Day 7: HIKE Yoho National Park. Just Corey and me — my parents stayed at the cabin with the kids.
Grandma and Grandpa Z generously volunteered to watch the kids for a day so Corey and I could go on a more advanced hike. We researched high and low and had a million hike choices but the one that stood out to both of us was Lake O'Hara. Ok, easy choice, right?
The catch: to protect it's sensitive alpine environment and provide a true wilderness experience, a strict quota system is in place to limit the number of visitors to the Lake O'Hara area. Since we did not have one of the few rare and coveted bus tickets to get into the area (these day-use date-specific bus passes sell out in minutes, many months in advance) our only option was to hike the 7 miles (all uphill) into the area. The hike is easy in technical skill but it's long and hilly and in densely forested backwoods bear country. A return bus trip is an option for those that hike in, with payment, space providing.
We were going to do this and do it right. The forecast was for cold and rain but our hearts were set on it. We set our alarms for early. Very early. Way too early for vacation. We packed out lunches, water, snacks, and backpacks the night before. We woke up and layered on every item of warm clothing we packed with us (I had at least 8 shirts on). Then we drove about an hour to get to the parking lot from which we'd start the hike. The bus quota system allows for substitutions for no-shows so we checked that list, but it was already quite long. So we started our hike. And I secretly threatened/promised myself that this better be worth it.
And we're off! 7 miles up that road.
Almost there! We only had to stop once so I could tend to a blister on my foot. A few miles of drizzle rain but we didn't melt.
True story (try not to laugh): after hiking the 7 miles and seeing a few more people around, we assumed we had arrived at Lake O'Hara. We were quite hungry and anxious to get on exploring. So we took a few photos and ate lunch on the rocks on the shore. We both agreed that we thought the lake we be larger. This little lake was certainly pretty — but it was much smaller than we expected. More photos. More poking around. And lots of "wow it's beautiful here!" Completely untouched. Untrampled. Wild.
... Then we started to look for trailheads. And then it made sense. Oh. This isn't the lake, this is just a little side pond to THE LAKE.
Wait, what? This is going to get even more beautiful?
Oh yes. This place.
It's impossible to put into words the beauty of this place. It's untouched, untouristy, unpaved, raw and rugged majestic beauty. I've been many places big and small but never have I been to a place quite like this.
Lake O'Hara has a little private historical lodge with a few lake-side cabins, a day use shelter, a private hiking club cabin, and a small primitive campground. That's all. Since personal vehicles are not allowed in this area, there are no vast parking lots (yay!). It's natural and it's perfect.
Oh and the Day Use center has the most magnificent carrot cake and hot chocolate. This is Heaven, I just know it. I'd hike 7 miles uphill for this carrot cake any day.
Backcountry hiking check-in board at the lodge.
During the occasional break from rain (and even during a few surprise downpours), Corey and I hiked a few short and easy trails around the lake. We became quite chilled and wet but neither of us cared. We were there in that moment.
We took a lot of photos. A lot. Literally every step we took at Lake O'Hara was documented. Twice (once by Corey, once by me). And yes, that is snow on Corey's hat.
From the moment we stepped foot on the shores of Lake O'Hara we were plotting a way to return. We were strategizing a way to at least get my parents there. They just HAD to see this place. Maybe a future landmark anniversary for Corey and I? 10 year anniversary trip? Could we wait that long? Could we manage to hike the 7 miles with my parents and both kids? We were exploring every option.
We were fortunate to catch the bus back to our car. That 7 mile trip was significantly easier on the bus! On the drive back to our cabin at Golden, we stopped in at the Yoho National Park visitor center to pick up a free park activity book for Kya. While waiting at the counter, I notice a big white board with camping information for each site and a few freshly written dates for Lake O'Hara. I asked about it and the ranger said, "there are never cancellations for O'Hara." Then she looked at the board and said, "Oh wow, look at that!"
After a seize-the-moment and totally impulse decision, I booked our group two primitive campsites at the Lake O'Hara campground. Corey was waiting in the car this entire time, completely unaware of the craziness. Logically, it was crazy. But this reservation was our ticket (and bus ride) into Lake O'Hara.
Did we have any camping gear? Nope.
Did we have rain gear for this very rainy and very cold climate? Nope.
Have our kids ever been primitive tent camping? Nope.
Has Gavin ever been camping? Nope.
Was this totally crazy? Yep.
I knew all this. Oh boy howdy did I know it. We had four days to prepare (or change or minds and not show up).
