Wenkchemna Pass via the Ten Peaks Valley

Departure from Moraine Lake, accessible from Lake Louise. Parking in the large car park at the end of the road, just before the lake.

(S/E) Pass the spillway, follow the lake on your left and pass a bar-restaurant on your right.

(1) After about 200 metres, at a junction, turn right onto the Larch Valley Trail and Effeil Lake/Wenckchemna Pass (sign). Cross a stream on a wooden footbridge and climb west-southwest into the forest. Then follow several very regular switchbacks and reach a junction in the forest (bench, signpost).

(2) Take the left-hand path towards Eiffel Lake and Wenckchemna Pass. Heading generally west, this path is slightly downhill. With superb views of the Ten Peaks on your left, it starts in the forest, crosses flower-filled meadows (in season) and ends in rocky terrain. You will reach an area of small boulders well above Eiffel Lake, with a few trees.

(3) Continue west. Then turn left (southwest then south), losing a little altitude to cross a stream.

(4) Turn right (west) and begin the climb to the pass on a trail in the scree. Make several switchbacks on a steep slope and, depending on the season, cross one or two snowfields. Finally reach the pass (sign).

(5) The descent is via the same route to Moraine Lake (S/E).

Hiking boots and equipment (warm clothing, rainwear, etc.) are essential. There are no water sources along the route, so bring plenty of supplies.

Essential map: at least the one accompanying this description and, preferably, a Canadian map, purchased locally or from a specialist bookshop elsewhere. A compass is useful.

The hike is long and Moraine Lake is a popular tourist site accessible by car: be sure to start early in the morning.

Warning:
The terrain covered is grizzly bear habitat. If bears are known to be present, access may be completely prohibited or simply regulated: you must walk in groups of at least four people, stay on the trails, etc. Strictly follow the instructions on the bilingual English/French signs at the start of the trail (1) (see photo). A whistle (keep it handy) is said to intimidate bears... I haven't had the opportunity to test it...

Hike completed by the author on 4 August 2014.

From the crossroads in the forest (2), there are superb views of the Ten Peaks, summits rising to over 3000m and covered with glaciers. High mountain atmosphere from Eiffel Lake (3) and beautiful panorama from the pass (5).

Wenkchemna Pass (2,611 m) is located between Neptuak Mountain (3,233 m, to the south) and Wenckhemna Peak (3,170 m, to the north), which are respectively the 9th and 10th peaks of the Ten Peaks range. In the language of the Nakoda Indians, Wenckchemna means ten. The pass is also located on the border between Alberta (to the east) and British Columbia (to the west).