 August 2025 Recap!Wow August, What.A.Month! August was loaded and I’m a little sad but grateful for the adventures and memories made!
This past month, I completed 17 hikes some of which I led through Hikerbabes, our friends came to visit us from Texas for a couple of days, Nick and I traveled to Glacier National Park and Banff National Park, we celebrated Nick’s birthday, I hit up some new peaks, and we attended the Preston rodeo and a PGA golf tourney in Ogden, UT! (Woof!) It was a packed month, and I wouldn’t want it any other way! Summer is going by fast, and I can already see the leaves starting to change so fall is coming and you know winter is shortly behind. September is also going to be a packed month with some travels out of state, my folks are coming into town, and of course more new weekly hikes! So stay tuned for all the adventures and I hope you’re getting out as much as you can too! I’m excited for cooler weather and leaf peeping season! It’ll be here before we know it and the colors are going to be poppin! xoxo Kimmy
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Aspen Hollow Cabins near Glacier NP!Starting our trip off by talking about our Airbnb that we stayed at just outside of Glacier NP! Now I’m going to be blunt, when we travel I am only going to tell you about the places that I truly loved and enjoyed staying at. There were some places on this past trip (Glacier NP and Banff NP trip) that I’m not going to bother telling you about because honestly they were just okay and we probably wouldn’t stay there again just because it didn’t wow us (sorry I'm not sorry). But Aspen Hollow Cabins, they deserve every recognition! 10 minutes from the park (let me tell you it’s rare to find something this close to Glacier), cute tiny home in the woods, cozy fire pit, super comfy bed, rock feature shower, huge kitchen, and close proximity to great restaurants and bars! I could go on and on with this place. Nick and I were so happy with this find. They really went above and beyond on every little feature and detail in the home, and we felt so at peace. Bonus: it’s even dog friendly! Now, I know this is only a 2 person stay so it probably doesn’t help families out, but for a couples getaway it is ideal! (Speaking of adult things: they even gave us a coupon for a distillery flight at Glacier Distillery Company) So if you’re planning a couples trip to Glacier NP, you have to pick this place! Quiet, serene, and so much to offer. You will not be disappointed. xoxo Kimmy Aspen Hollow Cabins Website: https://aspenhollowmontana.com/ *We booked on Airbnb but you can go directly to their site too* Oh Canada!After Glacier National Park, Nick and I drove up to Banff, Canada to explore the National Park. Here's a break down of our trip day by day!
Day 1: O Canada!! Our home and native land! Ok ok yes I know I’m American but OMG Canada! I can see why people live here now! I actually cried when I came into your country it’s so beautiful! The first hike we had planned was recommended to us from one of our customers back in Utah! It was actually the only one I had saved and then we figured out the rest as we went. It’s the Tea Houses trail at Lake Louise in Banff NP. This area is very popular so you have two options, either get to the trailhead super early (6:30 am or sooner) for parking or you have to take a shuttle from Lake Louise Ski Resort. We got up super early and got ourselves a parking spot. You still have to pay for either one but we were glad we got a spot so we didn’t have to worry about catching shuttles and could take our time. You first walk up to the beautiful Lake Louise which is a bright teal color with huge mountain sides surrounding it. Lots of people just come here and take photos but if you continue to walk to the right of the lake it will eventually lead you onto some amazing hiking trails. The tea houses trail is a loop trail that took us 11 miles and just over 3,000 elevation gain. It passes 3 lakes, goes to 2 tea houses, passes a couple of glaciers, tons of wildflowers and wildlife, waterfalls and streams, and honestly just takes your breath away the whole time. It’s views after views after views! Just some side notes, the tea houses were built to serve as rest houses and stops for hikers and hotel guests back in the 20th century. They look like little Swiss homes too! Also, if you’re wondering why the lake looks milky or cloudy it’s because the glaciers press down onto the limestone and make silt that essentially then comes down off the mountain side into the lake. Boom just some little fun