Wildlife Encounter Mountain Biking Pipestone Loop Trail at Lake Louise
Before heading off to Golden BC for a few days of mountain biking we thought we should get an easier one under our belts first. Afterall, this was going to be our first few rides of the season. We chose the Pipestone Loop Trail at Lake Louise as...
Before heading off to Golden BC for a few days of mountain biking we thought we should get an easier one under our belts first. Afterall, this was going to be our first few rides of the season. We chose the Pipestone Loop Trail at Lake Louise as it is less crowded and is a relatively easy blue trail. For these reasons we thought it would be a good introductory first ride of the season. The trail is mostly doubletrack with very few roots. Other permitted trail uses include hikers, dog walking as long as they are on leash and horseback riding. In all of these cases mountain bikers need to yield to the other trail users. This is a popular trail system for cross country skiing in the winter with trail groomed for both classic and skate skiing. As we were about to discover for ourselves, the wildlife also really enjoy this area.
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We rode just over 6km to the mountain bike turn around. The actual turn around is about 7km in, however due to recent rains the trail was impassable beyond the 6km mark. Round trip our total distance was just over 12 km with 164m elevation gain...
We rode just over 6km to the mountain bike turn around. The actual turn around is about 7km in, however due to recent rains the trail was impassable beyond the 6km mark. Round trip our total distance was just over 12 km with 164m elevation gain over the course of the trail. Most of the elevation gain is near the start of the trail but this makes for a fun downhill on the way back. The mountain bike trail on the map is indicated by the blue line that runs along the river.
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Because of the trails proximity to the highway there is animal fencing and a gate to separate the trails from the Trans Canada Highway and the nearby Village at Lake Louise. There is abundant wildlife in the area, the fences and the gate are...
Because of the trails proximity to the highway there is animal fencing and a gate to separate the trails from the Trans Canada Highway and the nearby Village at Lake Louise. There is abundant wildlife in the area, the fences and the gate are meant to keep them safe and away from vehicles. It works. The fencing has reduced animal-vehicle collisions by 80%
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We're a couple of happy mountain bikers because we are finally hitting the trails for our first ride of the season. This late into the season, its probably a good thing we started with a nice warm up trail like the Pipestone Loop in Lake Louise.
18 July 2023
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1 year ago
taken in
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
The Pipestone Loop trail isn't all flat! This was still a pretty easy downhill so it was fun especially for a first ride of the year.
18 July 2023
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1 year ago
taken in
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
Experimenting with different selfie taking techniques while relaxing at the turnaround point. The tall grass and flowers added a unique challenge since it is unlawful to pick them, especially just for the sake of a photo.
18 July 2023
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1 year ago
taken in
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
I love seeing alpine meadows of wildflowers in bloom. Although it is possible to see wildflowers from early spring and into the fall, Peak wildflower season is mid-July to mid-August. As tempting as it can be, picking is not permitted.
18 July 2023
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1 year ago
taken in
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
We stopped to enjoy the mountain view and a little snack at the turn around point for mountain bikes on the trail. It was such a peaceful spot to sit and relax for a minute.
18 July 2023
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1 year ago
taken in
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
The Pipestone River is suitable for paddling. Canoers and kayakers put in at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and take out at Lake Louise Village just before the Pipestone enters the Bow River. This is a technical river with mostly Class 3 with a few...
The Pipestone River is suitable for paddling. Canoers and kayakers put in at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and take out at Lake Louise Village just before the Pipestone enters the Bow River. This is a technical river with mostly Class 3 with a few class 4 rapids.
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This takes some skill, taking a selfie while mountain biking. Its not a skill that I have, for sure I would crash if I tried. Thankfully this part of the trail was wide and easy to ride.
18 July 2023
·
1 year ago
taken in
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
I saw a lynx! This was the first Canadian Lynx I have ever seen in the wild. Naturally, coming around a bend in the trail and spotting a large brown cat was surprising. However, I was relieved that it wasn't a cougar. Lynx mostly hunt hares and...
I saw a lynx! This was the first Canadian Lynx I have ever seen in the wild. Naturally, coming around a bend in the trail and spotting a large brown cat was surprising. However, I was relieved that it wasn't a cougar. Lynx mostly hunt hares and not humans so I took some comfort in that. Even though Lake Louise area is important lynx habitat and there are over 10,000 of them in Canada, they are elusive creatures so spotting them is rare. This new friend of ours was making its way along the trail in the same direction that we needed to go so we ended up playing a little game of Red-Light Green-Light from a safe distance until it left the trail and we could get back to our car.
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The encounter with the lynx was something to remember! -
Diana Mohrsen it was the highlight of ride for sure. -
I cannot believe you saw a lynx! I am so envious. Love the selfie pose. That is such a great photo of you in adventure mode. -
EH Canada Marketing Group I can't believe that we saw a lynx either. I have been following a guy that shows how to take more interesting selfie picsEH Canada Marketing Group I can't believe that we saw a lynx either. I have been following a guy that shows how to take more interesting selfie pics and videos so I thought I would give it shot. More ...
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Janet Guthrie It seems to be working. You in the log photo and this one, plus others, are goodies.
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EH Canada Marketing Group thank you
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Awesome photos Janet! Can’t believe you seen a lynx! -
Cora Lee Rennie thank you. Seeing the lynx was really cool and such a surprise.
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Janet Guthrie were you frightened by the wildlife encounter ?
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Cora Lee Rennie a little nervous maybe
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Janet Guthrie I would be too! I’m terrified of grizzly bears!
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I love the scenery and of course the lynx - that is such a special and rare encounter! Amazing! -
Sonya Richmond You must have seen lots of wildlife on your Trans Canada Trail adventure. Have you seen a lynx before?
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Janet Guthrie We did see lots of amazing wildlife - I think my new favourite animal is the porcupine - but we were never lucky enough to see anyJanet Guthrie We did see lots of amazing wildlife - I think my new favourite animal is the porcupine - but we were never lucky enough to see any lynxs or cougars. More ...
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