Lake O'Hara is surrounded by imposing mountains, high alpine lakes, and grand lookout points and there is a network of trails that makes it all conveniently accessible. Most people choose to visit one or two features on a hike and tackle the basin piecemeal. However there is a route, called the Alpine Circuit, that takes it all in on one hike. It's 7.3 miles, which sounds deceptively easy. At the end of the day I was completely knackered and felt like I had done twice as many miles. I contribute this mainly to the nontraditional hiking trail; it was steep, rocky, and had areas with exposure. I also think being out in the open and in the sun on a warm day zapped some of my energy. But all in all it was a simply amazing hike and definitely one of the best dayhikes we have ever done.