Hiking the Sawback Trail in Banff National Park, July 2000

In late July, my friend Jason and I hiked through the 75km back country Sawback trail, which runs through the mountains from Banff to Lake Louise. The first two and a half days were mostly forest, mud, or rain, so we didn't take any pictures until the second half of the trail, where the scenery started to get progressively more beautiful. It took us five greuling days to complete the trail, but is was worth it. The mountain passes were some of the most awesome views I've ever witnessed.

The Johnston Creek Trail (Day Three)

The Pulsatilla Pass (Day Four)

The Lake Louise Area (Day Five)

About 70% of the trail looked like this. Thick forest, lots of uphill mud, rocks, and roots to step through.