1 | Southeast BC Nature Viewing Region | ||
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2 | Golden/Yoho Area | ||
3 | Yoho Valley, Yoho National Park | ||
4 | Loading... | Loading... | |
5 | Yoho Valley: photo by Bill Kinkaid | Yoho Valley: photo by Bill Kinkaid | |
6 | A large hanging valley featuring rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and meadows. | ||
7 | Photo Gallery | ||
8 | Geographical Description | Rocky Mountains | |
9 | Area/ Trail Length | ||
10 | Seasons to Visit | June through October; the road is not cleared and is closed the remainder of the year. | |
11 | Habitat | Englemann spruce-subalpine fir forest, subalpine meadows, riparian, glacial outwash plains, cirques and rocky basins. | |
12 | Viewing Highlights | An excellent location to view the results of glaciation and water-caused erosion. Several day hiking and backpacking trails of various levels of difficulty: Yoho Valley trail is a moderately strenuous trail across a glacial outwash plain and through subalpine woods to Twin Falls. Iceline trail is a strenuous trail featuring direct access to glaciers and post-glacial landforms, with subalpine meadows and spectacular views of the valley and across to Takakkaw Falls. Yoho Pass trail connects to Emerald Lake and town of Field; Other long day or overnight trails include routes to Little Yoho Valley, Amiskwi Pass and Bow Glacier. Takakkaw Falls, among the highest in Canada at a total of 384 metres. Easily viewed from the road; a short easy trail leads to the base. Excellent wildflower meadows in summer. Subalpine birds and other wildlife . Scenic views of mountains from all parts of the valley. | |
13 | Other Features | ||
14 | Main Access | From the Parks Canada visitor centre in Field, east 4.3 km on Highway 1 to Yoho Valley Road. Then 13 km to the end of the road at at Takakkaw Falls. This road is paved but parts are steep, narrow and winding with two very tight switchbacks thus not suitable for large vehicles or trailers. National Parks permit is required for all vehicles on this road. | |
15 | Secondary Accesses | ||
16 | Cautions | Be aware of bears and cougars; do not disturb any wildlife. Most of these trails range from moderate to strenuous, and are in a lightly travelled wildland area; you need to be in good physical condition and be properly equipped with good hiking footwear, rain gear, food and water. Water is available from creeks but should be boiled or treated. Travel on glaciers is not recommended without proper equipment and training. There is no mobile phone service in this area. Please do not disturb guests or employees at the hostel, campgrounds, Twin Falls Chalet or Stanley Mitchell Hut. | |
17 | Jurisdiction | National Parks of Canada | |
18 | Regulations | No camping or fires except in designated sites. Dogs on leash. | |
19 | Facilities | Walk-in campground at Takakkaw Falls; vehicle campground at Kicking Horse near south end of road near Highway 1. WhiskeyJack Hostel provides overnight roofed accommodation near Takakkaw Falls (summer only); backcountry overnight accommodation at Twin Falls Chalet (privately operated) and Stanley Mitchell Hut (Alpine Club of Canada) Picnic tables and pit toilets at Takakkaw Falls. Basic services in Field; all services in Golden, 55 km west of Field, or Banff, 83 km east. | |
20 | Other Recreational Activities | Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter; the road is not cleared so you must hike or ski the 13 km from the highway to Takakkaw Falls. | |
21 | Other Connections | ||
22 | History | ||
23 | FMI | Parks Canada in Field 250-343-6783 | |
24 | Links | Parks Canada | |
25 | Friends of Yoho National Park | ||
26 | Stanley Mitchell Hut | ||
27 | Wildlife Viewing in the Kootenay Region | ||
28 | © 2019 BC Nature |