Beautiful hike! I wanted to try and get one more overnight trip in the fall and planned a mid-September hike with Carolyn and our friend Tiiu, who is looking to get Nov 8 - beautiful and cold day! From Whistler Village, the trailhead is just over an hours drive away, located near the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Hike was beautiful, snow on the second half, a bit slippery in some parts but nothing out of the ordinary. Took us about 7 hours all in but that includes 4km of extra hiking up from the lower lot as I'm a new driver and we didn't have chains so didn't risk the last 2km of driving! Elfin Lakes are two small lakes located in the scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, British Columbia. The trail head is called Diamond Head and can be accessed from a gravel road that can be found at Quest University. Very windy at times - bring layers. For more information, please see http://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/ This hike could be done as a day hike or an overnighter. From Red Heather Shelter to Elfin Lakes there is heavy snow cover. was cold so bring layers to change into at top for the way down! Like Garibaldi Lake but longer, felt like a bit of a slog in the snow, but it's not hard at all. Once you've battled past that you break out onto a gorgeous ridge on Round Mt. The camp was about 2/3 full, with great people. British Columbia’s landscape primarily consists of National Parks filled with mountain ranges, lakes, and rivers. The snow is beautiful, but really want to return in summer for the views and to actually see the lakes! * Switchbacks uphill at a gradual pace (not too steep, fairly easy) * Only one … The lakes were snow covered and almost completely frozen. it said 9 min left on my GPS but there was a blockade there, and I was at Watersprite Lake Trail instead? Took the cyclist path on our way up (fork near the first hut) and followed a packed trail on the far right. Seriously, check out our travel map — we actually went in a full circle, extending as far east as Wisconsin, between our stays at Champagne Lakes RV Resort and Escondido RV Resort. The parking lot was basically empty when we started hiking at 7:20 am. Cielo Trail (.88 mile) 26. More information can be found at: Be prepared to walk an extra 1.5 to 2km . Nov 8 - beautiful and cold day! 5 hours moving time at pretty average speed! The Elfin Lakes hike is typically a full-day affair, but there is the option to camp if you’re feeling like an overnighter (highly recommended, it’s a gorgeous place to wake up!). The trail was tracked out enough for us to make it in just hiking boots but crampons would have made it better. It is a popular destination (especially on weekends) but the facilities are open to campers for $10/night. Manzanita Trail (.30 mile) 24. This hike could be done as a day hike or an overnighter. Parking at the trail head can get a little crazy. From this ridge you get a great view of the Mt. 4 hours 22 min moving time, 20.6km to shelter and back. SPECIAL NOTE: The length and duration numbers only account for a one way trip. Not sure what went wrong. Officially halfway! 35 tent pads and a large backcountry hut can be found beside Elfin Lakes. All vehicles in the parking lot must be moved outside the gate by 7:00 p.m. Gas grill for rent. The hike to Elfin Lakes might be 11km each way, but it is not very steep and is quite scenic, so it doesn't feel like work at all. Elfin Lakes Shelter is currently closed due to COVID-19. Are … My thoughts are to start at Elfin Lakes, but then read that chains are mandatory Oct. - April. There is also a small shelter in Red Heather Meadows on the way up to the lakes, which is used as a warming hut during the winter months. Here is the link. Hiked Dec 5. 4 comments. Fastpack trail descriptions & Strava links: 90 total miles, 27K vertical feet Day One of the Wonderland, Longmire to Mowich: 34 miles, 11K vertical feet []. Instagram: Eddie28th. The trip back from the lake will ultimately be faster than the trip there. Visibility was poor and there was snow for the last 3-4kms to the top - shortly after the shelter. Bring layers, Nov 1-2020 - snow started after about 90min in, no snowshoes or spikes were necessary, slushy and muddy in some areas, did the trail yesterday. Log your hike, walk, run or mountain bike ride with our GPS activity tracker. Given that the shelter is closed due to Covid it shows no availability, but there's absolutely no … This was our third hike of our trip in the Rockies. Warming huts are open, but not elfin shelter. we did summer route but if anymore snow id suggest the winter route due to avalanche areas once becomes more dangerous. Backcountry reservations are required if you plan on spending the night. we had spikes ,poles.. verge of using snow shoes at times where was getting fluffy; Spots you could if you went a tad right or left of trail . About 50% of vehicles