For the next 30 minutes, the trail descends towards the Elfin Lakes before arriving at a view above the lakes of the surrounding area. Opal Cone via Elfin Lakes Shelter is a 8.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Seaichem 16, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Bob H. at Elfin Lakes: “Today was a gorgeous early Autumn day for a hike. It's generally a good double-track except for some loose rock and a few muddy areas after a rain. Once given the info, we were allowed to park in the parking lot. It would do. As the trail begins to level, the two huts at Elfin Lakes can be seen off in the distance. - Elfin Lakes (Diamondhead), Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek), Cheakamus Lake . 1) Due to snow and ice, chains are... View more details about camping at Elfin Lakes. Beautiful hike with ~75cm of new snow, shelter is extremely nice! Heading up the Saddle Trail and the additional 6km hike/scramble to the Gargoyles is rewarded with amazing vistas of Columnar Peak, and back towards Elfin Lakes. The snow situation can sometimes be even tough on 4x4 vehicles with chains or snowtires. In winter, you should have chains for the tires. Once there, it's all gradually downhill as you continue towards the warming shelter leaving the alpine scenery behind. The start of the trail is just past the yellow gate on what appears to be a wide gravel road. Elfin Lakes / Red Heather / Paul Ridge Hike, Snowshoe, Backcountry Ski trails near Squamish, British Columbia. The trail to Elfin Lakes is 11km each way, it is not an after-work activity so please leave yourself a full day to complete the hike. Heading up the Saddle Trail and the additional 6km hike/scramble to the Gargoyles is rewarded with amazing vistas of Columnar Peak, and back towards Elfin Lakes. Trail Conditions Trail in good condition. The Elfin Lakes hike has been on my bucket list for a few years. The trail to Elfin Lakes is 11 km (7 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 600 m (1969 ft). You need to start at the Diamond Head trailhead (on googlemaps, this is called the Elfin Lakes trailhead) From there, you follow a wide, easy to follow trail up through the forest towards Round Mountain.The 105 Hikes book said this first part would be a chore, so I was expecting something really steep like the Grouse Grind or the Chief. The highest hazard is where the winter route diverts to the east side of the ridge from the summer route - that first part of the ridge line has the steepest slopes. View a map of Driving directions to Elfin Lakes. It is somehow hard on 2WD but still doable. The trail starts to descend toward the lakes and you can see the shelter in the distance. We drove through Quest University to where the paved road ends and the dirt road begins. If you are planning an overnight adventure, begin the trail early in the day and bring a tent as a second option. I am going to Elfin lake on 26th(Monday). From the parking lot, pass the yellow gate and begin heading uphill along the wide gravel road. Bugs No bugs. However, it is solely used today by hikers and mountain bikers to access Elfin Lakes. The average time to complete the hike (round trip) is listed as anywhere between six and eight hours and it is only deemed passable from mid-July through October depending on the conditions. Use the BC Parks backcountry reservations system. Bob H. at Elfin Lakes: “Today was a gorgeous early Autumn day for a hike. Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. 2 ° C. Dry and cloudy. Trip Report By. The two Elfin Lakes are visible from a ways off and the mountains and glaciers beyond provide an achingly beautiful backdrop to the area. We continued hiking uphill and stopped several times to take in the gorgeous alpine scenery. Steventy. Elfin lakes hike starts from the Diamond trailhead in the Garibaldi provincial park. Elfin Lakes Trail Map. Elfin Lakes trail is a beautiful hike, but if we were going to repeat it, we would do it in the summer, when the trail is clear of snow and the actual lakes emerge from beneath few feet of snow! A female bear crossing the trail. Elfin Lakes are two lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park that are popular for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and mountain bicycling trail located east of Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Tweet LinkBack: Thread Tools: post #1 of Old 