facts! Today, you can still get tea and treats at the tea houses as you hike through the area. It’s so cute and charming! I am so glad our customer referred us to this trail because I would recommend it to anyone visiting Banff NP! Day 2: This time we’re off to Moraine lake and Sentinel pass trail! To get to Moraine lake you do have to take a shuttle since the park is strict on how many people can be up there at a certain time. It got overly crowded so they made it mandatory to take a shuttle there now. You can get tickets at Lake Louise Ski Resort and the shuttles I believe were every 15-30 min. (Note: They are a bit pricey but again this lake is so worth it in my opinion and this trail was ah-mazing) We got on our shuttle, our driver was so sweet and told us some fun facts along the way and then we arrived at Moraine lake! This lake has been on my bucket list for years so I was so excited to finally witness it in person. We decided to do the sentinel pass trail first and then explore the lake after. Here again the trail starts to the right of the lake and has a pretty steep incline the first mile or so. The trail goes through a very wooded section, and then opens up to a meadow where you can see the 10 peaks surrounding the area, the trail then goes up to 2 lakes and then boom the wall! You can see the trail’s switchbacks up to the pass and yes it’s a bit intimidating but you know it’s going to have some of the most stunning views up there. We made it up to the pass and you could see down into both valleys just full of mountain tops, lake views, lots of rocks and boulder terrain, and you honestly just feel like a little ant in the Rockies. We made a little chip monk friend up there and sat up there for awhile enjoying the views and having a snack. On our way down, we saw a path that went to a waterfall so we stopped there for a bit. We made it back down to Moraine lake and walked around to see the lake in its full extent. There is a path that runs along the side of it so we tagged that on to our hike. It was definitely a bit more crowded by this time but since the sun was more up you could really see the colors of the lake better and the mountain sides w/glaciers. People take red canoes out here on Lake Louise so you can do that as an extra bonus. The sentinel pass and lake moraine hike ended up being around 10 miles and just over 3100 elevation. Day 3: Last full day in Canada! By this time we had already done over 40 miles hiking on this trip (Glacier included) so we decided to do an “easier” hike for our last day. It was a very rainy and moody morning hike and both Nick and I could tell our bodies were pretty worn out but we got up and headed to Johnston Canyon. This trail is off the old Banff NP road and is a really beautiful drive through the park. We got to the trailhead around 7 am and actually had tons of parking available which was great! The trail is paved for a good portion of it but really it’s because they had to build the trail through this massive canyon so it was pretty cool to be kinda dangling off the canyon walls while viewing all these waterfalls. It was a really fun traverse! You hike past multiple waterfalls, huge canyon walls, forest vegetation, teal blue water, and of course the canyon river. After the last waterfall the trail turns and you go onto an actual hiking trail for another 1.5-2 miles to the ink pots! What’s an ink pot you ask?! An ink pot is a cold, colorful, small pool that forms in certain valleys. They also bubble, and form from mineral water that seep up through the ground! They were super active when we saw them and kept bubbling a lot. The colors reminded me of the geysers you see in Yellowstone. So colorful! The ink pots were in this amazing valley that just opened up to towering mountain sides, large river, and fields of rich forest vegetation. It was fun to walk around and take in all the views. This trail ended up being around 9 miles out and back and 2200 elevation gain. Ok so maybe not the easiest but it felt easier compared to the other hikes we did that week! When we were hiking back a lot more people had come into the canyon so it does get a bit crowded but it mostly just by the waterfalls. It was a great one again and a great one to cap the trip off. Canada will always be in my heart now, and I honestly can’t wait to come back again. You’re one amazing neighbor! Xoxo Kimmy *To see photos from our trip head to my Instagram page @getlostoutdoors2023* 2 Days in Glacier NP!I'm going to break this trip down on a day to day basis of what we did so let's jump in!
