Hike To Nigel Creek Valley

The drive to the trail head is quite a long one as once you are in the National Park you have to take the Icefeilds Parkway exit off of Hwy 1. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular as the road follows the twists and turn of the steep walled valley with huge Rocky Mountains on both sides. Before long Bow Lake is showing up like a green jewel set in Hematite.

One should never try and travel this road way while in a hurry as there is so much to see and there can be a traffic slow downs at any time as wildlife can be anywhere, so you have to expect them be on the road at anytime. As you navigate the twists and turns soon there will be a huge opening with a large switchback as you exit the Bow Valley and start to ascend a long steep hill. Once you are on the summit there will be a brown sign that reads “Nigel Creek Trailhead” if you bear right you will find a small parking lot with an information kiosk. It is always good to read postings on the kiosk as it will warn of trail conditions or wildlife advisories.