Wilcox Pass

Wilcox pass is a beautiful hike with views of the Athabasca Glacier for much of the hike. The first half hour of hiking is in and out of old growth forest, and then you emerge into meadows stretching out around you. There are often Bighorn Sheep up here and sometimes other wildlife.

You can hike around in these meadows for hours if you want, but be careful to follow paths so you don't trample the fragile plants.

An option (which we didn't do this time, but would be easily doable) is going to Nigel Lake. Once you're through the pass, turn right, go over a little ridge and the lake will be in front of you.

To get here, go to the Wilcox Creek Campground turnoff just a few km south of the Columbia Icefield Center. This is the second campground south of the center, not the columbia icefields campground. There is a parking area (with outhouse) right near where you turn off.

The trail is very easy to follow, as there is LOTS of traffic on this hike. Try to do it not at the peak of tourist season or you'll be hiking with a lot of people.