Hiking Trips for Waterton Lakes National Park
Over the next few months, I will be writing about the different things that you can do in Waterton Lakes National Park. I’ll be covering some of the longer hikes, such as the Tamarack Ridge and the Anderson-Carthew Lakes, as well as some of the shorter, easier hikes, like Crandall Lake and Red Rock Canyon. I will be adding information about trails that enter the United States, such as Lakeshore Trail, when MapSherpa incorporates American maps.
- Topographical Map of the Waterton Townsite
Waterton Trails for All Seasons
Waterton Lakes National Park may have its busy season in July and August, but the rest of the year can also be very appealing – particularly if you don’t like crowds. Cross-country skiing is very popular, with two major tracks open and groomed each winter. Snowshoeing is, of course, an easy way to get around, but do take care to stay off the cross-country ski trails. Not all of the hotels are open during the winter season so it is definitely a good idea to reserve a room in advance. According to one account, there are only 100 people in the townsite and about 20 mule deer in the winter. So having the place all to yourself is definitely an understatement.
- View from outside the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park
Spring and summer will bring wildflowers, wild meadows and wild animals roaming around the park in greater frequency. This is something to be aware of if you are in some of the further flung campgrounds, as bears tend to frequent Crandall campground because of the large number of saskatoon berry bushes. These bushes bear fruit in August, so if you are afraid of bears, July might be the best summer month to visit. If you want to see them, drive along the parkway in late evening as the sun is setting. Not only will you get some gorgeous views, but you will likely see some bears, goats or deer in the area.Red Rock Canyon is at the end of the drive, a short easy hike that allows you to see the hematite that is abundant in the area as well as a lovely waterfall. It is a shorter interpretative trail, with signs along the route telling you about the geology and geological history of the area.
- Topographical Overview of Waterton Lakes National Park
Customize your map of Waterton Lakes National Park
Create your own maps of Waterton Lakes National Park with MapSherpa. Search for Waterton Lakes National Park and it will bring you to the Park where you can navigate the map to get your own personalized map of the area.
