The Complete Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit: Your Step-by-Step Hiking Guide

The Complete Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit: Your Step-by-Step Hiking Guide

HomeRocky Mountain TrailsThe Complete Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit: Your Step-by-Step Hiking Guide
The Complete Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit: Your Step-by-Step Hiking Guide
ChannelPublish DateThumbnail & View CountDownload Video
Channel AvatarPublish Date not found Thumbnail
0 Views
Join us for one of the most iconic and exhilarating hikes in the Canadian Rockies: the Alpine Circuit at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. This trail is famous for a reason: it’s a tough but incredibly rewarding loop that takes you through stunning alpine scenery, along high ridges, and past breathtaking mountain lakes. If you’re looking for an adventure that will push your limits and leave you speechless, this is it! In this video, we break down every step of this unforgettable hike. From the steep climbs to the awe-inspiring views, you’ll see what it’s like to conquer the Alpine Circuit.

Listen to the full Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit playlist here: https://www.epidemicsound.com/playlist/d16myg21gw1be46l2t6ievy0s792vd1u/

The Alpine Circuit is approximately 12.5 kilometres (7.8 miles) long, although this can vary depending on the routes you take. You’ll be climbing over 1,100 metres (3,609 feet), so come prepared for a workout and plan on spending around 8-10 hours on the trail, depending on your pace, conditions and how often you stop to take photos!

Whether you’re planning your own adventure or simply want to experience it from the comfort of your own home, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t just one hike – it’s three hikes in one that will challenge you physically but reward you with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies, and with limited access to preserve the area’s natural beauty, hiking here feels like stepping into a remote wilderness paradise!

If you enjoyed this adventure, don't forget to like, share and subscribe for more in-depth hiking guides and inspiring outdoor adventures.

If you are a content creator, I highly recommend getting your music from Epidemic Sound: https://share.epidemicsound.com/7gqiv6

Chapters:
00:00 – Opening and trail stats
00:34 – Circuit overview
00:56 – Directions to Lake O'Hara Parking
01:51 – Random bus reservation
02:08 – A better plan
02:34 – Campsite to Le Relais
03:32 – The sections of the circuit
04:03 – On the way to the trailhead
04:24 – Lake Oesa via Wiwaxy Gap
04:45 – Wiwaxy Gap Stats
05:24 – Gaining height on the hairpin bends
06:00 – Alignment and Exposure
06:48 – Follow the markers
07:02 – Views are getting better and better
08:05 – Photo On Location
08:39 – Going the wrong way
09:32 – More height
10:06 – What is Wiwaxy?
10:44 – Final push to Wiwaxy Gap
13:16 – Huber Ledges Stats
13:51 – Starting to descend
14:33 – Cool waterfalls
15:04 – Breathtaking landscape
15:48 – Some sketchy rocks
16:26 – This is Lake Oesa, everyone!
17:09 – Signpost Forward
17:47 – Philip Stanley Abt
18:53 – Approaching Lake Oesa
19:23 – Oesa Lake
20:32 – Yukness Ledges Route
20:48 – Yukness Ledges Stats
21:22 – What is Ist Das?
22:42 – Where are we walking?
23:19 – Did you understand that?
24:22 – Pay attention to the route markings
24:45 – Panoramic view
25:25 – Lake Oesa Trail
26:01 – Can't find marker
26:52 – You have to stop
27:22 – Stairs?
28:07 – Highest point on Yukness
29:28 – To Hungabee Lake
29:44 – Echoes
30:13 – More route search
30:46 – To the intersection at Hungabee Lake
31:27 – Detour #1: Opabin Lake
32:22 – Up the hill
33:17 – Approaching Opabin Lake
34:32 – Grandpa Bin Lake
35:28 – Back to West Opabin Trail
35:50 – Route search required
37:02 – Mosquitoes are horrible!
37:55 – Detour #2: Grandpa's Perspective
38:34 – What are those lakes?
39:02 – This is outrageous
39:43 – We lost Sean
40:29 – On the way to the route of all souls
40:50 – All Souls' Day Route
42:04 – Gaining altitude again
43:03 – Steeper and finding route again
43:48 – Everything okay?
45:07 – Approaching All Soul's Prospect
46:06 – Prospect of all souls
47:46 – Super sketchy, super steep
49:45 – Why is it called All Soul's?
50:27 – Almost at Big Larches Junction
51:28 – To Shaffer Lake
52:13 – To Elizabeth Parker Hut
53:17 – Back to Le Relais
53:44 – It was a rich, full day!
54:24 – Animated Route Map

#hikingadventures #walking #hike

#outdooradventures
#hikingtips
#natureexploration
#outside

Disclaimer: Hiking and scrambling in mountainous terrain carries inherent risks including, but not limited to, slippery surfaces, steep slopes, adverse weather conditions and wildlife encounters. Participants should assess their own physical ability and preparedness before undertaking any hike or scramble. It is essential to research the chosen route, familiarize yourself with potential hazards and carry appropriate equipment such as navigation aids, first aid supplies and emergency communication equipment. Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous environments and participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, visibility and precipitation. By voluntarily participating in hiking and scrambling activities, individuals assume responsibility for their safety and well-being and agree to release any and all liability from any organizer, landowner or authority involved in facilitating or permitting such activities.

Please feel free to share this video with your friends and family if you found it useful.