Taylor Lake

Perfect hike!! We got a nice early start; the drive to the trailhead wasn't too far, halfway between Lake Louise and Banff, near Castle Junction; the trail had a nice, even grade; and, the elevation gain was just enough. We were the first hikers to reach the lake and the temperature for climbing was in the 70's. Perfect!!

The trail followed Taylor Creek up the mountain and, as we are finding with all the lakes and streams, there's lots of water flowing. There were two bridges to cross and this is the first one.

We love it when the trail borders a creek, the sound is so pleasant.

The second bridge, almost to Taylor Lake.

Taylor Creek, the outlet stream for Taylor Lake flowing through the meadow that leads to the lake.

Panorama Ridge, which extends all the way to Lake Louise, over the meadow.

Lunch spot - there's a small, 5-site campground at the lake and we were able to have our lunch at one of the rustic tables. That's the north face of Mount Bell that rises abruptly from the south shore of the lake.

Lunch view looking west. That's a huge run-off at the base of the snow field that is feeding the lake and Taylor Creek.

View from the south end of Taylor Lake. It doesn't get any better than that in the Canadian Rockies!

On the way back down we focused on wildflowers.

Series of three Indian Paintbrush to give you and idea of the color variation.

Indian Paintbrush are hemiparasites deriving some nutrients, water, and chemical defenses from host plants via a siphoning system in their roots.

Hence the different colors, depending on the host plant.

Yellow Columbine as we see it along the trail.

Yellow Columbine

Heartleaf Arnica - one of the most conspicuous of all the wildflowers blooming now.

Yellow Columbine - occasionally with a dash of pink.

Delicately beautiful

Hairy False Goldenaster

Prickly Rose - the floral emblem of Alberta.

Today's hike:

Length - 9.01 miles

Duration - 4 hours, 53 minutes

Elevation gain - 2,142 feet