Moraine Lake (Rockpile)

Elevation: 1924 m
Elevation Gain: 40 m
Moraine Lake is a body of glacial-fed turquoise water that resides at the base of “the Valley of the Ten Peaks.” The lake and its spectacular mountainous backdrop are, without a doubt, one of the most photographed locations in Canada. Walter Wilcox named the lake in 1899 for the rockpile at its north end which acts as a dam and was, ultimately, responsible for its formation. While Wilcox mistook this pile of rocks for a moraine, it is generally agreed today that it actually resulted from a rockslide.
My Ascents:
August 13 2020
Trailhead: Moraine Lake Parking

On January 8, 2020, after 2+ hours of banging my head against my desk, I achieved the impossible. Despite pages crashing, browsers freezing and credit car payments being declined for no reason, I successfully reserved a campsite at the Lake Louise campground during a peak summer weekend! After looking forward to our 4-day trip to the Jewel of the Rockies all year, we excitedly packed up our camping trailer and braved the 2.5-hour drive with a crying toddler to reach the campsite that would serve as our basecamp for the next several days.

Thanks to a generous check-in time (2 pm!), we arrived early, quickly set up and enjoyed a cold beer to sooth nerves that were frayed following an unpleasant commute. With a couple of hours still left before dinner, we decided, on a lark, to attempt to visit Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake’s spectacular beauty, regrettable Instagram presence and inadequate parking lot have conspired to make it a tough (and often unpleasant) place to visit in recent years and, as a result, we’ve not been since 2014. On August 13, 2020, however, we were feeling lucky (and with the parking lot a short 19-minute drive away, we really had nothing to lose). After navigating the obstacle course of road pylons that Parks employs as a Band-Aid solution to the lake’s inadequate access road, we were excited (and mildly surprised) when Parks staff moved aside barricades and allowed us to continue up towards the lake.

As we arrived at the parking lot, we were greeted by the anticipated crowds. I’m of 2 minds when it comes to Moraine Lake. On the 1 hand, it’s a shame that this lake (and nearby Lake Louise) have become overrun. Certainly, everyone has a right to enjoy their beauty but they’re not exactly the only glacial lakes in the Rocky Mountains! On the other hand, at least these 2 spots keep the selfie-stick-toting masses away from other, more peaceful areas. Regardless, thanks to crowding and the ongoing pandemic, we decided to “mask up”! As an aside, if any parent tells you that their child won’t wear a mask, tell them to get said child a “Frozen” mask – we had a hard time getting these off the girls once the crowd dispersed! 🤣

Since I don’t have Instagram, I decided that we should hike up the miniscule “Rockpile” at Moraine Lake’s north end to see what all the fuss is about. The trail departs directly from the parking lot towards Consolation Lakes but soon branches off at a well-signed intersection.

LEFT: A well-crafted staircase winds up the “Rockpile” as the Tower of Babel looms above. For perspective as to how small the “Rockpile” is, the Tower of Babel isn’t exactly a significant undertaking. Indeed, Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies refers to it as “a pleasant alternative to a rest day.”
RIGHT: 4-year-old Mera sets the pace for her 2-year old sister Penny (and both of them have already walked further than many of the tourists who visit Moraine Lake 🤣 🤦‍♂️).

LEFT: Mera, Penny, Mom, “Pinkalinka” and “Calvin’s Daughter” pose for photos at an undeniably scenic viewpoint about halfway up. If only “Pinkalinka” had Instagram…
RIGHT: Brianne and her “baby.”

Wonderful views but I’m surprised that Parks hasn’t cut down the trees to improve “visitor experience.”

LEFT: Up, up, we go. Mera continues the climb as Mount Temple rears skyward.
RIGHT: Despite well-crafted stairs, Penny preferred to awkwardly climb boulders that were actually meant to keep people on the path!

Panoramic views from the top of the “Rockpile” are dominated by the “Ten Peaks” and Moraine Lake’s cerulean surface. Click to see larger.

LEFT: A closer look at Mount Bowlen (left), Tonsa Peak (right) and the 3-3.5 couloir that separates them.
RIGHT: Mount Tuzo (left) and Deltaform Mountain (right). The latter is the highest of the “Ten Peaks.”

LEFT: Penny and I attempt to blend in with the selfie-taking masses. Don’t tell them that we’re really hikers. 🤫
RIGHT: With the “Ten Peaks” dominating the view to the south, I doubt the Skoki peaks to the north get much love. Nevertheless, I will endeavor to do so. They are (from left to right): Ptarmigan Peak, Redoubt Mountain, Lipalian Mountain and “Purple Mound.”

Enjoying a final, famous view before starting the 3-minute hike back down to the parking lot. 🤣 I’d have also considered a little walk around the scenic lake (since getting to it is more than half the battle) but my 36-year-old kid started to get “hangry” so we elected to retreat to the solitude of our campsite to start dinner.

The “Rockpile” isn't the area's best hike but, if you’ve got an hour to kill and manage to get a parking spot, well, why not come to see what the Instagrammers are so worked up about? Just make sure that you bring a snack for your wife if you do!