The hiking traverse of the Esplanade Range is a continuous hike from hut to hut. Esplanade means Boardwalk in French and we spend a portion of each day hiking along a high flat ridge called The Esplanade. It is located north west of Golden in the Selkirk Mountains. The helicopter flies us into the range on the first day and back to the car on the last day. It’s important to pack lightly as you would for any day hike. You can bring spare clothing and beer or wine. These items can be flown into each of the 3 lodge on the first day. These lodges do not have indoor plumbing, electricity or internet. They are very comfortable with 6 bedrooms and a maximum of 2 people per room. All linen is provided.

On the first day, we will meet at staging area. Please be dressed ready to hike. We will attend a helicopter briefing and in 3 separate flights we will depart by helicopter for Vista Lodge. At the lodge, we will unpack, have lunch and I will give a short lodge talk before we head out for an afternoon hike. Our cook will stay in the lodge and prepare an appetizer and dinner. After hiking, we can have a sauna and supper is usually about 7:00 pm- it’s up to you.

On the next day, we will have breakfast at 8:00 am, pack up and leave for hiking no later than 9:30 am. From the hut, we will hike mostly uphill and then along the Esplanade Ridge, down a short gully and then up and over to Meadow Lodge.

The following day, we will leave Meadow Lodge and hike up and along the Esplanade most of the morning. We will hike up the highest peak in the Esplanade Range, Cupola Mountain. We will continue along Paradise Ridge and then down to Sunrise Lodge by late afternoon.

On the final day, we will hike to the top of 3 small peaks in the area of the final lodge. It’s possible to hike only 1 or 2 of these small peaks if some wish, returning to the lodge. On Friday, flights will depart for the staging area soon after breakfast. Folks will be back at their cars by 11:00 am.