Summer 2012 - Sunset Pass
(Banff National Park)

For 79 years the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies (SHCR) has offered a unique experience of hiking and camping in the wilderness areas of the Canadian Rockies as a group activity.

The 80th edition – 2012 – of the hike and camp program will be situated in Sunset Pass, Banff National Park (topo map / satellite topo / photos). This location offers one of the more picturesque settings for a camp in the Canadian Rockies, offering a relaxing atmosphere with splendid panoramic views in all directions from the door of your tent. Stunning sunsets will cap off your day.

The Sunset Pass Trail – the route into camp – travels through extensive flower-covered alpine meadows beneath the cliffs of Mount Coleman, which dominates the northern skyline. The glacier festooned peaks of the Mount Wilson mass form the southern perimeter of the broad valley. A warm, shallow sea once covered the Sunset Pass area leaving a legacy of abundant limestone fossil beds, karst sinkholes, waterfalls and canyons.

Day hikes (from relatively easy to strenuous) will radiate in four directions right out of camp to such destinations as Goat Ridge, Wilson Shoulder, Coleman Saddle, Norman Lake, East and West Coleman, Sunset Pass and Pinto Lake. (See photo gallery sampling of what will be seen on 2012 hikes.)

History note. Professor A.P. Coleman (Geology, University of Toronto), after whom the mountain is named, was the first white man in 1893 to visit the area. Pinto Lake was named by Coleman after a troublesome pack horse.

Relaxing after day's hike...

...enjoying hearty meal...

...around campfire in Donut for evening entertainment.

Testimonials

Intrigued! ... Join Us

Picture yourself hiking in a remote setting catching glimpses of glaciers, waterfalls and clear mountain streams. Think of the wonderful vistas available in the back country, the spectacular lookouts, the wildlife and the mountain wildflowers. Hiking on ground where early explorers ventured over a hundred years ago ...

As you return to base camp, a hearty meal awaits you prepared by skilled cooks in a covered dining tent. Sit around with fellow hikers reminiscing about the day's adventures.

Following dinner, gather around a campfire for an evening of singing, story telling or just good companionship.

What We Offer : It has been described as "backpacking without the backpack." We offer weekly hikes during July and August, departing from Banff on a Monday and returning the following Saturday. We bus you from Banff to trailhead and back, transport your duffle into and out of camp, and provide all the meals. You do the hiking!

Wilderness accommodation is provided for up to 50 hikers and four staff in each camp. Each tent holds from two to four hikers, and has foam sleeping pads and a wood burning stove for those rare inclement days.

All hike leaders are equipped with two-way radios in event communication with base camp, the Chief Leader and Medic are required.

Check out Getting in Shape for guidance on how to condition oneself for hiking at high altitudes.

Camp Life : Camp life allows time to gather and chat Remember that this is a back-country hike, not a resort hotel. We can't provide flush toilets or showers, but we can promise everything you need for a great wilderness experience. The camp staff ensures that hot wash water is available morning and afternoon, serves two great meals a day in camp and packs a lunch that will keep you going on the trail. You and your fellow hikers will have time to get together to swap stories at the end of the day and everyone will enjoy an evening get-together to review the days’ events and plan tomorrow's hike. Check out wilderness camping experience.

We strive to provide participants a quality experience in camp and on the trail. The volunteer (experienced) camp staff comprise a host/hostess, chief leader, medic, musician and day-hike leaders.

Need More Information : Have questions or need more information about the Skyline Hikers 2012 camp and hike program, contact us via e-mail : info@skylinehikers.ca. Downloadable colour brochure (PDF, 0.5 MB).

You have decided to participate...now what

Congratulations on your decision to participate in the Skyliners 2012 hike program.

Now you have to register for one of the five camps listed above, submitting required deposit at time of registration. Go to Registration page for cost information, registration form, methods of payment and cancellation policy. The Registrar will answer any questions you may have regrading the registration process.

Registration Complete...Next Steps

You have made the decision to join us, and now you're looking for a better idea of what to expect, and practical advice to help you get the most out of your visit.

Once we receive your registration form and payment, you will receive (via e-mail or postal mail) a letter of acknowledgement from the Registrar. Included will be details of what to pack, how to pack it, and where and when to meet before the hike. Please review it carefully - while most of the information is here on the website, the mailing from the registrar may include other details specific to this year's hike

Getting Ready : There are lots of things you can do to prepare for the hike. First and foremost, make sure you are in shape. Check out what you should bring and how to pack it.

If navigation interests you, review use of map and compass techniques, and consider getting a map of the area. Many of our members have completed wilderness first aid courses. Others study up on the alpine flora and fauna. And you'll definitely want to be sure your camera is working.

Getting There

Transportation & Logistics Info : Details to be posted at later date once arrangements and contracts have been confirmed.

Accommodations : Details to be posted at later date once arrangements and contracts have been confirmed.

Need more convincing or information about Skyline Hikers 2012 hike program and life in camp...

• Read what others have said about their experience in past camps.
• Wilderness Camping with the Skyliners
• Skyline Hikers organization.
• Frequently asked questions
• Have questions?
• Read reports and see photographs of previous years' camps.