Geraldine Falls

September 28, 2012

For one I was surprised at this point that there was still more waterfalls for me to capture in Jasper; and for those keeping track, there are still plenty more.  Geraldine Lakes is the name of the hiking trail, and it follows a moderately difficult trail.  Not to worry, I did do a video again.

First and foremost, access to the hiking trail is beyond a near 6 kilometer fire road (Geraldine Fire Road), which is found traveling North on the 93A from Athabasca Falls.  Keep in mind before entering this road that you will need a vehicle that isn't low to the ground, as the majority of the road has been washed out repeatedly over time.  Two kilometers in on the road you will notice a parks sign, this is for parking to gain access to Fryatt Valley (which yes also contains a waterfall).  Continue on the fire road for approximately another 3km, where the road ends at a larger parking lot for Geraldine Lakes.

On this hike I had started out with some nice warm sunny weather, however as you can see in the picture above, clouds started to roll in and the fall weather was soon upon me once I managed to cross the Lower Geraldine Lake.

Starting out on this trail you gain a good deal of elevation while overstepping streams and upturned roots.  There are areas where resemblance of some wooden stepping bridges were made, however they haven't been up kept in sometime, and may soon need repairs after another couple harsh storms.  You will be keeping to this up climb for at least 1.5km until an eventual decline which will take you to the Lower Geraldine Lake.  (The above picture is a view from North to South of Lower Geraldine Lake)

Once you make it to the lake you immediately bask in it's beauty.  The cool icy blue water shimmering on the surface was reward enough at this point.  After having walked through a tall forest, with trees that seem to be upwards of 50 feet, you come out to this wonderful clear opening.

You will travel South, following the lake for another kilometer, which I found to be the most stunning view of the hike.  This walk reminded me of the view from the Trans Canada Highway in Ontario, along the Great Lakes.  Beautiful view, and gorgeous water; you can't help but smile and whistle while you hike.

Once on the other side of the lake you'll be able to hear the call of the waterfall, roaring just beyond your grasp. However you'll be entering a much more difficult climb.  This is where the trail becomes more of an adventure.  There are multiple areas of rock slides, where you will be stepping over and under 1 to 4 feet high boulders, all while climbing uphill.  This will continue for around 1.5km, and cause you to slow your pace or twist an ankle (for which I speak from experience).

My after view of this hike is if you take your time you can make this a nice day hike.  I've passed a family with two teens and two couples walking on this day.  That said, for the more adventurous hiker, this may be a good warm up hike, or moderate jaunt; and for the one less interested in back country hiking, you will make a good day trip out of this one.