by Brian Patton | Dec 7, 2023 | Backpacking, Home page News |
Backpackers often carry a lot of sophisticated and expensive technology these days. But they are notoriously frugal when it comes to their food, often subsisting on a variety of grocery store concoctions when they head to the backcountry. So, what better way to... by Brian Patton | Oct 18, 2023 | Backpacking, Kootenay National Park, Trip reports, Yoho National Park |
Kootenay Park’s Ottertail Pass trail is a route frequently ignored by backpackers bound for the Rockwall. Because the pass is wooded and of little scenic interest, we barely mentioned the trail in early editions of our trail guide. Back in January, we received a... by Brian Patton | Sep 4, 2023 | Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, Great Divide Trail, In memory |
Jim Thorsell, an old friend, who inspired the first edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide and contributed to the first six editions, died on August 30, 2023. “Thor” was an avid hiker who authored one of the first backcountry user surveys in 1967, A... by Brian Patton | Aug 15, 2023 | Jasper National Park, Weather |
A freak rain-snow event that dropped more than 80mm of precipitation over Jasper National Park on June 19 continues to affect access and travel into the park’s backcountry. Washouts on the Miette Hot Springs road resulted in a closure that remains in effect and... by Brian Patton | Jul 11, 2023 | History |
Some of the most scenic day hikes in the first edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide went missing in the second edition. Here is the story behind these trails and why they disappeared. Some of the most spectacular views from any day hiking trails in Western...