Stanley Glacier and Bear Gymnastics

We saved the best hike in Kootenay for last so, even though it was lightly raining, we set out from Radium to drive back up north to the border with Banff and the trailhead for Stanley Glacier.

Just past the pools are some lovely red cliffs, probably where Redstreak Campground gets its name.

The road took us past the stomping grounds of our favorite bear, our old friend the silver-tip grizzly. He was in rare form today, Father's Day, performing gymnastics for the passing motorists. 

Here he is, performing on ...

the balance beam.

On the way back this afternoon, we thought he might be out doing handstands, but he was not to be seen.

After climbing the first section of the trail through the burned over (1968) forest.

We had been warned by the Ranger yesterday that there was avalanche debris on the trail. As we were hiking out we asked those returning about the trail. They assured us that it was passable. Frederick is there for scale - if you enlarge the picture he's easier to see.

Lunch spot at the Stanley Glacier viewpoint - looking northeast.

Lunch spot looking southeast.

Lunch view south.

The ice field for the Stanley Glacier can be seen on top of this mountain.

Hiking back across the avalanche field.

This woman, Allie, and her son Keiffer, 3-years-old, left the parking lot about ten minutes before we did. We first passed them on the hike up the burned over hill then again near the avalanche. Frederick obliged her request to take their picture. 

Crossing crystal clear Stanley Creek.

Looking back towards Stanley Glacier under clearer skies.

Magnificent Canadian Rockies.

Today's hike:

Length - 5.82 miles

Duration - 3 hours, 30 minutes (including lunch)

Elevation gain - 1,252 feet