Stephen Underhay

Approximately 93 miles (150kms) West of Rocky Mountain House along Highway 11, the trailhead begins at the Siffleur Falls Day Use Area. This spot offers restrooms and picnic tables to relax after your hike. Begin by following the trail along the North Saskatchewan River. Cross the very long suspension bridge and then follow along the wooden boardwalk. Shortly after you'll cross another bridge ...

This mountain is one of those most prominent features as you enter Jasper National Park. Although it's North Face is sheer, this scramble leads you up the North East Col to the summit.  3.5km West of the Miette Hot Spring road there is a small parking lot with a gate. Park here and follow a forestry road that winds to the left to find the trailhead. It is marked with flagging tape and logs acro...

Entering the Nevada de Toluca National Park, follow the windy road toward the crater rim. There will be a small parking lot on your left which offers a state-run hut for acclimating, although if you've spent time in Mexico City you should have no problem completing this hike in 1 day.The hike begins by following the well worn path down to Laguna de la Luna. From here enjoy the sights and make y...

No better way to watch the stars with friends than huddled up in your sleeping bag on top of a 3000m summit. This describes the bivy at The Fortress. Starting at the Chester Lake Trailhead, take the unmarked trail on the right side of the parking lot. These winter cross-country ski trails take you SE until you come to a damaged bridge. Cross the logs and up the slight hill and there is a clear...

This is an amazing hike takes you through the beautiful Sunset Meadows to a towering scramble of Mount Coleman. The 10,000ft peak offers up a challenging scrambling section for a rewarding view of Banff National Park.The trailhead is at the Sunset Pass/Pinto Lake Trailhead. Follow Highway 93, Icefields Parkway, 10 miles (16 km) north of Saskatchewan River Crossing.The hike begins with a well-gr...

From the Piedra Grande base camp at 14,025ft an alpine start is recommended. Beginning at 2am will offer the best weather near the summit. Begin by hiking along the concrete aqueduct above the hut. The first 1,500ft of elevation gain is a steep, rocky slope. Be careful for rockfall and slipping in the soft areas. Following the right side of the gulley, you'll zig-zag and gain elevation quickly....

Taking Hwy 1 West of Banff for approximately 8 miles you'll come to the Bourgeau Lake Trailhead. This trail starts with a 4.5 mile, 2460ft elevation through the forest to the beautiful Bourgeau Lake. This glacial tarn signals the start of the alpine and a wonderful morning hike on it's own. From here follow the trail up the small scree slope and enjoy the view (and most likely mountain goats) 1...

This short, but steep hike includes a moderate scrambling section, leading to an open spine that becomes increasingly difficult. The views of Abraham Lake are well worth the uphill grind, however, and this makes for a great half-day or beautiful backcountry overnight trip. About one third of the way up the trail you will reach a level area, which is said to have been a Stoney vision quest site...

Starting 105 miles (169kms) from Rocky Mountain House, the trailhead for this hike begins across the highway from Thompson Creek Campground. There is a grassy area to park and the path extends obviously on the east side of the creek. The initial 2.5 miles (4.2kms) meanders along the creek with 2 well marked river crossings across downed logs. Then follow the obvious West moraine gully away fro...

Clearly visible from the highway, the Twin Peaks of Ernest Ross get their namesake from the man who first drove a 1930 Ford Roadster between Rocky Mountain House and Saskatchewan River Crossing.After a 5 minute walk along the north bank of Bridge Creek, the hike begins to pick up elevation. A stretch of steep, forested hiking will bring you to the first ridge crest, where you have a wide-open v...

Beginning at the Izta Popo National Park entrance, obtain your permit and follow the bumpy road as it winds towards La Joya. This is the base camp area at 13,000ft that offers plenty of areas to set up your tent. Take your time and acclimate here to ensure a successful summit bid.An alpine start offers extra time on La Arista del Sol (The Ridge of The Sun) route. This route follows along the ri...