Day 1: Our first day in Glacier NP and boy did we learn a lot that first day about the park! First, let me tell you when they say get there early, they mean get there early!!! Nick and I wanted to do a bunch of trails and when we rolled into the park at 6 am the parking lots were already full!! Every hike we had pinned we kept passing because we couldn’t find a spot to park. We drove up the "Going to the sun road" passed Logan’s pass which again was full and we both looked at each other and said whichever parking lot we can find, let’s just take it and hike! We were done driving and trying to find anything so next spot open, we took it! What’s so great about going with the flow is you never know what you’re going to get and the trail we ended up on was so epic and wasn’t even listed as a top hike in Glacier! Sometimes you just have to roll with it and in this case it ended up being amazing! We ran into a lot of people on the trail to see which way they were going and most kept saying Siyeh pass so we decided to follow! You start near beautiful falls and a river that then takes you into a forest bed, eventually leading to beautiful meadows, and then bam you’re surrounded by mountain sides, more waterfalls, glacier lakes, and tons of prairie dogs! You continue your ascend up and up till you get great 360 degree views of both sides of the park! Then once you hit the pass you descend down into another canyon but this time with tons of wildflowers, waterfalls, another glacier lake, and long horn sheep! I mean come on, this trail has it all! This trail was actually a point to point trail because we learned that you could take a shuttle back to our cars which was clutch because the trail one way is over 11 miles and 2200 elevation gain. It ended up taking us over 5 hours to complete. I would rate it hard just because of the distance but it really wasn’t too steep which was nice. If you need a plan b or c or d to Glacier NP then I would 100 % add this one to your list if your other hikes don’t work out. It’s less touristy and worth all the rewards! Day 2 Part 1: First stop of the day, Avalanche Lake in Glacier NP! This is one of your iconic and well known hikes in Glacier NP. It is a very touristy spot but the views don’t disappoint and it’s definitely worth going to. If you go early in the morning, you can beat the rush and enjoy the lake peacefully. When we got to the lake, there were only a handful of people there but by the time we started heading back the crowds were rolling in. This trail is very beginner friendly and great for families! It’s 5.3 miles out and back and only 730 ft of elevation gain. I know we don’t typically like the overly touristy spots but there’s a reason they are this way. This lake is incredible! The trail going to the lake is in very dense forest vegetation but then once you get to the lake it opens up and bam! You feel like you just got transported to a whole new world. Beautiful teal blue water, towering mountain sides, multiple waterfalls, cute ducks, rich pine vegetation, and a luxurious beach side. We walked up and my jaw just dropped! I’m convinced this might be the most beautiful lake I’ve ever hiked to. Now remember, this is bear country so please pack your bear spray and stay alert. I forgot to mention that before, but seriously this place and Canada is no joke for bears so be prepared, even on the most touristy sites you just never know! Day 2 Part 2: After avalanche lake, Nick and I hopped on the shuttle and went up to Logan’s pass to do Hidden Lake trail. Another touristy trail but again so worth it! I will say a lot of people just hike to the overlook and then turn back so if you continue to the lake then it gets less crowded. We went all the way to the lake and I’m so glad we did. It is absolutely magical! I even stepped in for a bit to get my feet wet and it felt so good. Then chilled and snoozed for a bit. The trail starts with amazing views of the mountain sides, beautiful meadows, luscious wildflowers, and lots of wildlife. Yes this trail had the most wildlife we had seen on a single trail. Mountain goats, long horn sheep, marmots, prairie dogs, chipmunks, and different birds. You eventually get to the overlook and boom! Beautiful views of hidden lake and all the mountain sides surrounding it, plus some glaciers. It is so stunning and again I can see why so many people do this trail. If you do the full trail to the lake it’s just over 5 miles out and back and 1300 ft of elevation gain (the trail going down to the lake goes very low so this is where you gain all your elevation, when you come up from the lake). I would rate it moderate and if you just go to the overlook then I would say it’s an easy trail. If you need a quick hike with great views in glacier then add this one to your list. Advice: In regards to parking if you don’t want to deal with missing out on a spot then I suggest taking the shuttle around, the only downside to it is it starts at 9 am so if you’re an early bird like me then it may not be ideal to wait. But if you’re in the park and then need to get to another place then take the shuttle, they run every 30 min at each location. We only had 2 days in glacier and I think with the 3 hikes we got in, we hit it well but there’s still a lot of trails I want to do there. Looks like we’ll have to come back again! xoxo Kimmy *To see photos from our trip head to my Instagram page @getlostoutdoors2023* |
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