Dragonfly is a classic short canyoneering adventure in Arches Big views, two rappels, potholes, and a beautiful deep, lush canyon If you have a few hours, and would like to experience beauty and solitude within a stone's throw of the main road, this is the place! WARNING: A keeper pothole has reportedly appeared a pothole before the first rappel that is difficult to escape Pothole gear and skills required Hard throws or other skills may be needed depending on water level Poison Ivy Warning: There can be poison ivy ...

Ring Arch doesn't have an official trail to it, and is less visited compared to more famous arches like Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch Accessing Ring Arch requires a bit of a hike and is a good adventure for those looking for less trodden paths within the park This is a really nice outing to get away from the crowds Though there is not an official trail, it has a very well-worn social trail, so navigation is fairly straightforward The arch is quite stunning and there is a small rock art panel that can be visited a...

Delicate Arch is one of the quintessential symbols of Utah, and southern Utah in particular The arch is uniquely perched in an Entrada sandstone bowl high on the cliffs and stands about 20 m high Delicate Arch is one of the most popular places to visit in Arches, and probably the top of my list for any first-time visitor A must do For non-hikers, there are a couple of viewpoints where you can see the arch from a distance with very little hiking Not nearly as good as visiting the arch up close and in person, but wor...

Athabasca Glacier is said to be the most-visited glacier in North America A stone's throw from the Icefield Parkway, the glacier is accessible to most and gives a view into geological time The glacier is about six kilometers long, and 90-100 meters 300-980 feet thick One of the most interesting aspects of visiting the glacier, in my opinion, is the short drive from the Icefield Parkway to the trailhead Along the dirt road, signs show the edge of the glacier at different times over the last 100 or so years It is inc...

One of the must-do side trips along the Icefields Parkway, in my opinion, Athabasca Falls is an impressive sight to see The falls drops about 25 m 80 feet Though the height is not particularly remarkable, the amount of water that gets funneled over the falls and into the narrow gorge below is! The falls and narrow gorge below has been created here because the river changes layers from quartzite to a much softer and more erodable limestone With easy access and a short walk, this is a very scenic and family-friendly ...

Cavell Pond is tucked at the base of Mt Edith Cavell The turquoise waters flanked by Mountain Edith Carvell and Angel Glacier make for a stunning spot to visit Visiting the pond is a place where you feel like the magnitude of the Canadian Rockies envelopes you The hike to the pond is on an easy trail, suitable for most, though with some elevation gain For the more energetic, the trail continues from the pond high up into Cavell Meadows and offers even more dramatic views of the surroundings and Angel Glacier The wi...

A short 500 m 1 way trail leads to a dramatic limestone slot where the wide Mistaya River funnels through a narrow limestone gorge The falls are a popular hike and for a good reason! Spring, summer, and fall are preferred seasons, but some do the hike in the winter as well The falls are stunningly sculpted and a treat to view WARNING: Be very mindful of kids and yourself around the gorge

One of the must-do sights near Jasper is Maligne Canyon A short hike visits a stunning canyon section where the Maligne River has cut deeply into the limestone layer, eroding a gorge that is, in spots, only 2 meters 6 feet wide and 50 meters 160 feet deep A trail follows along the top of the gorge, crossing at several points to give close views of the tumultuous waters ragging in the canyon floor below Maligne Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and quite busy Those wanting a short walk should star...

Sunwapta Falls, at least in my mind, is a bit less impressive than Athabasca Falls or Mistaya Falls It is still a remarkable place to visit, however, and recommend if passing by and you have a bit of time The first falls are a roadside attraction, and family-friendly Those looking for more of a hike can continue on a trail along the top of the river that visits additional falls

Few canyons pack as much fun in as short of a section of a canyon as this one! The approach, a leisurely hour, is scenic with a dramatic background The canyon It starts mellow and open, possibly even a bit hum-drum Soon though, a natural bridge appears, then a few pools, and next thing you know, you deep in a slot canyon with a smile ear-to-ear The canyon is straightforward, but one of the rappel anchors is a deadman without much material to build a new one with if the old one washes away That, coupled with a hard ...