This post starts with a read-along of how our experience generally went. It is my hope that I am able to look back on it and remember the fun little details and memories, and that you have fun reading it if you choose to! If you want to skip the story and head right to the trail summary, scroll down to the "What to Expect" section! Names have been replaced with initials to protect privacy.
We arrived at about 2pm on an overcast Saturday in June. The beautiful Albertan landscape had attracted many road trippers, day hikers, and overnight backpackers to view the teal waters, so parking was limited at first. We drove past what looked like a marmot guarding the parking area, and squeezed C's truck into a small space on the grass beside the road. We knew we were visiting the trail on the same weekend as one of C's friends from work A, and his girlfriend, L, already a fun coincidence, but were surprised and excited to see that we had also arrived at the trail-head at the same time!
The first bit of the trail was tough. It started off with a steep incline for quite a while before it started to get a little kinder. The huge number of smiling dogs we passed on the way made the whole thing a little easier.
We didn't hike with A and L the whole time but ran into them, along with several day hikers on the way up. We passed a group of weed smoking overnighters as we crossed a small log bridge. I wondered if they were making it easier for themselves or more difficult. We trudged on.
The weather was chilly, but it turns out hiking with a backpack that rivaled me in size helped me to warm up quite quickly and I worked up a sweat. At one point I realized my hands felt funny, so I looked down to see that my fingers were swollen! C thought my backpack straps were too tight. Maybe he was right, but it didn't seem like they were. We kept moving, with me squeezing and flexing my fingers to try to reduce the swelling.
Just when I felt that my quads were burning more than they ever had, we arrived at a quite steep spot covered in scree (aka. Slippery) that had even backpackless day hikers gasping for air. I was in trouble. But the difficult section was not too long and as we pressed towards the top of the hill, we got our first glance at the magnificent view of the teal blue lakes below.
The rest of the hike went by much quicker as glimpses of the beautiful landscape became frequent and the trail softened into a more manageable slope with even some downhill sections.
Upon arriving at the lake, there was plenty of flat ground with tents scattered in the near area. Not wanting to be right at the trail-head, we traveled further down the right side of the lake. There weren't many spots left. It appeared most people had either come out the day before or earlier that day. However, we managed to find a nice spot with a view of the lake, that even had a makeshift fire-pit built with some good sized logs to sit on. There was room for two tents, so we called A, L and their adorable dog over from the other side of the lake where they had been searching.
Both pairs set up the tiny tents rather quickly and hungry after our journey up, we all made dinner. It was the first time experimenting with dehydrated food for C and I so we carefully read the instructions on our packets. Though maybe we should've read them more carefully upon purchase because somehow we ended up sharing a bland, but tasty Chicken and Egg Noodle meal intended for one person. (Full review and details coming in a future post!)
Fortunately, A and L had extra stir fry and were so sweet to share with us.
Feeling satisfied, we made our way down to the water to check out Allstones lake. The water was a beautiful dark teal blue with the sun reflecting off the surface. A decided to take a break from fishing to swim, despite the chilly air. We laughed as he yelled, wading in to the frigid lake.
For dessert we prepared a dehydrated Apple Cobbler. It was great. We took turns taking bites, C with his tiny fork, and me with my tiny spoon, playfully pushing the other's cutlery away from the best spots.
The four of us had spent a good portion of time hunting for fuel for a potential evening fire, and were feeling hopeful with our large pile of branches and sticks. However, when it actually came time to light it up, we struggled for 20 minutes attempting to light the tinder that was, evidently, damp. Even though everything had seemed dry enough, the past days' rain had soaked the wood through and the insides were still soggy. So we gave up on the fire and settled on an early night's sleep.
C and I squished into our little tent and laughed about what it would be like if his dog had come along like we thought he might. On regular camping trips in our large tent, we usually bring the sweet giant, but on this trip, he would've needed his own tent, as there was barely room for us and our giant packs. Our setup needed improvements. We both had a very slippery nights sleep and found ourselves sliding off the sleeping pads from the lack of grip between the pads and mummy bags. C was toasty while I shivered beside him. So not very different from any other night!
But eventually morning came and with it, the sun, heating up the tent like a crowded greenhouse. We peeled ourselves out of our sleeping bags and scrambled out of our olive-coloured oven.
For breakfast we ate some oatmeal we had prepared ourselves and got to packing. C dutifully rolled all his supplies and ensured that I followed his meticulous packing method for mine as well. Everything had to line up exactly perfectly even though some things fit just fine if they weren't. I love that little perfectionist in him.
After another quick trip to the water to soak in more of the lake view, we began the trek down just the two of us, as the other half of our party decided to stay a little longer and try fishing. We reminisced about the day before as we passed by hikers on their way up who reminded us of our own recent struggles. The few hikers who spoke to us in passing all made the same joke, something about being out of shape, and we laughed politely at all of them and encouraged them that "it gets easier once you get past this part".
The way down always feels faster. I guess it probably is, given that it's downhill, but it seems to feel even faster than it should. We protected our knees and shins like good little hikers by walking in a tiny switchback (zig-zag) pattern all the way down, which was weirdly really fun. I always adore all the funny little things that happen while camping, or doing anything out of the norm. Anything that inconveniences you becomes like a little adventure or a memory, or something that brings you closer to the people you were with. I think that's such a great way to look at things, and so different from how we perceive the inconveniences in everyday life.
I could go into detail about the rest of the way down, but it's basically just the reverse of the way up, by nature. The views were just as stunning, and the people were just as pleasant. In fact, the entire trip was really pleasant! That's the thing about spending time outdoors is that it has this effect that makes you feel really refreshed and happy. Also like you desperately need a shower.
What to expect
This trail was fairly steep! Good footwear is a must. There are also sections of the trail that are on skree, so be aware. It's a popular day hike, so bears shouldn't be a concern, and, at least while we were there, the trail was populated, but not too busy. Though still always bring bear spray.
There were lots of people fishing at the end of the trail, so if you're willing to carry poles up, this could be a fun activity!
The view is beautiful and can be seen at many spots up the trail. You won't be bored!
Allstones is not in a National Park, so you won't need to book a campsite, however, there is no food storage or formal firepits available, so you'll need to be prepared with dry bags and rope to store food in trees, and of course a small stove, which you should probably have anyway.
Difficulty
Allstones Trail was a Moderate to Hard level of difficulty, definitely Hard if you're carrying overnight gear with you. Fortunately, it is not long and took us only about 2-2.5h to complete, which makes the difficulty more bearable.
What to Consider
I have a backpacking camping list coming!
Specifically for this trail however, specific items to think about will be:
-Supplies for hanging food in trees
-Cooking stove (no firepit)
-Fishing poles
-Garbage bags (usually needed everywhere but it's good to have a reminder)
-The trail is dog friendly
-It can be done as a day hike OR overnight
-There are some specific rules for this trail and others in the area that can be found here.
-The link to this trail on the AllTrails app is here.
Parking
Parking is limited and can be busy depending on what day of the week you go on, but it is free!
If you go on this hike, please educate yourself on the rules of the area and on how to be a respectful hiker. It's a beautiful view and I'm sure you will enjoy it!
If you've done this hike, I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments, or you can message me on my Instagram!
XO
Tara