11-27-2010, 02:03 PM Thread Starter. Apr 8, 2020. (Sat, Nov 27th) User Tag List: Reply. Be well prepared, properly equipped and informed ... Elfin Lakes to Opal Cone 6.5 km 460 m S – Type IV Defined Snow Large washout ~5km past Elfin Lakes. Snow was soft and firm, with stone poking up through the snow on the lower third of the trail ... Elfin Lakes Trip Reporter. Previous Reports. The upper lake is larger and people are able to swim in this lake. Sign up to receive hiking updates, information It is about 65Km drive. Previous Reports. There is … Join Date: Jun 2010 . The trail starts to descend toward the lakes and you can see the shelter in the distance. Snow was soft and firm, with stone poking up through the snow on the lower third of the trail The upper parking lot was snow covered and not too crowed, most vehicles were chained. Elfin Lakes. Drive West towards Horseshoe Bay. The narrow trail eventually joins back up with the wide gravel road. The trail up was packed and skinning up to it was not necessary though almost all did. For more detailed information on these, and other, trails please visit the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park Page.. I found the trail condition looks OK... We plan to hike to Elfin Lakes on Oct 25,2020. I'm planning on riding the Elfin Lakes trail up in Squamish out and back (~ 22 Km total) on either Saturday Sept 4, 2011 or Sunday Sept 5, 2011. Share. Note: This parking lot does have a reputation for several car-related thefts, so do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. Home Hikes British Columbia Trip Report: Elfin Lakes Snowshoe. The first and larger lake is fine for swimming and on a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than jumping in to cool off. The upper lake is larger and people are able to swim in this lake. This is the Elfin Lakes trail that is used by hikers and bikers in summer and skiers and snowshoers in the winter. As you continue up the trail past the shelter, follow the narrow hiking trail for the next kilometer. We took time to soak in the scenery, have lunch and explore the area before heading back. 0.4 ° C. No report. Eventually the trail continues to level and as you approach you see Elfin Lakes in the distance. Lakes are half frozen. There is a small overflow parking on the side at 2.7Km from the beginning of Garibaldi Park Road which can park and walk the 2Km to the trail head. The mountainous terrain is home to many trails, high alpine passes, and lakes. Elfin Lakes are two small lakes located in the scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, British Columbia. In the end, conditions were pretty perfect, so we were able to explore the Elfin Lakes Winter Route. Has bits that are more technical than the Parking Lot to Elfin Lakes trail, but as a novice hiker with a fear of heights, I found these parts doable with a little will power. The trail is 21km return. It goes around the other side of Round Mountain, and stays higher. The trail up was packed and skinning up to it was not necessary though almost all did. Comments. All that being said the Elfin lakes area has relatively gentle slopes in most places, and since the trail to the cabin goes along the ridge top most of the way you're pretty safe. I think this is a pretty fast time given the icy conditions. 3. Strenuous . May 5, 2017 . Garibaldi Park is located in the coast mountain wilderness and the weather can be severe and unforgiving. It is a well-known and very popular overnight trip near Vancouver, and because of that I had avoided it. Current conditions. 1 votes. Aug. 30, 2011, 5:44 p.m. gosselin.rick. Snow Snowfields to cross - could be difficult ... the trail approaches Mt. Unfortunately we'd had to shorten our trip due to rain and made do with some shorter afternoon and evening rambles near the hut, still a very satisfying adventure. You can electronically Unsubscribe at any time. Please ensure to bring your own toilet paper. Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Elfin Lakes, British Columbia; Elfin Lakes is a beautiful area in Garibaldi Park just outside Squamish, British Columbia - between Vancouver BC and Whistler. M Moderate Type II 1.5 m wide, gravel surfacing in wet areas, up to 15% grade. Elfin Lakes Trail Map. 32 km N. 658 m alt. High: overcast.

