A continuation of posts on the Lake O’Hara area ….    One of the premier hikes in the Rockies is the hike up to Wiwaxy Gap, down to Lake Oesa, around Yukness Ledge and a loop on the Opabin Plateau.

From the campground/bus area, look for a trail junction on the north side of Lake O’Hara.     Cross the bridge at the outlet and follow the trail for 0.3 km.   The next section of trail is probably the steepest trail in the area, but it takes the hiker to such a special place, it is worth the climb.    The trail switches back and forth up the hillside, climbing 500m to an altitude of 2540m (8325 feet).    Wiwaxy Gap is a high col between the Wiwaxy (windy) Peaks and Mt. Huber.   Mountain goats frequent the area and the views include most of the lakes in the valley below and the ring of peaks surrounding Lake O’Hara – Yukness, Mount Victoria, Schaeffer, Cathedral Peaks, Odaray, Biddle, and beyond to the Goodsirs, Mt. Balfour, and Mount Daly.   Pick a clear day to hike this route.   It is too steep to arrive in mists.   The view is worth the climb.

The route down is much more gentle.   Follow the trail for about 3km over and down to Lake Oesa.   The shoreline of Lake Oesa (ice) is frequented by ground squirrels.   This is a good place for a rest and some photos.    Note the mountaineering route up from above the lake to Abbot Pass.   That route is on loose scree rock then on ledges and takes about 2 hours,  climbing about 895 m over 3 km.   This is not a recommended route.   It is painful up and down and potentially dangerous.  Use your binoculars to look for climbers heading to Abbot Hut, situated at 2926m (almost 10 000 ft.)

From Lake Oesa, right before the trail drops down, take the left fork onto Yukness Ledge.   This narrow ledge provides an alpinists trail along a narrow ledge to the Opabin Plateau.    It is safe, but if it is wet, possibly not your best choice since it winds and climbs over rock for 2km.   At the end of the ledge route, the trail descends down to grassy slopes leading down to Lake Hunagabee.

For anyone with weary legs, the route back to Lake O’Hara is only 2.5 km, but the recommended loop is to follow the East Opabin Trail past Opabin Lake and to the head of the valley.   Crystalline lakes, looming peaks, larch trees and a well-defined trail make the Opabin loop one of the most satisfying in the park.   At the end of the valley, the Opabin Glacier sits below the pass.   We once came over this pass on an alpinists route from Moraine Lake in the late fall.   We crossed the glacier with few problems, but hikers should not climb onto glaciers without the proper equipment and experience.

Loop down to the West Opabin Trail which is more open and offers fine views along the way.   A side trail on your left leads up to another alpinist’s route to a prominent ridge on Mount Schaeffer called the All Souls Prospect.   We have always enjoyed this side trail.   The route is a little steep and rough, but the views are impressive.   If your legs still have some climbing left, this is a pleasing last viewpoint before descending steeply down to Shaeffer Lake, then further down to Lake O’Hara.

To do all of this in one big loop, you will need fresh legs, so plan this on your first day at Lake O’Hara, or divide the route into two days.    Pick a clear day, carry water and a camera and enjoy the best of the Rockies.