Little Hector (Light Scrambling)

Trail Name: Mount Little Hector (Click the link for the AllTrails Route)

Difficulty: Very-Hard (light scrambling)

Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 8:00am

Location: Hector Creek Parking Lot (Click the link for the trailhead location.)

NOTE: Hike Day - All hike dates are subject to change depending on the weather and smoke conditions.

NOTE: Attendance - I reserve the right to remove any attendee from the hike.

NOTE: Difficulty - This is a very-hard hike due to steepness of the trail. We are gaining a lot of elevation in a small distance. At least an average level of fitness is required. There is light scrambling throughout the trail. You should be comfortable hiking up steep scree slopes.

This hike is our group's first venture into the Icefields Parkway area north of Lake Louise. This area gets its name from the many glaciers in the area, including the Columbia and Athabasca Glaciers.

"Little Hector" is not very little. It offers excellent views of the Hector Glacier, Mount Hector's summit, and the surrounding peaks on the Icefields Parkway.

Weather: To be updated as we get closer to the hike day (usually the Wednesday before the hike day).

Trail Details

Distance: Approx. 8.2km (Out-and-back)

Elevation gain: Approx. 1,275 meters

Time: Approx. 7 hours

Trail Description: The trail begins climbing steeply right from the parking lot. We will follow Hector Creek up until we reach the headwall and the waterfall. We will have some light scrambling up the headwall, taking care as we step across the waterfall. Once above the waterfall, the trail becomes more gradual in the upper plateau. From the plateau, we will hike up a steep scree slope next to some rock bands - this will probably be the most frustrating part of the hike. Once past the lower rock bands and the lower hill, we have a long scree grind up the ridge of Little Hector, all the way to the summit. We will take a break at the summit to enjoy the views, and retrace our steps to the parking lot.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES

- hiking poles - useful on steep slopes, especially on the descent

. water (recommend bringing at least 2 litres -we have Hector Creek as a water source - I can give refills with my water filter if required)

- hat/cap

- sunglasses

- sunscreen

· Clothing - Early Fall weather - Cool. Recommend dressing light with a thin jacket and a thin baselayer (preferably wool) as backup. I recommend clothing that wicks moisture away from your body rather than absorbing it. Jeans are not good.

· personal first aid kit

· snacks/lunch

Ride Sharing Point:

Petro-Canada off Highway 1 and Highway 22. Please let me know if a ride share is needed.

If you have any questions please message below in the discussion. If it is urgent call or text Anuj at 403-827-6553.

This hike is strenuous but offers some dramatic views as the payoff!