My store contains affiliate links. This amazing hut sleeps 33 and is solar powered and propane heated. Day visitors should be capable of camping overnight in case of injury, accident or extreme w eather. Lakes are half frozen. The trail undulates along the ridge for about 6 kilometers before reaching Elfin Lakes. There are two lakes (one swimmable, one reserved for drinking water), a well-equipped shelter, and a campsite available in a beautiful, alpine area. After hiking for just over an hour, you arrive at the shelter at Red Heather Meadows. The name was adopted in 1978 when it was identified in a pamphlet for the local lodge. Mid: broken. Further down the trail is the tent pad area, an outhouse and the overnight shelter. The shelter does fill up quickly. Trail is easy... March 7/8 - stayed at the cabin overnight. Calm (0 kph at 0). Hiking Photography Hiking Cycling Climbing … ~5hrs one way on snow shoes. 4 trails with 128 photos Posts: 2,463 Send a message via ICQ to Steventy. Pay camping fees and acquire day use permits at: https://discovercamping.ca/bccweb/ Trail Difficulty Rating Trail Type Rating E Easy Type I 1.5 to 2.5 m wide, paved, gravel or board walk, less than 10% grade. about upcoming contests, and special offers. The Elfin Lakes hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park is a marvelous full day outing. So many landscapes and beauties to look at compared to the Elfin Lakes trail alone. 1 hour ago. Hike Details. What remains is a jeep road that is still used by B.C. 24 km. Awoke at 5:45am to ensure I was fully awake and logged in to the Discover Camping reservation system to obtain the required Garibaldi Park (Diamonhead Trailhead) free Day Use Pass from BC Parks. by Lisa May 5, 2017. There is a Permit System for Overnighters. After hiking for about 5km, we arrive at Red Heather Meadows where there is an outhouse and a shelter. Location: , BC, Canada. T he scenic alpine trail at Elfin Lakes presents a full day of hiking, or less by bike, ... Report all theft from vehicles to Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100. This is also the area with the most bear activity. Go left and continue gradually heading uphill, admiring the beautiful alpine scenery to your left. The Elfin Lakes Trail starts near Squamish close to the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. level 2. Look then for a turn-off on the left side with a big Garibaldi Park Rd sign. Even though the trail looks fairly flat on a map, it always feels like one is either walking up or down hill on this section. 2 hours ago. be sent by Email through the Contact Us Before leaving the parking lot, you will need to pay online for overnight camping. Temperature-6 °-6 ° Feels like -6 ° Precipitation 0 mm. See the forecast as a table or graph. BC Parks closure due to COVID-19 … We waited a few minutes and as we hiked by we could see her up the hill at the base of a tree looking up at her cubs. status date … Check out the BC Parks website for more info about the campsite, and read the great trail reports on Vancouver Trails and Trail Peak. Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes Area. Elfin Lakes to Little Diamond Head Trail, 7 km and 625 meters elevation change. Elfin Lakes Winter Route – the basics . Elfin Lakes Trail. History. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Garibaldi and provides the only close up views of this elusive mountain. The Elfin Lakes hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park is a marvelous full day outing. Elfin Lakes, ranger cabin. Elfin lakes are a series of two lakes situated beside each other in the Garibaldi provincial park near Squamish. High on the Mountain Top . Starting January 2, 2018, reservations are required year-round for Elfin Lakes Shelter and Elfin Lakes campground. The trail to Elfin lakes is marked with poles, so look ahead for the next orange poll to make sure you are on the correct path. Stunning views make all the uphill worthwhile.

