Mt. Yamnuska & Flowing Water Trail (7/22/2011)

We started out from Banff on July 22nd and decided to head to the front ranges of the Rockies as the weather was not looking great, usually the start of the Rockies and foothills have better weather than the interior mountains. After a short van ride to Yamnuska parking lot, we started up into the forest and got to see many many flowers, some elk and the great views up towards the shoulder of Yamnuska (also known as "onigiri-yama" for some Japanese). We had a little sunshine, then some light rain/hail, then thundershowers and then clear again! Pretty much all weather! We were rewarded though with great views of the Bow Valley and then had time to hike on the Flowing water trail where we saw a beaver home, lots of birds and even more wildflowers! It was a great day despite the on/off rain!

James Robb
YMT Guide