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A Daunting Hike to Abbott Pass Hut on the Alberta-BC Border
About a month ago I was invited by the media group representing Travel Alberta to join them on a two day combination hike and scree climb to the precariously situated Abbott Pass Hut on the Alberta – BC border. Their goal is to produce a three to four minute video of the journey for the Travel Alberta website for release later this fall.
Our group consisted of four hikers, three mountain guides and ten others – including crew, client and agency people.
In our hiking group – talent is what we were called – none of us had been in anything but a home video before. We had to agree before going that we would cooperate at all times with photos, videos and interviews. Sure – no problem I figured. And fortunately, the on camera sessions got easier over the course of the two days.
When you see a picture of Abbott’s Pass Hut you might ask yourself why in God’s name anyone would want to go there.
Abbott Pass Hut – situated on the Alberta – BC border
For me it was the challenge.
And I love the mountains. I revel in their beauty and delight in the solitude. That’s not to say that I’m not intimidated at times and in fact occasionally terrified on a talus slope when the boulders underneath you start to move. Trust me, I am.
But with the security of a mountain guide and their expertise with route finding, I had no problem agreeing to go.
Out of the four hikers, I was the oldest by far. In fact I could have been their mother. What I had going for me was experience and I figured I was in shape enough to make it up the close to 3000 feet of vertical with a pack on my back.
And as it turned out there were many in the group of ten who had never done anything like this before. In fact our guide Tamara said that she thinks it was probably the first time Abbott Pass Hut had anyone walk through the door in jeans. (Thank heavens the weather cooperated because not all were dressed appropriately!)
The hike to the hut starts off easily. Over the course of about an hour you make your way up on a wide trail from the incredibly hued Lake O’Hara to the equally gorgeous Lake Oesa.
The hike takes you past Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
Easy hiking above the shore of Lake O’Hara
Looking back to Lake O’Hara
Lake Oesa – the start of the more serious hiking
An aggressive, obese chipmunk at our lunch stop
Above Lake Oesa it’s time to don helmets and get serious.
Initially the scree slopes are easy to cross; it’s the final 2000 feet of climbing that gets gnarly.
My climbing team – all of whom are less than half my age
The trail across the easy scree above Lake Oesa
Climbing the ledges
Looking down at Lake Oesa and a few small tarns
Once you get into the section shown in the photo below you have to focus on every footstep. You don’t want to get a leg or a hand caught under a boulder. And you certainly don’t want to dislodge one and send it bouncing down the mountain.
The only part of the climb I really disliked was the middle section. Through here the boulders were larger and more mobile. At times it felt like you were on a sliding mountain. Whenever a boulder started to go my adrenalin surged. One step at a time was my mantra.
Looking up at our rocky route to Abbott Pass Hut
Our team just minutes from the top
As we got close to the top the grade seemed to steepen even more – but solid outcrop appeared so you felt a sense of safety grabbing onto it.
And once you got to the saddle the views were out of this world. – as was my sense of accomplishment.
The backside of the saddle that takes you down to Lake Louise is called The Death Trap. One of the guides said he’d done it once before and never again. Ice randomly breaks off from the glacier plus there are numerous crevasses to traverse.
Jordan admiring the glacier views and the so called Death Trap from the pass
A closer view of The Death Trap
The trail falls off quickly; Lake Oesa several thousand feet below
Alpenglow
Plaque at Abbott Pass Hut
Logbook in Abbott Pass Hut
Early morning reflection in Lake Oesa
Back view of the hut and the outhouse with a view
Me seated on a precarious piece of outcrop – dressed for the cold morning
On the way down after the worst of the scree and talus
The end of the hike is in sight
Would I do it again?? Maybe – but there are so many great hikes in the Rockies I’d like to do, that I think for now I’d rather explore new country.
Before You Go
The hike to Abbott Pass Hut is a serious one. Accidents happen regularly on the scree slopes and people have been killed.
Here are some pointers and facts to make your experience a safe and enjoyable one.
- Wear a helmet at all times through the scree.
- Use a pole. It helps tremendously for balance. Keep it in the uphill hand.
- Stay to the middle of the scree slope. More accidents from rockfall occur close to the mountain.
- Never pull on a rock. They are way too easy to dislodge.
- Be very aware of who is climbing ahead of you and behind you. Yell ROCK if one starts bouncing down.
- Bring the proper clothing and the 10 essentials. There’s a huge temperature change from bottom to top and it’s cold at night; it was below freezing in mid August.
- Hire a guide if you’re route finding skills aren’t great. We used Yamnuska Guides out of Canmore. They do the cooking too.
- Allow 3-6 hours to hike to the hut in the summer. The hut is rarely visited in the winter.
- Book the hut ahead of time through the Alpine Club of Canada. It holds 24 people. Rates are $22 per night for members, $32 for non-members.
- The hut is used by the real mountaineering crowd – those out to climb nearby Mount Victoria and Mount Lefroy.
- The guitar in the hut needs a new set of strings – if you happen to be going.