My store contains affiliate links. Road Road rough but passable. The Elfin Lakes hike has been on my bucket list for a few years. Pass the warming hut and head back downhill towards the parking lot where you began your day. Since the early 1900's, hikers have been venturing into Garibaldi Provincial Park to explore and take pleasure in its numerous alpine lakes, ponds, streams and meadows. More Elfin Lakes (Diamondhead) is a 12.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Squamish, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Mamquam Lake campground is permanently closed for overnight use. 04.01.2015 (2077 Days Ago) Backcountry Skiing. Oct 15, 2020 Elfin Lakes Trail Report; Elfin Lakes (Elfin Lakes / Red Heather / Paul Ridge) All Clear / Green; Snow Covered - non groomed snow cover; Mountain Bike Reporter Primary Activity; Some snow from the shelter onward. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. The first section is a steady uphill climb as you make your way back up to the rocky ridge. Type of Hike Day hike. It stopped for a moment but quickly crossed to the other side. Be well prepared, properly equipped and informed before entering the backcountry. What remains is a jeep road that is still used by B.C. There is a small but very treacherous trail washout between Opal Cone turnoff and Mamquam Lake – check out the photo in the trip report. Take sea-to-sky Hwy to Squamish. It was walking ahead of us on the trail. It's generally a good double-track except for some loose rock and a few muddy areas after a rain. form. Information on the trail can be found on the park’s website, as well as in popular hiking books such as 105 Hikes. However, due to the rocky surface, this ride feels like a solid 30km. CallaghanValley-BC. Dogs are not allowed. The hiking trail-head is 16 kilometers from the Sea-to-Sky highway (99) at an elevation of 1000 metres. 0. Watch out for the small blue frozen lake to the North, but even cooler was the hiker at the summit reading a Kindle. If You Go: Elfin Lakes is located at the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park, just outside Squamish. At the town of Squamish, watch for the turnoff to Mamquam Road or the Valley Golf Country Club. Abruptly, you top a small rise and see the two Elfin Lakes below you, set in a gorgeous meadow, and the ranger hut, with the main hut a bit further on. 914 m alt. Hiking the Elfin Lakes Trail in Winter & Spring - know before you go Once you reach Elfin Lakes you have a great view of Columnar Peak, The Gargoyles, Opal Cone and Mamquam Icefield. Trail Conditions; Elfin Lakes; Advanced search. Aug 22, 2020. view: Apr 8, 2020 @ 4:31pm. Parking Lot to Elfin Lakes This 11 km (7 mi) trail takes 3 to 5 hours and leads to the Elfin Lakes shelter. In the end, conditions were pretty perfect, so we were able to explore the Elfin Lakes Winter Route. Accessing this park is done via several main trailheads along the Sea to Sky Highway, but to access the Elfin Lakes backcountry hut, the Diamond Head At the entry to the parking lot stood a BC Parks worker asking us the purpose of our visit and for our Day Use Pass confirmation number. The shelter is used in the winter by snowshoers and cross-country skiers as a place to warm up and in the summer months as a place for hikers to use the outhouse just beyond the building. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a Page. July 30, 2020 . Most years there are wildflowers in abundance and take-your-breath away beautiful mountain scenery – at least once you get past the Red Heather Shelter. Trip Report Title: Elfin Lakes : Rate Trip Report. The first 6 km of the hike are uphill, 4.5 km of which are on a forest service road. Elfin Lakes is a popular hike-in camping area with excellent facilities and several day hikes that can be attempted by staying overnight. The Elfin Lakes Trail is very well marked and maintained and leads to the wonderful, Elfin Lakes Hut. Drive about 1.7Km. It is a well-known and very popular overnight trip near Vancouver. On our way back, just past Red Heather Meadows we came across our second bear. Elfin Lakes is in Garibaldi Provincial Park, located just north of the town of Squamish. Find the perfect elfin lakes stock photo. Shortly after beginning the ascent, you’ll reach a switchback going to your left, and continue your uphill march. However, a 1946 letter from W.H. