TR: Carthew - Alderson Trail Run

This point to point hike in Waterton Lakes National Park is definitely one of the most beautiful and (hence) popular hikes in Waterton Lakes... although "popular" has a different connotation in comparison to its neighbor to the south.

example of a sweeping pano view...

After a slow morning recovering from the Grinnell Glacier hike, we checked out the town of Waterton, walked around to check out where we could go for dinner later, etc.  We did a small driving tour of the park, and briefly checked out Red Rock Canyon... which looks fun to explore.

Here's Sunrift gorge in glacier... also looks fun to explore...

... and finally ended up at windy Cameron Lake, the starting point for my trail run back to town.  For most of the hike there is little vegetation,  providing sweeping panoramic views for most of the hike.

My running outfit... bear spray in one hand, a bottle of water in the other.  

The trail was immaculate.... and I passed 3 folks?

Ski descent?

Quite the scree field...

Passing the Carthew Lakes...

Snow!

Saw some bear scat... but no wildlife...

huckleberry!

... when Cameron Falls ran red... http://leisure.ezinemark.com/rare-phenomenon-cameron-waterfall-turns-into-red-773661fb4e58.html

Other Hikes...
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/activ/activ5.aspx

Other Cool Things to do in Waterton NP

• Stay in a Teepee... or as the Canadians spell it (Tipi) the night before.  http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/activ/activ3.aspx#tipi
• Kiteboard on Upper Waterton Lake.  It's often windy in the afternoon... although quite gusty I hear... but it'd be pretty special to kite amongst all those mountains in that lake.   
• Mtn Bike - Unlike most trails in every national park in the US, you can go mountain biking in National Parks in Canada.  Although this isn't the premier spot to do so, the Crandell Loop sounds like a fun one to bike (20 km).  http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/activ/activ1/c.aspx