Our first hike in Yoho National Park was in 1981 and since then we have hiked many of the trails, including backpacks, ski touring, glacial tours, mountaineering, trail runs, and scrambles.    It is our favorite Rockies National Park and one we try to visit often.   One of the routes we have done many times is to hike up the Yoho river Trail past Laughing Falls, then up the Twin Falls Trail.

From Twin Falls, we go up the switchbacks to the bridge over the Waterfall Creek, then up and over the Whaleback Trail.

Some of the best views in the area are on the Whaleback Trail.    Coming down the other side, we come to a junction.   We have turned west and up the trail to the Stanley Mitchell Hut and beyond, we have hiked east and down the Little Yoho River to Laughing Falls, and we have gone south on the Highline Trail, but our first choice is to go up the Little Yoho Valley then turn onto the Iceline Trail, continuing to a point opposite Takkakaw Falls, then down to the start.

This loop route is a long one, about 29 km and it is best suited to a backpack or a long day’s run (I have done both of these).

Shared here a few images from past outings on this loop, found in a Google Photos album (with captions) at this link – Yoho Whaleback Loop.

The album is also embedded in this post, for quick access.