Finally got ourselves over to horse thief creek, near radium hot springs, and tackled the trail to lake of the hanging glacier. This is a magnificent, even iconic, Purcell mountain hike. The road and trail are now open, after washouts and footbridge damage last year. Kudos to those who repaired the foot bridges. They are excellent structures.
The trail is in very good shape and measured out at 7.6 km one way with a difference in elevation of about 760 m from trail head to lake shore. The destroyed footbridge over horse thief creek has been replaced by a robust welded aluminum structure. This is a strenous hike, although not at all technical. It meanders easily for a few km to the main footbridge. During this time little elevation is gained. At about 4.5 km the effort begins in earnest as long series of switchbacks takes you up to the hanging valley. Most of the elevation is gained here over a few km.
The lake itself is awe inspiring, silty green with stunning views of
jumbo and other mountsins. Small icebergs floating near the shore just add to the charm. If youre wanting a hike with much to offer, do this one. Be mindful the trailhead is a long way back from radium hot springs, some 57 km to the end of the road.
Trailhead
Views along horse thief creek
First footbridge
New horse thief bridge
Waterfall along the trail
Larch Meadows near the lake
The lake
Little icebergs
The glacier
Mountains and ice
This is a highly recommended adventure.