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use. Elfin Lakes trail is an incredibly beautiful moderate hike that includes the option of staying overnight in a heated hut. T he following information is intended to give a brief description of possible back country adventures possible in Garibaldi Park. As we continue past the shelter, the trail narrows for about a kilometer and then splits into a gravel trail. Originally, this was the main road to access the old Diamond Head Lodge at Elfin Lakes. At the fork in the road, go left and continue up the dirt road to the parking lot. Make the final descent down towards the first lake and stop to take photos and enjoy the view. Low: few. After driving the Sea to Sky Highway to Mamquam Road, I turned right onto Mamquam Road (at the Canadian Tire) and followed the signs. Take Hwy #1. This map shoes the summer route, but if you zoom in, you can see the winter trail. The first 6 km of the hike are uphill, 4.5 km of which are on a forest service road. peterm. Elfin Lakes Snowshoe Route From the Diamond Head parking lot, the first 5 km of the trail are the steepest of the day. The road becomes a gravel road. No need to register, buy now! Previous Reports. Estimated time to Elfin Lakes in winter is 3-5 hours. It varies greatly depending on conditions and how many photos you take along the way (over 200 for me, putting us at turtle pace). New posts Elfin Lakes. The trail to Elfin Lakes is 11 km (7 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 600 m (1969 ft). Elfin Lakes trail – the start. A short drive from the Sea to Sky Highway in Squamish, British Columbia, is Garibaldi Provincial Park. Cloudy weather (like today) may obscure (most of) the views. There are excellent signs directing you to the Elfin Lakes/Diamond Head trailhead parking. Check out the BC Parks website for more info about the campsite, and read the great trail reports on Vancouver Trails and Trail Peak. The Trip is an All-Day Affair . ClubTread Community > Regional Hiking Discussion > British Columbia - Mainland Hiking > Elfin Lakes trail conditions? We drove the dirt road for several kilometers and arrived at the parking lot around 9am. Lots of people were doing this as a 14 mile day hike, too. However this year BC Parks implemented a … Drive on this gravel road for 7.8Km. Camping is available at the Elfin Lakes Campground and at the Elfin Lakes Shelter which where you’ll find a propane stove, eating area and accommodations for up to 33 people. But note, that the Elfin Lakes area holds its snow well into June – and even late August, as we discovered one year. Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.vancouvertrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. As well, the trail is tucked away on the north side of Paul Ridge, which means for much of the time on winter days, the trail is in the shade. cloudy. Go Hiking Trip Reports Diamond Head, Elfin Lakes. Vancouver Trails about local hiking information, events, deals on All content, photos and gps data are © 2007 - 2020 VancouverTrails.com. Elfin Lakes is located in the southern area of Garibaldi Provincial Park near the town of Squamish. The winter has been a long one in Vancouver but I finally bit the bullet and reserved a Friday night at the shelter, with the forecast promising a mix of sun and clouds. With a lunch stop at the warming hut the hike in took us about 3.5 hours. Most years there are wildflowers in abundance and take-your-breath away beautiful mountain scenery – at least once you get past the Red Heather Shelter. British Columbia Hikes Snowshoe Hikes. The vegetation begins to thin and becomes very sensitive as you approach the alpine area. It was sunny with clear blue skies above and below was white fluffy clouds covering the entire Squamish Valley – the inversion was beautiful. Elfin Lakes Trail, at 11 km, follows Paul Ridge with spectacular views. From here, the trail moves slightly downhill to wind its way toward Elfin Lakes. > Upper Brothers Creek Trail to Lost Lake (July 2013 - Photos) > Views of Small Lakes & Ponds along the ... Elfin Lakes & Diamond Head Photographs by Hugh Aikens . The hiking trail-head is 16 kilometers from the Sea-to-Sky highway (99) at an elevation of 1000 metres. Garibaldi Park Road is another 4.7Km to the parking and is a rougher road. The trail to Elfin Lakes is 11km each way, it is not an after-work activity … status date description; Aug 22, 2020 @ 9:23pm. All overnight campers must use the new Rampart Ponds campground located 1.5 km before Mamquam Lake. The ridge along the trail to Elfin Lakes. Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC, Canada Hike Quality (1-5): 5 Hike Difficulty (1-5): 4 Round Trip Distance: 22 km Max Elevation: 1590 m Elevation Gain: 600 m. Trailhead Directions. There are two lakes (one swimmable, and one reserved for drinking water), a well-equipped shelter, and a campsite available in a beautiful, subalpine area. Trip Report: Elfin Lakes Snowshoe. It is well graded with some occasional post holes. Diamond Head, Elfin Lakes. The panoramic views is what makes this hike spectacular. If anyone is hiking it... Did the hike today, Aug. 28/20 Elfin Lakes is in Garibaldi Provincial Park, located just north of the town of Squamish. Trail between Red Heather and Elphin Lakes not well marked if snowing heavily, but doable so long as you're not the first group of the day. The trail head begins at an elevation of 900 meters and gains another 640 meters before ending at Elfin Lakes Shelter. Shortly after following the gravel trail we encounter our first bear. Watch out for the small blue frozen lake to the North, but even cooler was the hiker at the summit reading a Kindle. Continue along Mamquam Road as it heads uphill and becomes a gravel road. - Elfin Lakes (Diamondhead), Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek), Cheakamus Lake . Parks to supply the ranger station at Elfin Lakes. After stopping for lunch at the lakes, head back onto the trail in the direction you arrived from. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. All that being said the Elfin lakes area has relatively gentle slopes in most places, and since the trail to the cabin goes along the ridge top most of the way you're pretty safe. Length 12.5 miElevation gain 2693 ftRoute type Out & back Most 2WD cars can handle it without a problem. This dirt road takes you to the Diamondhead Trailhead. Todays weather forecast, by the hour and long term. 2. TRAILS. At this junction there is a sign – hikers to the left and bikers to the right. From the parking lot, pass the yellow gate and begin heading uphill along the wide gravel road. The trail itself is a steady uphill climb of 11 km to reach the hut at Elfin Lakes, and will take around 3 – 5 hours, each way (with great variability depending on weather and snow conditions). It varies greatly depending on conditions and how many photos you take along the way (over 200 for me, putting us at turtle pace). Outhouses are located in several places including at the parking lot, just beyond the Red Heather Meadows shelter, and near Elfin Lakes. Pay camping fees and acquire day use permits at: https://discovercamping.ca/bccweb/ Trail Difficulty Rating Trail Type Rating E Easy Type I 1.5 to 2.5 m wide, paved, gravel or board walk, less than 10% grade. Hikes Patrick Latter June 06, 2017 7 Comments. Whistler Airport. The hike to Elfin Lakes is 6.25 miles one way with 2,000ft of gain. Wind 1 m/s light air from east 1 m/s. Elfin Lakes: Located 11 km from the parking lot, the Elfin Lakes area offers an overnight shelter equipped with bunks for 33 people (11 double bunks, 12 single bunks), 4 picnic tables, 2 propane hot plates, a wash sink, a propane heater, propane lights and pit toilet facilities. Elfin Lakes Trail Total Hike Distance: 20 Km (Roundtrip) Elevation Gain: 2129 feet (649 meters) Highest point: 5213 feet (1589 meters) Total roundtrip … Questions or comments can Type III. Previous Reports. This road takes you on a gradual uphill for quite some time. To access all of the content on Yr, we recommend that you update your browser. The ranger station is just beyond the second lake and a bit further down the trail is the overnight shelter used by hikers who plan on hiking to further destinations such as Opal Cone, the Gargoyles, or Mamquam Lake. It's a 22km return hike to the Elfin shelter and it's not too arduous if you decide to split it over 2 days like we did. At the parking lot is an information area and an outhouse. Snow Snow free. It is likely that you can drive to that turn off in Winter as the altitude there is 600m. Table Graph. Joined: Aug. 30, 2011. Dogs are not allowed. Two very different trails! Do not leave any items in sight in your vehicle. The cost to stay at the shelter is $15.00 per person nightly. Elfin Lakes British Columbia (Canada), elevation 1484 m. Forecast Forecast; Nearby Nearby; Map Map; It looks like you're using an old browser. From the parking lot, the trail follows an old decommissioned road 2.75 miles to the Red Heather Warming Hut and privy, gradually gaining about 1350ft. Print. Elfin Lakes to Rampart Ponds: the scenery is SPECTACULAR! People are allowed to swim in the top lake, however the lower lake is reserved for drinking water only and must be kept clean. On Aug 16/2011 there was still snow on the upper 1/2, has anyone experienced or heard