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Rockies :: Kootenays :: Ball Pass via Hawk Creek

GPS Track

Ball Pass Panorama looking NE.  Glaciated Mt. Ball upper left, distant Shadow Lake tiny spec just right of center

Aug 26, 2024

Hike up Hawk Creek Valley to Ball Pass is Diamond in the Rough.  Compared to ultra-popular Floe Lake / Rockwall across the valley,  Ball Pass trail is very lonely one and you might have it to yourself, even on a sunny weekend as most people that do venture this way are Kane peakbaggers destined for Mt. Isabelle.  This is real shame as Alpine meadows bordering the Pass on west side are some of nicest I've seen in this Part of the Rockies, while main highlight - view of South Ball Glacier from the Pass - is reason by itself to head this way.   Trail is official and described in Patton / Robinson Canadian Rockies Trail Guide.  Lower Hawk creek has burned in 2003 wildfires resulting in lots of young growth in first 4km as well as occasional deadfall that, despite obvious regular maintenance, will require hopping over / under in first 4km of the hike.

Parking is at Floe Lake Trailhead on Hwy93 west side.   Lot is small and fills fast;  moron camper vans that use pullout for U-turns only add to gong-show - if busy, simply park at Hwy93 shoulder without going in.  Trail starts on the other (east) side directly opposite parking lot entrance (first photo in Gallery below). After paralleling the Highway for ~5min cross Hawk Creek and head up.   First 4km are fairly tedious as canopy of young growth created tunnel - like effect.  After crossing major tributary stream ~km4, things improve in a hurry.  Scenic Rockslides, cool subalpine forest and Hawk Creek cascades make this stretch very enjoyable.  After climbing a bit steeper and passing Mt. Isabelle scrambler junction (~2hrs from highway, possible flag,  Waypoint "3 - Isabelle Route", GPS Track download Top of Page) trail tops at super scenic series of Alpine Meadows below the Pass.  Be on alert for bears - I've seen plenty of fresh diggings here during my visit.  Final rise to the Pass at Kootenay - Banff National Parks boundary is pure joy to hike with stands of larches at both side.  From the sign hike another few minutes to rock outcrop that grants unobstructed view of main prize - South Ball Glacier - as well as distant Bow Highline Shadow Lake / Redearth Circuit.  This is the day-hiker turnaround point.  Trail continues on the east side and descends to Re21 backcountry campground in another ~2km below the Pass. 

Ball Pass can also be visited from the East side, but this requires a backpack, most likely as after dinner short jaunt from Re21 campground.  My recommendation is to day-hike from the Kootenay side and enjoy upper Hawk Alpine very few people visit.

Gallery

Creek Crossing Sizeable drainage crossed by solid 3-log bridge ~km4,  about an hour from trailhead

Scramble Route

Lower part of Mt. Isabelle Scramble Route;  it will take at least 3hrs to the Top from here and it is much more serious outing