On July 28th Joan and I tackled the hike to Nigel Pass, which starts on the Icefields Parkway, an hour's drive north of the Lake At Bow Lodge. Here's the overall trail map. (Click on any image to enlarge.)
The first mile follows an old gravel road; then the path drops down to creek level. Snow remnants lingered in gullies and avalanche paths.
A way-sign.
The horse route and foot path diverged.
When we dropped down to stream level, the effect of snowmelt and recent rains was clear,
but a footbridge was provided.
Mountain heights clearly defined our valley's limits.
We took the right-hand route through the valley and left the flat flood zone.
The trail is popular and has been beaten down enough to hold water during this tail-end of the wet season, creating mud, puddles, ponds, and side streams. It was all navigable but slowed us down.
This panoramic image looks back the way we've come at 11:15. Our path is visible in the lower left corner.
The trail became steeper; water and mud became less of an issue. I found the last stretch deceptive: it looked like the pass was just around the corner. Well, the next corner. Nope, another corner. Keep climbing. Then, a sign! We're at the pass!
Joan and I looked for a dry spot with a view for lunch. We chose to head up a promontory on the left of the pass.
While we rested and ate, below us hikers continued on.
After lunch, we crossed down and over to another promontory where we gazed into the valley that had drawn in so many hikers. It was quite a sight.
Despite its remoteness from the tourist haunts along the Trans-Canada Highway, this is a popular day hike and can be extended into a multi-day loop. The parking lot was already busy when we arrived.
Stepping to the edge and zooming in, we could see how the river has created an alluring pathway for backpackers.
For us, it was time to return to our car, making our way through the slopes, bumps in terrain, meadow edges, and the final mile on the old road. 
After the hour drive back to the Lodge at Bow Falls, and then cleaning up, we were ready for a feast at dinner! (The food there is fabulous.)
