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Opal Peak (2800 m)

Summary

Trip Report

Opal Peak is a fun little hike near Maligne Lake, similar in difficulty and views to Bald Hills. Nearingburg and Coulthard classify this one as an easy scramble but, given that there is a trail most of the way to the peak, I tend to see it as only a hike – a beautiful hike worthy of a day out, of course, with some particularly impressive geological features to view. The round-trip time listed in the book looks over-estimated.

Maligne Lake has two parking lots and the Opal Hills trailhead is accessed from the first parking lot. The Opal Hills Loop is an official, well-maintained Parks Canada trail which covers about two thirds of the distance to the peak. The most direct route to the base of the summit is a counter-clockwise loop.

Signage marks the way along the official trail. We kept right at the Y in the loop to take the more direct leg of the loop. Near the top of the trail, Opal Peak comes into view.
This small stream crossing added a bit of variety to the day.
Once above the trees, the rest of the trail looks like this. The trail worn into the scree makes for easy progress and this part wasn’t terrible.
Looking back at the way we came. Maligne Lake, typically an extraordinary turquoise, was mostly obscured by smoke on this day.
Near the crest of the ridge, views open up over peaks to the south. Impressive geological strata can be seen in the cliffs here.
The summit has a tall, elegant cairn. Unfortunately, the ordinarily spectacular views to the northwest were largely obscured by smoke.
Views to the southeast. Maybe the smoke obscured views, maybe it shrouded the day in mystery?
Summit panorama.
We returned the way we came. It is possible to continue north and ridgewalk to some smaller, unnamed peaks. But, I had foolishly mentioned beer to *someone* and their head was already at the brewery. We simply took the direct route back out.
The peaks of the Queen Elizabeth Range make for epic photos.
We took the line of least resistance and simply followed this drainage back out to Opal Hills Loop. We returned on the same leg of the loop we had ascended.
An inquisitive Canada Jay took us in as we passed below it on the trail out.

We made it back to the parking lot in 4 1/2 hours – much faster than the 6-9 hours estimated by Nearingburg and Coulthard, and leaving plenty of time for a pint or two at Jasper Brewing. I suspect the estimate in the book is based off of a trip report in poor conditions. As long as the ascent slope is snow-free (and free from avalanche hazard), Opal Peak is a fun, easy day out. I have recommended it to several friends.

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