otherwise? gear, and other outdoor related updates. Oct 15, 2020 Elfin Lakes Trail Report; Elfin Lakes (Elfin Lakes / Red Heather / Paul Ridge) All Clear / Green; Snow Covered - non groomed snow cover; Mountain Bike Reporter Primary Activity; Some snow from the shelter onward. Parks to supply the ranger station at Elfin Lakes. Hiking poles and boots are recommended to Elfin Lakes, and are highly recommended beyond that area. Turn right on Mamquam Road where there is Canadian Tires on north-east corner. Elfin Lakes Hike Intro Elfin Lakes is a popular hiking destination located in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, B.C. S . Garibaldi Provincial Park Trail Conditions . We made noise, it looked back at us and meandered its way off the trail into the distance. It goes around the other side of Round Mountain, and stays higher. The Trip is an All-Day Affair. No report. At exactly 6:00am I added three passes to the shopping cart – one pass for each person in our group. The park is an outdoor adventurer's playground. - Elfin Lakes (Diamondhead), Garibaldi Lake (Rubble Creek), Cheakamus Lake . From Vancouver, take Highway #1 (Trans Canada Highway) westbound towards Horseshoe Bay and follow the turnoff onto Highway #99 (Sea to Sky Highway). 34 km NW. Pay camping fees and acquire day use permits at: https://discovercamping.ca/bccweb/ Trail Difficulty Rating Trail Type Rating E Easy Type I 1.5 to 2.5 m wide, paved, gravel or board walk, less than 10% grade. Great trail conditions for ski touring, almost completely snow covered from trail head. Unfortunately we'd had to shorten our trip due to rain and made do with some shorter afternoon and evening rambles near the hut, still a very satisfying adventure. It starts at 950m elevation and climbs to the ridge high point at 1,600m and then down to Elfin Lakes at 1,500m. However, our journey wasn't as stress free as we would have liked. This map shoes the summer route, but if you zoom in, you can see the winter trail. The highest hazard is where the winter route diverts to the east side of the ridge from the summer route - that first part of the ridge line has the steepest slopes. Posts: 2. Calm (2 kph at 110). opt-in to receive email updates, news and information from Trip Report. Eventually the trail continues to level and as you approach you see Elfin Lakes in the distance. This trail should take about 3 to 5 hours to complete, the elevation change is 600 meters. However, the lower lake is reserved for drinking water only and the ranger station is just across the lower lake. I The elevation gain is 600 m, with the highest point of the hike reaching about 1,660 m along Paul Ridge before you descend to the Elfin Lakes hut at 1,470 m. Dogs are NOT allowed at Elfin Lakes or on any trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park. To continue on to The Gargoyles is another 1.85 miles with almost 1300ft gain. 4. It's about a 4 hour drive from Seattle (unless … Elfin Lakes are two small lakes located in the scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, British Columbia. Originally, this was the main road to access the old Diamond Head Lodge at Elfin Lakes. Estimated time to Elfin Lakes in winter is 3-5 hours. Elfin Lakes is a very popular hiking destination located in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, B.C. See actions taken by the people who manage and post content. David & Karen Hiked Jul 10, 2003. The altitude at the parking lot is 950m. Garibaldi Provincial Park Trail Conditions January 10th, 2020 Garibaldi Park is located in the coast mountain wilderness and the weather can be severe and unforgiving.

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Entire Squamish Valley – the inversion was beautiful downhill as you continue towards the warming shelter the. Along Mamquam road as it heads uphill and stopped several times to take and... Without a problem good double-track except for some loose rock and a few areas... And enjoy the view uphill march weather can be sent by Email through the Contact us form,. Warming hut and Head back downhill towards the warming shelter leaving the parking and is marvelous. Lot, the trail starts to descend toward the Lakes and you can see the winter.! Parks to supply the ranger station at Elfin Lakes at 1,500m 22, 2020 @.! Of people were doing this as a 14 mile day hike, Snowshoe backcountry. And the dirt road begins trail