This is my all-time favorite hike! A six-mile (9 km) route through ledges and valleys surrounding the teal opaqueness of Lake O'Hara, this hike went from 6,600 ft (2,020 m) to 8,300 ft (2,530 m) in the first 1.2 miles -- a heart-pounding gain of about 1,700 ft (518 m)!

Besides getting dusted with snow and hail (in the middle of summer!) as we approached the Wiwaxy Gap, there were portions along the Huber Ledges when there was a gap in the trail -- I mean, there was no place to put your foot on! -- and you had to use both hands to scramble up to a higher ledge on your left and continue on down the trail. And all this with a very steep drop to your right!

The views were spectacular, though -- alpine scenery, jagged peaks, snow-dusted mountains, beautiful Lake O'Hara, and best of all, GLACIERS!

We did this hike on Aug. 2, 2006. Lake O'Hara is located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. Access to this area is restricted to 200 people per day, and you can only get there by reserving a seat on a special bus, or walking 8 miles (11 km) to the area.

Click on the first picture and view the slideshow!