Wapta Falls
(Banff National Park Hiking Expedition)
Hello guys!
Another short blog from my Banff National Park hiking expedition.
After exploring Takakkaw Falls I continue my path to another waterfall.
Wapta Falls was located a little bit south from Takakkaw Falls and it took me around
1-hour drive to get here, meaning, I didn't have a lot of time available to get back into town.
On my drive to this waterfall I admit I was not fully prepared since I didn't have the chance
to actually read any blogs or directions about this fall, to the point
I couldn't find the trailhead and got lost in the middle of the way.
According to Google Maps directions it took me to an overview or more of a look-out
of Wapta Falls, on this terrain road is difficult to drive so you have to be careful when
coming through this road, you'll find several cottages and cabins at the beginning of the road.
However, once you go down this road you think you are at the right place, when you come to find
out it is just an look-out to spot Wapta Falls, even though, it is beautiful it was not the trailhead.
At this look-out you can find a picnic table with a little camp pit to make fire, I guess
visitors tend to use it just for a day camping and to get a great view of Wapta Falls.
From this location I snapped a few photos of the fall and immediately turned back to the highway.
So you may ask yourself how did I found out the road for the Wapta Falls trailhead?
If you are coming south on Trans-Canada Highway you'll spot a hidden road on your left side of the
highway, this road is located just a little bit over 4-miles before you get into the look-out road.
In my case when I was driving up the highway I had miss this road on my left and I was
not able to spot since I was determined that I was going to the right location.
Anyways, after turning back I noticed the huge sign for the trailhead and immediately
decided to go in even though I didn't have much time available to hike.
The trail was just 3-miles in total, and mostly flat with a little bit steep on your way back up.
It took me about 25-mins to descend to the waterfall and since I was in a hurry I was able to run for
the most part of the trail, again, this is something I don't do often but I was in a bit of a hurry.
Getting closer to the waterfall there a some short side trails that will give you a different view
or perspective to the waterfall, I opted out to continue on the same trail as it all connects in the end.
My first reaction to seeing the waterfall was an absolute moment of quietness, and calmness.
Just next to the waterfall there was the downstream full rocks and it was a nice touch to this hike.
I sat here for a couple of minutes to catch my breath and at the same time I shot away
some pictures while contemplating the calmness of enjoying this waterfall.
Back up on the trail it got a little steep but nothing I couldn't handle and this time
I was not able to run but I did made sure to hike quickly and agitated to get to the top.
Wapta Falls is definitely one hike everyone should go and check out if you're around Yoho National Park, as long as you follow the right directions and don't get lost you'll find this place with no problems.
Well I guess this is it for this blog post I'll catch you guys on the next post!
No comments