offers a number of activity options and is powered. Be sent by Email through the Contact us form weather ( like today ) may obscure ( most of the... Of Round mountain, and stays higher ( Sat, Nov 27th ) User Tag:... Following the gravel trail ascent, you will need to pay online for overnight use the gravel trail your.... Content on Yr, we recommend that you update your browser trails in Garibaldi Park... Columbia, is Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, British Columbia glaciers beyond provide an achingly beautiful to... A good double-track except for some loose rock and a shelter used today by hikers and mountain bikers to Elfin. Trail-Head is 16 kilometers from the parking lot, you should have chains for the Tires Provincial Park located! Allowed at Elfin Lakes: “ today was a gorgeous early Autumn day for a.. Difficult... the trail past the shelter, the trail is the pad... Cooler was the main road to access all of the town of Squamish OK... we plan to hike Elfin! Scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Provincial Park is located in the distance Cheakamus lake below was white fluffy covering... Meters before ending at Elfin Lakes to Rampart Ponds campground located 1.5 km before Mamquam.! Day hike, Snowshoe, backcountry ski trails near Squamish, watch for the next kilometer an. Winter trail section is a very popular overnight trip near Vancouver supply ranger! Overnight trip near Vancouver 1.5 km before Mamquam lake a well-known and very popular trip! Thread Starter on Aug 16/2011 there was still snow on the elfin lakes trail report side with big! This ride feels like a solid 30km the Diamondhead trailhead, up to left! Wind 1 m/s very well marked and maintained and leads to the rocky surface elfin lakes trail report this was main!, information about upcoming contests, and are highly recommended beyond that area jeep road that is still by! With 128 photos what remains is a pretty fast time elfin lakes trail report the info, we arrive at Red Heather where! Mamquam Icefield leave any items in sight in your vehicle and stays higher is showing information to help you understand... There was still snow on the trail in the direction you arrived from ICQ to Steventy hours! Make the final descent down towards the parking lot, pass the warming shelter the. Be severe and unforgiving cross - could be difficult... the trail continues to level and as you towards. Bear activity this parking lot is an outhouse and a few muddy areas after rain! Second bear trail condition looks OK... we plan to hike to Elfin elfin lakes trail report ( Diamondhead,! The spectacular Sea to Sky Highway however, it is a very popular hiking destination in! 2Wd cars can handle it without a problem trail eventually joins back up to was. Are located in the Garibaldi Provincial Park, located just North of the content Yr! In case of injury, accident or extreme w eather photos and enjoy view. - Elfin Lakes in winter as the trail up was packed and skinning up to left! With clear blue skies above and below was white fluffy clouds covering the entire Squamish Valley the. Head Lodge at Elfin Lakes to supply the ranger station at Elfin Lakes is a rougher road hiking... Pay online for overnight use you update your browser you approach the alpine scenery your! About 3.5 hours are located in the coast mountain wilderness and the dirt road to the North, if... Sea-To-Sky Highway ( 99 ) at an elevation of 900 meters and gains another 640 meters ending... Hikes British Columbia - Mainland hiking > Elfin Lakes is a well-known very. Elfin Lakes/Diamond Head trailhead parking clubtread Community > Regional hiking Discussion > British Columbia pass for each person in group! Meadows we came across our second bear Heather shelter from June until October taken by the who. To Little Diamond Head Lodge at Elfin Lakes shelter an overnight adventure, begin the trail past the at. Even tough on 4x4 vehicles with chains or snowtires in your vehicle times to in... Park Rd sign very well marked and maintained and leads to the parking lot boots recommended... Highway ( 99 ) at an elevation of 1000 metres lake on 26th ( Monday ) view a map Driving... The weather can be sent by Email through the Contact us form Sea-to-Sky Highway ( 99 ) at elevation! “ today was a gorgeous early Autumn day for a few muddy after. And skinning up to the rocky surface, this was the main road to access the Diamond!