Hiking Table Mountain, Alberta - 360 | National Geographic
Table Mountain gets its name from this really cool large flat tablelike plateau which exists just below the summit.
When I’m setting out on a trail, I’m always really excited to see what I’ll discover along the way. I’m looking out for small details that might catch my eye, as well as the views in the distance and how I can tie those together to help tell a story.
We are on traditional territories in Alberta, home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. We thank these Nations for their continuous stewardship and for sharing the land with us.
I really love this first part of the trail as we set off because it’s so green and lush. You’re surrounded by these amazing wildflowers, beautiful shrubbery, and also this amazing aspen forest. It’s important to make sure you stay on the trail because the vegetation is really delicate and easily damaged.
It really feels like you get the best of everything here. Waterfalls, rivers, and forests, all while surrounded by these incredible mountain views. The running water really provides an awesome foreground for the dramatic peaks in the background.
This trail isn’t for beginners. It’s got some climbs. It’s rocky in places and you have to be able to scramble a bit. But it’s well worth it for the views.
As we start to leave the forest, you get a sense of where the trail is headed and you can see the climb and the peak above you. The reason I enjoy landscape photography so much is because I find that people connect more when they get a sense of place and kind of feel more, feel more of an experience of what I was feeling when I was standing there.
I’m really trying to showcase what it felt like to be there at the time. Even once you get to the top there’s still so much to discover. And you get to walk along this big plateau that you get 360-degree views the entire time.
The contrast of the prairies meeting the mountains is so spectacular. You also enjoy views of nearby mountains such as Victoria Peak and Mount Gladstone.
Looking out over to the prairies on one side and then looking at the dramatic peaks on the other side is just such a unique contrast compared to what you usually see from a summit.