alpine – Page 150 – besthike.com

June 2, 2006

Bear attacks

Hiking for years in the Rockies, I’ve still only seen two Grizzlies. Bear aware, they do not worry me.

But Parks Canada bear management is getting more savvy.

For the next two seasons (2006 and 2007) two specific areas will be closed during berry season where attacks have been frequent. Over the past 8 years, there have been 5 bear attacks in Banff National Park â€” 3 near Allenby Pass in the Bryant Creek area, and 2 on the Aylmer Pass trail near Lake Minnewanka. In all cases, the attacks were a result of hikers travelling alone or in a small group, who surprised female grizzlies with cubs during berry season.

May 30, 2006

mountaineering ethics

In the death zone everyone is at risk. It’s not an Olympic yacht race. The same rules do not apply.

Anyone who climbs that high knows the risks.

As I write at least 10 have died during the 2006 Everest high season. Thomas Weber died on the way up at 8,700m. His partner David Sharp freaked out on the way down and died 300m below the summit. Perhaps 40 climbers passed unwilling or unable to save him.

They were criticized by Edmund Hillary â€” but I don’t judge them. I’m not sure what I would do.

Lincoln Hall, another day, was left for dead at 8,800m. He survived overnight, a miracle, and was helped down the mountain next day.

What I am saying is that this issue is more complicated than it seems. Read Beck Weathers uplifting book Left For Dead before you pass judgement.

Climber left for dead rescued from Everest

May 24, 2006

website – Backcountry New Zealand

One of the best websites for Kiwi hikers is backcountryNZ.com

It is edited by Jan Robertson from Auckland. He is a conservationist who likes nothing better than to tramp and photograph the astonishing New Zealand outdoors.

BestHike.com links to many of his hiking pages.

New Zealand Backcountry Hikes on backcountryNZ.com

May 22, 2006

The Milford Track, New Zealand

The Finest Walk in the World.

That’s the tag line inevitably associated with the Milford Track on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s almost always wrongly attributed to Kiwi Poet Blanche Baughan. Her original title â€” A Notable Walk â€” was changed by an editor when printed in the London Spectator, 1908.

Serious hikers often make the Milford pilgrimage so they can legitimately rank it below more favourite treks.

In reality, Milford is a wonderful hike. Lakes, crystalline rivers, huge waterfalls, kooky birdlife, rainforest, and, of course, arriving at fantastic Milford Sound.

Details on besthike.com

May 19, 2006

Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand

The best day hike in the world, we reckon.

Especially if you have never hiked around active volcanos. It’s fascinating.

You can warm yourself at steaming vents, scree down volcanic scoria, marvel at aquamarine water filled explosion holes, tramp craters & puzzle at bizarre volcanic formations.

Wait for good weather before setting out. Wind & low cloud sometimes make this hike a miserable slog in the fog.

Details on besthike.com

May 15, 2006

Angel’s Landing, Utah

The shortest hike deemed worthy to be listed on besthike.com is Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, one of the best hiking destinations in the world.

When I climbed to the Landing I felt it should be restricted to experienced mountaineers! And angels.

This is one vertical and hairy ascent. It’s almost as steep as Half Dome in Yosemite in places. But what a view from the top.

Angel's Landing

Details: Angel’s Landing on BestHike.com

May 11, 2006

Needle Mountains Loop, Colorado

This hike has all the attributes of one of the best hikes in the world. It’s a circuit. It takes you to the base camp of the highest local peaks. Wildlife is not only visible, you may get chased by a mountain goat!

And you access and exit the trip by train.

The 4-day circuit around the Needle Mountains.

photos – Mike Donato & Chris Kaffer

May 9, 2006

Maroon Bells Loop, Colorado

One of the most accessible great hikes in the world, you can get to the trailhead on a shuttle bus departing Aspen every 20 minutes.

This is a great treat in a region where most trailheads are not accessible by public transport.

The 4-day circuit around the famous Maroon Bells (mountaineering peaks) is a classic. Most of the walking is above 11,000ft (3343m) so the views are magnificent.

Maroon Bells

May 8, 2006

Cirque of the Towers, Wyoming

The Cirque of the Towers represents a real “must see” on the lifetime list of most serious backpackers … TwoHikers.org

I seriously must get back to Wyoming to hike this 2-day, 20.4mi (32.8km) loop via one of the most impressive cirques anywhere! it’s surprising how some of the biggest glaciers, the best peaks, are not in the central Rockies but way over in Wyoming.

August and September are the best months.

Cirque of the Towers

April 17, 2006

hiking – Abbot Pass hut, Rockies

Alpine Club of Canada – Abbot Pass Hut

At 9,598 feet, it is the second highest permanent structure in Canada. Built in 1922, how is it that I still haven’t been there. It’s just up the hill from Lake O’Hara.

Might be the extreme scree gully / avalanche shoot approach.

hut