Hiking Canada 2023: Up Wiwaxy Gap and Along the Huber Ledges

Day 8

The forecast for July 18th looked good for tackling Wiwaxy Gap. Joan and I crossed the outlet bridge at the north end of Lake O'Hara,

and soon turned onto the Wiwaxy trail,

which is short compared to some other trails at O'Hara, but is notoriously steep. Many people climb to the gap from Lake O'Hara, but few choose to descend that way. Joan and I did so once, and once was sufficient. Today, we were above the lake instantaneously. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

The trail is full of switchbacks, with a lateral shift in the middle of the climb. A projecting rock along the lateral yields a view of O'Hara.

Joan and I have stood on that rock in the past -- I did in 2013, and Joan in 2011.

 

As we ascended, the Sleeping Poets Pool, hidden on a shelf across the valley and above the Yukness Ledges, came into view (with binoculars or camera zoom).

Finally, we reached the gap -- at 2,523 meters, or 8,307 feet. It's a challenge for those of us who spend most of our time below 1,000 feet!

To the north, Wiwaxy Peak.

As we rested and gawked, two hikers set off on the Huber Ledges trail, which will also be our path. The Lake Oesa basin is in the distance.

A few times, meltwater from the heights crossed the path. It were never an obstacle.

Looking back towards the gap and peak, before we've lost much altitude.

Joan and I descended steadily, but the lakes (Oesa, Lefroy, Victoria) were still far below us.

From this angle, Oesa looks almost heart-shaped!

Joan and I ate our lunch sitting on inviting rocks about two-thirds of the way to Oesa, and continued on. A view of the "picnic grounds" beside Oesa.

We descended to Oesa and immediately encountered a family of ptarmigans, mostly youngsters, in summer plumage. What a treat! Mama kept an eye out and peeped in an attempt to keep the kids from wandering too far.

In this photo, two chicks were wandering in the grass.

Then it was time to begin our return. In this photo, I'm looking from the shores of Victoria Lake back the way we'd come.

We soon spotted a pika carrying some harvested greenery back to the burrow.

On the shores of O'Hara, we were treated to a closeup of this young hermit thrush.

It felt good having managed to tackle Wiwaxy Gap again. We certainly enjoyed our dinner, and admired the lakeside view with the late evening light and a mirror-like surface on the water.

After all that hiking, we slept very well!

 

Day 8

The forecast for July 18th looked good for tackling Wiwaxy Gap. Joan and I crossed the outlet bridge at the north end of Lake O'Hara,

and soon turned onto the Wiwaxy trail,

which is short compared to some other trails at O'Hara, but is notoriously steep. Many people climb to the gap from Lake O'Hara, but few choose to descend that way. Joan and I did so once, and once was sufficient. Today, we were above the lake instantaneously. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

The trail is full of switchbacks, with a lateral shift in the middle of the climb. A projecting rock along the lateral yields a view of O'Hara.

Joan and I have stood on that rock in the past -- I did in 2013, and Joan in 2011.

 

As we ascended, the Sleeping Poets Pool, hidden on a shelf across the valley and above the Yukness Ledges, came into view (with binoculars or camera zoom).

Finally, we reached the gap -- at 2,523 meters, or 8,307 feet. It's a challenge for those of us who spend most of our time below 1,000 feet!

To the north, Wiwaxy Peak.

As we rested and gawked, two hikers set off on the Huber Ledges trail, which will also be our path. The Lake Oesa basin is in the distance.

A few times, meltwater from the heights crossed the path. It were never an obstacle.

Looking back towards the gap and peak, before we've lost much altitude.

Joan and I descended steadily, but the lakes (Oesa, Lefroy, Victoria) were still far below us.

From this angle, Oesa looks almost heart-shaped!

Joan and I ate our lunch sitting on inviting rocks about two-thirds of the way to Oesa, and continued on. A view of the "picnic grounds" beside Oesa.

We descended to Oesa and immediately encountered a family of ptarmigans, mostly youngsters, in summer plumage. What a treat! Mama kept an eye out and peeped in an attempt to keep the kids from wandering too far.

In this photo, two chicks were wandering in the grass.

Then it was time to begin our return. In this photo, I'm looking from the shores of Victoria Lake back the way we'd come.

We soon spotted a pika carrying some harvested greenery back to the burrow.

On the shores of O'Hara, we were treated to a closeup of this young hermit thrush.

It felt good having managed to tackle Wiwaxy Gap again. We certainly enjoyed our dinner, and admired the lakeside view with the late evening light and a mirror-like surface on the water.

After all that hiking, we slept very well!