Taylor Lake - Panorama Ridge, Banff National Park, Alberta

Taylor Lake itself then comes into view, with its waterfalls and almost-permanent snow at the distant end.  It's the site of a tiny campground, and is a popular destination for day hikes... however, more rewarding sights lie beyond.
After another uphill jaunt through the last of the dark spruce leads us into a flowery subalpine meadow that is ringed with a sparse forest of Larix lyallii.
A rushing creek drains the snow-melt tarns from higher up yet.

In this high area, where the snow has only lately melted away, we see the spring bloom.
Anemone occidentalis
Ranunculus eschscholtzii

Caltha leptosepala
Oxyria digyna
And there are magical scenes all around...

More scenery, and then continuing into the boulder field ahead.

Even more scenery.  (Sorry, I can't resist!)
And skipping ahead a season, the larches (Larix lyallii) are ablaze in fall on Panorama Ridge.

(P. S. I promise more plants, less scenery next time!)

Lori, when the scenery is THAT good, who could resist it!  8)

Besides, I don't think such a panorama is such an "off topic" thing at all.  I love to see the actual mountains/terrain where plants grow in, especially in places I am unfamiliar with.  How would I know what the ranges of the Rockies are really like if it weren't for pictures such as this from people such as you? Likewise, the ranges of the Caucasus would remain an enigma without such depictions.  Etc.

Thanks Lori!

Beautiful images, Lori - many thanks for posting.

I have never been to Canada, Banff is however, very high on my wish list!

I'm so jealous!  Wish I lived close to mountains...while we have lots of local, great alpines, they all grow at sea-level! (seems a contradiction....alpines at sea-level)