This hike in Banff National Park is rated moderate at 5.4 miles with 1,493 ft elevation change. The full view from the top is likely spectacular as described by other hikers, but since it was foggy and misty, we did not get to see it. But even our partially obscured view made this hike well worth it. The trail winds past several old mine shafts that are fenced off for safety.
Fenced off mine shaft along C-Level Cirque Trail
Mike heads up the C-Level Cirque Trail
Our favorite part of the hike was the greeting left at the beginning of the trail by a resident bear: a huge pile of scat, so fresh it was still steaming.
Bear scat near the beginning of the C-Level Cirque Trail
This deterred at least two parties from hiking the trail, which is a reasonable choice I can’t argue with. We pressed on, with hackles raised and bear spray in hand. Sadly, (or happily, depending on how it turned out) we never saw a bear.
C-Level Cirque Trail had many sections with exposed tree roots
