Mount Crandell was originally called Bear Medicine Mountain by the Blackfoot Pikuni tribe. Bear’s Hump is a prominent feature, resembling the hump on the back of a Grizzly Bear, which looms over Waterton Village on the southwest face of 2,738 m (7,802 ft) Mount Crandell. This moderately strenuous, short hike to the overlook at the top of Bear’s Hump is a round trip of 2.8 KM (1.8 miles) and an elevation gain of 225 m (738 ft) to a maximum elevation of 1,525 m (5,000 ft). It is a sustained, fairly steep climb on predominantly rocky trail supplemented by short switchbacks and large, wooden beam steps.
Bill leads at the trailhead sign near the Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Information Centre
The Bear’s Hump trail is steep over a mainly rocky surface.
The Bear’s Hump trail offers occasional views of the sun rising over Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
We have chosen to make this hike our preliminary activity of the day. Bear’s Hump is arguably the most populated hike in Waterton Lakes National Park and we prefer to avoid the crowds. There is no-one else on the trail and cool air is well-balanced by physical exertion and the yellow-orange glow of the rising sun. We are pleased with our decision to hike very early and we look forward to a well-earned and hearty breakfast. Within less than an hour we arrive at the top of Bear’s Hump and the incredible views it offers.
The trail ends here, at the top of Bear’s Hump, with the scramble route to the summit of Mount Crandell behind.
A view to the northeast across The Prince of Wales Hotel and the narrows separating Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes.
From the uppermost point of the rock outcropping, there is a phenomenal view over the top of the Prince of Wales Hotel above Emerald Bay and the narrows separating Upper Waterton Lake from Middle Waterton Lake. Tiny Linnet Lake peeks out near the boat launch area on Middle Waterton Lake. The rising sun creates an ethereal glow through morning mist. The obligatory photos of triumph are taken from the top of Bear’s Hump.
The view south unfolds as we approach the edge of Bear’s Hump that overlooks Waterton Village.
Bill makes the traditional victory acknowledgment of our successful hike to the top of Bear’s Hump.
Bill, Joanne and your truly at the top of Bear’s Hump in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Joanne and Bill at the edge of Bear’s Hump on Mount Crandell overlooking Waterton Townsite.
We may be the only humans present, but we are not alone.
Vistas from the edge of the Bear’s Hump cliff face are awe-inspiring and enhanced by early morning sun. We take the time to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
Mountain views to the northeast from Bear’s Hump, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Bertha Peak, 2,440 m (8,005 ft), towering over Waterton Village.
Looking over Waterton Village and down Upper Waterton Lake into Glacier National Park in Montana, USA
The small marina nestles on the shore of Emerald Bay as morning sun accentuates bands of mist on east shore mountains.
To the northeast, tiny Linnet Lake peeks into view near the Prince of Wales Hotel with Middle and Lower Waterton Lakes behind.
Overlooking Waterton Townsite from Bear’s Hump in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
The narrows which separate Middle Waterton Lake from Upper Waterton Lake with Vimy Ridge and Vimy Peak behind
A final view over Waterton Village before we leave Bear’s Hump to return to the trailhead.
We begin our return hike from Bear’s Hump on the same route we made the ascent.
A view to the northeast from partway down the Bear’s Hump trail in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Back at the Bear’s Hump trailhead, then off to a great breakfast at Zum’s Eatery in Waterton Village.
As we are leaving Bear’s Hump, a couple with their dog take our place and on the way down we meet less than a dozen people hiking to the top. By noon the trail will be very busy in both directions. Bear’s Hump overlook will be crowded throughout the afternoon and evening in spite of the heat on the rock.
We enjoy a relaxed and excellent breakfast at Zum’s Eatery on Waterton Avenue before driving to Cameron Lake at the end of the Akamina Parkway, otherwise known as Cameron Lake Road.
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Spectacular! Loved the chipmunk.
Thank you for your comment, Helen. I call them all chipmunks as well but I believe this is a variety of squirrel whose name eludes me. There is no way of telling from the photograph but a chipmunk is smaller than this little guy and although the stripes on the back indicate a chipmunk, the smaller chipmunk is distinguished by stripes on the face as well. I am glad you enjoyed Bear’s Hump. It is a long panoramic view and we were blessed with an exceptionally fine, bright, cool, calm and clear morning.
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