- Propane and firewood are provided. Toilet paper is not.
- Bring a sleeping bag.
What’s been the scariest hike you’ve ever done?
Leigh McAdam
Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.
About Hike Bike TravelAvid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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30 Responses to A Daunting Hike to Abbott Pass Hut on the Alberta-BC Border
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I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels at gmail dot com
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This is stunning! Gorgeous photos. Now I really want to do this hike!
Christy recently posted..How to Make Pasta from Scratch – In Italy!
@Christy Hiking season is on for another 6 weeks. Come on up.
What a unique experience and how brave you are! I love hiking and I guess I would do almost everything to have such an amazing view. The part that scares me is the rocky route (related to bad children memories), but maybe with a mountain guide I would overcome my fears.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of a really special place.
Simon recently posted..Back To My Beloved Dolomites
@Simon Having a guide does give you confidence as you do rely on their route-finding experience. I know John and I could have done it on my own but I would have definitely been more uptight.
That certainly looks like a very daunting mountain hike. And I’m glad you are safe and sound to share the tale. Bravo!
Michael recently posted..Fancy Two Days In A Vineyard?
@Michael I can’t tell you how happy I was yo make it make to Terra Firma!!
Can’t wait to see the video when it’s released. I’d love to check out Abbott Pass Hut, but I’m afraid the steep grades might get the better of me. I wish I had some of your adventurous hiking skills and experience. The lake and mountains are quite stunning. Beautiful shots.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A Great Place on a Great Lake
@Cathy I can’t wait to see the video either. I’m not one to look for the limelight so I hope my speaking is kept to only a few sound bites here and there. And it was a positively breathtaking experience. My legs took three days to fully recover.
You got me on this one! I think I’ll enjoy this hike through your pictures and video. The beauty of Alberta continues to amaze me.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Roman Trier Germany
@Debbie One summer when the weather is fine I hope you come to visit.
That looks amazing. I’m tempted to find some climbing/hiking partners.
Good for you Margaret. Go for it.
It’d be lovely to do , just to say I’ve done it. The views are just incredible. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Now can you imagine carrying the materials to build the hut in 1922? I wonder how many guides didn’t make it.
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@Marcia I can’t even imagine the difficulties that lay in building this hut. They had to come up the Death Zone with all the materials. And they certainly didn’t have the lightweight equipment we have. These men (I’m assuming men) had to have been a courageous lot.
Wow! I’m not sure that some of that would actually count as ‘trail’. What a hike! Good for you Leigh!
Gillian @OneGiantStep recently posted..Monday Moment: Wadi Rum Lunch
Thanks Gillian.
What a very brave accomplishment. I’m not sure I would have made it.
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@Mette I didn’t have a choice – committed to going up once you start on the scree which is actually good mentally because you know you 100% have to do it.
I loved your reference to “being old enough to be. . .” I don’t know how many times when we ask some ‘youngin’ behind a hotel reception desk where something is and are told in a hushed cautionary tone, “Well, it IS several blocks away. . .” Which usually prompts Joel to say to me minutes later, “How old do they think we ARE??!!”
Keep up the good adventures Leigh. . .this is one I am glad you did so that we could enjoy it through your photos.
Jackie Smith recently posted..Monday Meanderings: Footloose in Victoria B.C.
@Jackie I was pleased that I had no problem keeping up with anyone in the group. I’m not sure how many of my readers would be keen to do this one – not many is my guess though people seem to be enjoying the photos.
Another gorgeous scenery and hike! You constantly amaze me with these challenging hikes you do and this just looks scary. Love the reflection shots. That Abbot House outhouse may have to go on the record books for having the best views. Glad you made it through and looking forward to the video.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Adventures at Arches National Park
@Mary It was a tad scary a few times but that makes you feel very alive. And I loved the sense of accomplishment I got from this hike.
Congratulations Leigh! Your adventures never cease to amaze me. Your photos are outstanding. I hope Travel Alberts buys some of them.
Nancie recently posted..Bongwonsa Temple — Serenity in Chaotic Seoul. Korea
@Nancie I would be thrilled if anyone ever bought a photo. I’d have to celebrate with champagne and then I’d be in the red again.
What an incredible accomplishment…It definitely appears well worth the hard work!
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The 17 Mile Drive of Monterey Peninsula
@Deej There were moments I wondered why I agreed to go but in the end I’m so glad I did!
are you kidding me.. i would be petrified too! I’m terrified of height.. but my hubby would LOVE IT! The beauty of the place, more than makes up for it though.. right? Great shot of you balanced on that precarious tip.. well done!
ciki recently posted..The Celcom Cupcake Challenge
@Ciki I’m glad I was invited and feel quite proud of making it up there in one piece and for keeping me fears under control.
Thanks for sharing your unbelievable experience with all of us and thanks to remind my trekking days. I still remember those days where my friends and I had enjoyed a lot. I love trekking so much and after reading your post I’m very curious plan for next trekking.
Great article Thanks to shared ! This is fantastic !