Sunshine Meadows July 9, 2019

I like being up on top of the world in all seasons.  I like the feeling of being so high.  I like being up there where you can see forever.  I love when you don't have to put in the hard work to get there! Hiking through Sunshine Meadows on a summer's day, up where the Sunshine Ski Hill is, makes me feel like I am on top of the world!  It cost you dollars to get there but it is worth every cent.  I produced my Drivers License and got the Alberta Residence Discount to ride the gondola up to Sunshine Village.  I knew right away this was the day to be here.  It was very warm at the Village, it was quiet, and the sun was shining.    

Today's plan was to hike the loop around the three lakes first and then hike on over to the Monarch Lookout via Twin Cairns to Monarch Lookout Trail, finishing up by descending the Meadow Park Trail thus completing a great big loop.

 the trail that leads to Rock Isle Lake with a view of Mount Bourgeau behind me

After the gradual ascent up to where you can see forever, Rock Isle Lake comes into view.  Before arriving here, I wondered what it would look like today and would there be loads of people in the area.   I arrived to see it looking as clear and sheer as a pane of glass.  Even better there was no one to be seen.

The trail climbs a tiny bit and then loops around to the back side of Rock Isle Lake.  Here you get a view off to The Monarch and the Monarch Ramparts.  The damage done by that fire back in 2017 is still visible on the slope which leads down to Eohipus Lake.

 The next lake in the loop is Grizzly Lake. 

That 2017 fire reached the shore.

 I took the short detour off to the Simpson Viewpoint.  

As far as you can see down along the Simpson Valley the damage from the fire is visible.  

Next you come to Laryx Lake.  The Sunshine People put a few benches in a cleared area that make a perfect spot to sit awhile and snack and savour scenery.  It was incredibly peaceful as I was on my own with only two others that hiked on by.

 The Monarch and her Ramparts reflecting in Laryx Lake

 taking even some more moments at Laryx Lake

 The paintbrush wildflowers are only beginning to open up.

After completing the loop of the three lakes I took the left trail from the intersection that would lead me out to the wide open meadow section.  The trail is called The Monarch Lookout Trail.  I hoped for flowers and big puddles.  

 "walking on sunshine and don't it feel good"

The Sunshine Meadows crosses back and forth over The Continental Divided and from Alberta into British Columbia and back and forth again.  That is Twin Cairns behind the sign.  When I am looking for a weather forecast for this area on Mountain Forecast,  I always put in Twin Cairns.

wide open meadow with lots of little bridges 

This section of Sunshine Meadows only opened a few days ago due to being very wet.  

It is still wet with lots of gigantic puddles but they are off trail.  

wildflowers

a path is cleared to reach the Monarch Lookout

I reached the Monarch Lookout and then carried on down towards Simpson Pass.  

I did not go to the Pass but to an area where there are views and a place to sit for some time.  

The views are amazing here

a perfect place to sit and put my feet up

expressing my love for everything about this day

thousands of glacier lilies were in full bloom all over the place

I dined and then I dashed off to the Meadow Park Trail

The descent along the Meadow Park Trail is just short of two kilometers.  I arrived back at Sunshine Village and sat at a picnic table to snack and enjoy the sunshine.  I people watched, by now there were loads to watch.  Ready to call it a day, I hopped on a gondola for the ride back down to the parking lot.