Tom’s Thumb, located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, has always been one of our favorite hikes. However, many trails explore this vast, protected area. Gateway Loop Trail might become a new favorite.
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scenic views
Dave and I always thought that Mount Yamnuska was for climbers/scramblers only. We were mistaken. Let me tell you—this hike was the best discovery of our entire summer.
In the past, a hike to Lake Annette in Banff National Park was as simple as turning up Moraine Lake Road and following the signs to the trailhead. Then access, in our minds, became, well, challenging—or so we thought. Thankfully, we were mistaken.
The trail at sunrise.
The freedom to drive up to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake on a whim is no easy feat. Since most areas can no longer handle the masses that frequent every summer, shuttles and reservations are the new normal. However, Lake Annette Trail is outside the Moraine visitors’ lot, so the dilemma was, how do we get in?
With that in mind, Dave and I made a plan. Our strategy was to arrive at the turnoff before sunrise and, with any luck, get to the trail before the roadblock. The road was blocked; however, gaining entrance was as simple as asking—“can we get in to hike Lake Annette?” Yep, it was that easy.
We pulled into the small dark parking area and waited for dawn. Despite being bundled up, the early morning chill quickened our pace.
A colorful preview of what was to follow.
First crossing.
The hike to Lake Annette logs 7.1 miles (11.3 km) roundtrip, with a moderate elevation (1,300 ft, 400 m).
Sunrise magic.
The term scenic does not do this hike justice.
The second crossing.
Dave nearing the lake.
With lunch packed, we arrived at the lake just in time for breakfast. Dave and I decided the sandwiches could wait. Being first at the lake felt pretty darn special. We passed quite a few hikers on the way down, happily hiking without restrictions.
Lake Annette.
For spur of the moment hikers, this is a perfect way to explore the beauty of the Moraine Lake/Paradise Valley area—no shuttle required.
Our plan started simply enough—drive up to Prescott, AZ for a visit with our friend Katherine, stroll down Peavine National Recreation Trail and grab lunch. Katherine, however, had other ideas.
I must say, our timing was impeccable. The forecast called for rain. Not just a drizzle mind you, a downpour, full of raging washes, flooded interstates, and general mayhem. With the prospect of three days of flash flood watches rapidly approaching, Dave and I decided to enjoy the sunrise with a view of Phoenix from South Mountain Park, followed by an early morning hike.
The Three Sisters are synonymous with Canmore. Originally named The Three Nuns in 1883, it has been said that George Stewart (the first superintendent of the Rocky Mountains National Park) named the peaks after his three daughters, Frances, Olive, and Grace. The Stoney Nakoda also views these peaks as the three sisters, referring to the story of Ĩ-ktomnĩ, an old man who would promise his three sisters in marriage whenever he got into trouble.