
What we’re about
I hope you'll come out and enjoy some of the world's most amazing natural environments with a group of community minded, active individuals of all ages and backgrounds in a safe and enjoyable space.
Please read the waiver and other documents in this folder https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1owOHa6FCpR9Mgh3A7CJBPQ3YVKjx839-. If you're new to Meetup, take the time to learn about the site on mobile and browser; global, group, and event-specific actions; notification settings, etc.
This group is focused on sharing the natural environment with group-minded people for year-round activities from walks to scrambles, to enjoy the scenery, take pictures, appreciate the company, and occasionally socialize off-trail. As of end of 2020, I've organized about 320 trips through Meetup and enjoyed/led hundreds more outside of Meetup, plus other organizers have also organized some trips.
Every group, organizer, and trip is independent and different. Read carefully and ask questions. Please provide feedback, first, directly to your organizer, and then to me. Often there may be a misunderstanding underlying a concern.
The group is a benign dictatorship. I have opened up to a few organizers to see how it goes (see Organizer Expectations), and always want to hear about any issues related to trip, group, or individual safety.
We encourage our members to learn about conservation issues and provide your input into issues affecting our natural places. We are loving our natural spaces to death.
Our trips tend to be smaller groups and slower-paced (but of course pace is relative). No-shows are bad!
I'm trying to keep it informal and friendly. At the same time, I'm trying to create a certain kind of group: there are a bunch of rules, guidelines, and a waiver. Read the whole trip description please.
Be prepared, be safe, and care for yourself, each other, and the environment.
I encourage you to have a profile with a photo of yourself, and a unique name so we can find you and remember you better.
Only people who are listed as "Organizer" or "Co-organizer" can speak on behalf of the Group.
If that all sounds good to you, then welcome, and I hope to meet you on a trip soon.
Nitin
A note about the History
This group was started in 2006. Over time it grew to 600 members and organized more than 100 trips through 2010. After a brief hiatus, I resurrected the group.
Iceline Trail (Yoho) – Counterclockwise
Sunday, July 27, slow pace
This is one of the most spectacular alpine hikes in the Rockies—glaciers, waterfalls, peaks, and sweeping views in all directions. We’ll do the counterclockwise loop, starting from Takakkaw Falls, up the Iceline and down through Little Yoho Valley. ~20 km and ~800m gain, but not exposed or technical—just a solid full-day hike with incredible scenery.
Expect 6–7 hours on trail (plus breaks, photos, lunch), so don’t plan anything else for the day.
Join the waitlist if full—spots may be added (priority to returning members).
***
### 🚶♀️ Pace & Trail Notes:
- Slow pace, group-minded hiking
- Expect snow patches, mud, flowing water on trail
- Not suitable for beginners—strong fitness and endurance needed
- Stay with the group or you will be removed from future events
***
### 🧭 Equipment Checklist:
- Water, lunch, snacks
- Wind/sun/rain protection (alpine weather = unpredictable)
- Hiking Poles
- Emergency gear (first aid, headlamp, map/app, etc.)
- No jeans, no bear bells
- Layers for warmth – it can snow up there in July!
- Respect nature and group etiquette
Don't rely on AllTrails – use Gaia, GemTrek, or downloaded Parks Canada maps.
More info on gear:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bp_mSt5iSPf_ThRFeRzjRCowjfW_4hyx/
***
### 🕖 Meetup Point:
Meet at Shouldice Park & Ride Lot
Carpool departs 7:00 AM sharp – driving time ~2.5–3 hours
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls Parking Lot, Yoho National Park
Comment if you can offer or need a ride. Gas $20 suggested. Park Pass required.
***
### 🚫 Rules & Safety:
- No alcohol/drugs
- No music with speakers
- No dogs (due to wildlife, terrain, and group pace)
- Hike together, pause often for views/photos/breathing
Emergency contact form & waiver required – bring printed copy or complete at meetup:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1owOHa6FCpR9Mgh3A7CJBPQ3YVKjx839-
Full rating system:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/191se0NGIaEEhZZZfsAbdksKHnH0bbqiF/
***
### ⚠️ Risks:
- Wild animals, injury, weather, fatigue, car travel
- Hiking is inherently risky; organizers are not certified guides and accept no liability
- Be prepared, physically and mentally, for a long day in varied conditions
***
### 📷 Photos & Conduct:
- Expect to be in photos
- Please share 2–3 good ones afterward
- No extended video filming
***
We acknowledge that we hike on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands for generations.
Let's hike responsibly—kindness, preparation, and quiet appreciation.
Please read the entire post before asking questions.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Iceline Trail (Yoho) – Counterclockwise, July 27, 7amShouldice Park n Ride , Calgary, AB
Iceline Trail (Yoho) – Counterclockwise
Sunday, July 27, slow pace
This is one of the most spectacular alpine hikes in the Rockies—glaciers, waterfalls, peaks, and sweeping views in all directions. We’ll do the counterclockwise loop, starting from Takakkaw Falls, up the Iceline and down through Little Yoho Valley. ~20 km and ~800m gain, but not exposed or technical—just a solid full-day hike with incredible scenery.
Expect 6–7 hours on trail (plus breaks, photos, lunch), so don’t plan anything else for the day.
Join the waitlist if full—spots may be added (priority to returning members).***
### 🚶♀️ Pace & Trail Notes:
- Slow pace, group-minded hiking
- Expect snow patches, mud, flowing water on trail
- Not suitable for beginners—strong fitness and endurance needed
- Stay with the group or you will be removed from future events
***
### 🧭 Equipment Checklist:
- Water, lunch, snacks
- Wind/sun/rain protection (alpine weather = unpredictable)
- Hiking Poles
- Emergency gear (first aid, headlamp, map/app, etc.)
- No jeans, no bear bells
- Layers for warmth – it can snow up there in July!
- Respect nature and group etiquette
Don't rely on AllTrails – use Gaia, GemTrek, or downloaded Parks Canada maps.
More info on gear:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bp_mSt5iSPf_ThRFeRzjRCowjfW_4hyx/***
### 🕖 Meetup Point:
Meet at Shouldice Park & Ride Lot
Carpool departs 7:00 AM sharp – driving time ~2.5–3 hours
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls Parking Lot, Yoho National Park
Comment if you can offer or need a ride. Gas $20 suggested. Park Pass required.***
### 🚫 Rules & Safety:
- No alcohol/drugs
- No music with speakers
- No dogs (due to wildlife, terrain, and group pace)
- Hike together, pause often for views/photos/breathing
Emergency contact form & waiver required – bring printed copy or complete at meetup:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1owOHa6FCpR9Mgh3A7CJBPQ3YVKjx839-
Full rating system:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/191se0NGIaEEhZZZfsAbdksKHnH0bbqiF/***
### ⚠️ Risks:
- Wild animals, injury, weather, fatigue, car travel
- Hiking is inherently risky; organizers are not certified guides and accept no liability
- Be prepared, physically and mentally, for a long day in varied conditions
***
### 📷 Photos & Conduct:
- Expect to be in photos
- Please share 2–3 good ones afterward
- No extended video filming
***
We acknowledge that we hike on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands for generations.
Let's hike responsibly—kindness, preparation, and quiet appreciation.
Please read the entire post before asking questions.