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Stanley Glacier telephoto from top of Headwall in upper Valley

July 9, 2018

Stanley Glacier trail is one of most scenic day hikes in Kootenay National Park.  Official Parks trail leads into spectacular glacial valley below Stanley Peak.  It also serves as mountaineer approach for mixed snow/ice climb on steep west side.  Hikers that are comfortable with talus slopes and light scrambling can explore upper valley beyond end of maintained trail.  Recommended option is hike to top of Headwall below the glacier and clockwise loop return culminating with descent below sheer west side cliffs that host several well known ice climbs in winter.  Continuing past the Headwall is entirely off-trail but well worth optional extension.

From parking on south side of Banff-Radium Highway (Hwy 93) some 2km west of Banff/Kootenay Park boundary, follow well defined trail to mouth of valley through area of old burn, now slowly reclaimed by young growth.  Trail switchbacks gently for 2.5km (~170m) vertical then levels for another km or so following Stanley Creek into the valley.  End of maintained trail is reached within an hour at top of talus bench (roughly an hour of moderate pace from trailhead).  Well defined talus trails on both sides of upper valley are seen from here and loop is logical choice.  Clockwise direction is highly recommended both from lighting perspective (photography) and scenic aspect.   Talus trail on east side is steep-ish and poles will help in this part.  Most people stop at top of Headwall, but by following glacial creek one can scramble further to upper waterfalls draining the Stanley Glacier.  This is also the favorite bivi site by mountaineers ascending Stanley Peak via Kahl route. Coming back to the Headwall find trail on the west side that makes spectacular traverse beneath sheer cliffs.  Few minutes beyond rock-hop creek crossing tumbling spectacularly from above you reach "The Cave" -- one of biggest highlights of the day.  (do not go spelunking if not equipped properly).  Final part before rejoining the maintained trail offers great views of "The Nemesis" -- hardest waterfall climb on the planet when first ascended in 1974. 

Gallery

Top of Headwall

View back from top of Headwall.  Well defined scree trail to the right is suggested for inbound leg.  Mt. Whymper (Kane moderate) distance center

Stanley Glacier

Glacial bench above the Headwall with view of Stanley Glacier snout.  Mountaineers approach via glacial moraine to the right.  It is possible to scramble by lower waterfall to upper bench

Lower Waterfall

Scrambling by lower waterfall.  Easiest to climb directly up nicely broken sets of ledges directly to climber left of the water

Ledge Scramble

Scrambling up the ledges.  Talus slope far left is terribly lose with big chunky blocks that roll easily and best avoided

Stanley Waterfall

Glacial bench below upper Waterfall; beautifully desolate and wild place

Office Selfie

Taking a break in "my office" on the way back

Stanley Glacier

One more telephoto of Stanley Glacier lower part before heading back towards Nemesis and the Cave

Cave and Waterfall

Approaching "the Cave" on loop return descent

The Cave

"The Cave" - deep and inhabited by bats, great place to explore with right equipment -- with water spray from Stanley Glacier above right by the entrance!

Nemesis

Another look at the "Nemesis"  on descent towards end of maintained trail