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Rockies :: Icefields :: Saskatchewan Glacier

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Terminal Moraine at base of Saskatchewan Glacier.  Mt. Castleguard left of center looks much closer than it is

October 28, 2017

Saskatchewan Glacier valley provides optional access to vast Columbia Icefields Neve (second, more frequently used, starts from Icefields Center on Banff-Jasper Parkway) and several mountaineering objectives, including Mount Columbia.   This valley is often admired from popular hike up Parker Ridge -- or from scramble on Big Bend Peak.  For non-mountaineers hike to base of glacier is well-worth the effort as scenery of perpetual ice and glaciated peaks is Rockies at their best.  Trip is feasible year round;  skis in winter conditions provide fastest way to glacier base.

Initial part is shared with approach for Big Bend Peak. Parking is either at Big Bend pullout on Icefields Parkway, or on old military bridge about 1km further east.  In late summer it is unnecessary to park at the bridge as creek can easily be negotiated even without taking the boots off;  in winter and spring snow bridges can be used (caution!).  Either way, find start of old forest road and follow across the initial hill and down to start of the valley. Road ends near old cabin;  continue on the right (north) side and find log jam to cross canyon draining the valley.  This log jam is sturdy, but fall is not an option as it would lead to serious injury or death -- carefully pick your way across.  Once past this obstacle, trail disappears -- simply follow your nose for 5-6 km to base of the glacier.  Stay on the right side (cairns);  in the past several parties have followed the left side only to find insurmountable obstacle near the glacier and having to backtrack.  Large glacial melt 1-2 km before the glacier is real treat;  deep blue water, ice, small beaches and mountain peak reflections!  Eventually reach base of glacier some 9km from parking at Big Bend.  It is hard to tell where glacier actually starts;  best way to tell is maybe when your feet start sinking in "quicksand" -- soft, glacial puddles that suck your boots deep in.  This is more serious than it might sound as you might have problems pulling your feet out.  There are also several large rocks that provide shelter from cold wind that blows almost always from the glacier -- appropriate lunch break spot and turnaround point.

Continuing on the glacier is in realm of mountaineering.  Glacier itself is quite benign and in winter when layer of snow covers it you might think you are simply walking up (never ending) snow slope. Regardless, ice is below and there are crevasses -- glacier travel precautions are mandatory.  Of special interest is access to elusive Castleguard Meadows, about 4km up the glacier on the right side.  This is serious undertaking but it cuts down boring multi-day approach via Alexandra River.  Fit parties have been able to complete this loop as day trip in the past though!

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