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The two RV Gypsies enjoyed Horseshoe Lake |
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One of the hidden gems in Alberta's Jasper National Park is stunning Horseshoe Lake. This small lake is hemmed by towering cliffs along much of its shoreline and displays sparkling clear water in varying shades of blue. Shaped like a lopsided 'U', the reason for the name is obvious, as is the reason for its great attraction. With Mount Hardesty looming in the background, the lake is both easy to get to and offers some of the best of Jasper's beautiful scenery. Located next to the Icefields Parkway, a small sign next to a pull-off along the road announces Horseshoe Lake. |
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It did not take the two RV Gypsies long to get to the cliffs because the trail was not very long, but it was tricky in a few spots. |
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Located about 20 miles south of the town of Jasper, Horseshoe Lake has a reputation as the best local swimming hole. The water is extremely cold even during hot summers because the water comes from glacial melt. And unfortunately the lake has attracted thrill-seekers who jump off the cliffs into the water. The park service is trying to discourage this dangerous practice after several accidental injuries, some fatal. Mirroring the unusual boulder formations above water, there are many rocks below the surface, making any diving or jumping dangerous. |
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Below: People jumping in the two photos above and the one photo below. |
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Horseshoe Lake - under the cliffs of Mt. Hardesty -August 26, 2009 |
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| There were several local guys jumping from both sides of the cliff you see in the photo below. They were so high up, that a LOUD thud could be heard when they hit the water. | |
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| Below- Lee Duquette checked out one of the areas from which some local guys were just jumping from. Karen Duquette videotaped the guy jumping from these cliffs. You can get a sense of the height by looking at the size of the people below, and the water is quite a bit below those people too. The Videos can be seen on this website by choosing the TOC button above, and then choosing Canada Movies. | |
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Below - The view down into
the water - this is where the local guys jumped from. |
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Below: In 2009, The two RV Gypsies walked further on up the trail. Nobody else was around other than the local guys jumping. Lee just didn't want to walk it further in 2015, maybe because the trail was crowded. |
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Below - sign on the trash can at the parking lot of Horseshoe Lake in 2009. There were a lot of people and cars in the parking lot in 2015, so the two RV Gypsies are not sure if this sign was still there or not. |
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