col turnoff ~4km mark (last bridge before campground).  Continue for another ~40min on more rooty and often muddy track to South Molar Pass / Fish Lakes junction, crossing Mosquito creek on a solid 2-log bridge along the way,  ~1:45 - 2hr of brisk pace from trailhead; turn left. Trail climbs more steeply for 20-30 minutes and reaches beautiful Molar meadows; spectacular views open up!  Cross Molar Tarn outlet (non-bridged and might be tricky without taking boots off early in season).  Leave trail about here and head left (east) towards obvious low saddle below Mosquito Mountain -- see first gallery photo.  No trail exists but none is necessary.  Couple of creeks need to be crossed along the way, but none is difficult.  These meadows are prime grizzly habitat and scan the environs frequently.  Top up after ~45minutes of easy hiking to cirque containing Bolt Lake, as beautiful as unexpected.  This is perfect spot for a break, and acceptable turnaround point if terrain is too snowy.  "Mosquito Col" is right side high-point of ridge at far side of the Lake.  Walk around on the left (north) side across talus, then angle up moderately angled talus/heather slopes and tramp up to low-point; ~30min from far side of the lake.  This ridge is serious sensory overload;  bird-eye view of Pipestone Valley with several tarns,  Pipestone Pass leading into Siffleur Wilderness and several major peaks including Mt. Willingdon / Crown behind Devon Peak, while Cataract Peak is stunning eye catcher further east.   Turn right and hike up to high-point where cairn awaits.   This is day-hiker turnaround point.

Gallery