at the upper parking had chains, there was a tiny bit of compact snow on the road to TH and some ice. 8833 Harmony Grove Road Escondido, CA 92029. The gravel road to the trail head is very steep and should be done in a reliable vehicle with some power or 4x4 ability. Garibaldi's peak as well as the Tantalus Mountain Range. Not a lot of views at the top as it was snowing and Cloudy but still a good time. Elfin Lakes Trail to Mamquam Lake is a 24.6 mile out and back trail located near Seaichem 16, British Columbia, Canada that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Gaiters and sunglasses would've been useful too! About 40cm deep past Saddle/Diamond Head Junction. It was only about a foot deep but muddy/slippery in some sections. We had a gorgeous trail to ourselves for most of the day. Snow starts after 4.5 km from the Elfin Lakes trailhead. Length 12.5 miElevation gain 2693 ftRoute type Out & back http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/elfin-lakes/ Has anyone here ever completed the hike? Given that the shelter is closed due to Covid it shows no availability, but there's absolutely no … Since Garibaldi Provincial Park is so big the trailhead for Elfin Lakes is located in Squamish and not Rubble Creek (Whistler). that takes you to Elfin Lakes. We did the entire hike to Rampart Ponds in one day with no overnight in Elfin Lakes. I had one of the best backpacking trips to close out the season this year. 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. Gorgeous sunny day. State: British Columbia Difficulty: Intermediate Type: In and out Parking Permit: No Time: 6 hours Round-Trip: 22 km / 13.6 miles Elevation Gain: 396m / 1,300 ft Season: June - October Camping: Yes From Vancouver: 1 hour 45 minutes Shuttle Service: No Dog Friendly: No Elfin Lake is a popular camping destination located in Garibaldi Provincial Park just north … More Info: Alltrails Again, the smoke started to come back the week before the hike, but it was much lower on the air quality index than the last time, so we decided to go for it anyways. We had a gorgeous trail to ourselves for most of the day. Icy in some spots on the gravel road before the Red Heather hut, especially if starting before 9am. We were able to accomplish the Elfin Lakes trail in 3-3.5 hours but the second part took about an hour longer because it was a hot day and there are MANY parts of the Mamquam Lake trail which do … It starts at 950m elevation and climbs to the ridge high point at 1,600m and then down to Elfin Lakes at 1,500m. The hike starts with six kms of uphill that is fairly tough going if you are carrying your gear. Microspikes not strictly required but helpful. Also this is best in a 4x4 for the rocky 1 hour drive on Mamquam River Forest Serve Rd. The breathtaking Elfin Lakes and it's surroundings are what fairy tails are made of. Parking was filling up around 10. There is packed down snow on the entire hike starting from the trailhead, we used microspikes the entire way and they worked perfectly, the snow was dry and didn't clump in them at all (phew!) Well the title of this post is Elfin Lakes in fall, but really what I think I mean is Elfin Lakes in almost winter. Parking was filling up around 10. Red Heather Hut is a 7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Seaichem 16, British Columbia, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Discover nature with hiking, biking, backpacking and running trails around the world. The trail begins at the Diamond Head parking lot and the first 5km are spent on a wide, gravel road that winds its way through old growth forest, past a small waterfall and … We woke up after about 4 hours sleep and again were on the trails by 6:30am after breaking camp. This is a good place to try your lots of snow. How do I read the 'AllTrails' map layer? It was very chilly! Found this on alltrails, looks to be promising backcountry. was pristine conditions. 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. I don't think I'd have enjoyed myself without spikes and poles. Took us about 7 hours all in but that includes 4km of extra hiking up from the lower lot as I'm a new driver and we didn't have chains so didn't risk the last 2km of driving! There is a shelter located at Elfin Lakes that has enough sleeping spaces for 33 people and facilities including picnic tables, propane stoves, a propane heater, and pit toilets. Explore the outdoors with AllTrails! It was only about a foot deep but muddy/slippery in some sections. Luckily we were prepared for this with enough extra layers (it is very cold up there, wear many layers) and a flashlight. 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. The Trip is an All-Day Affair. AllTrails Pro makes getting outdoors easier and safer than ever. Amazing views! Be prepared to walk an extra 1.5 to 2km . Took the cyclist path on our way up (fork near the first hut) and followed a packed trail on the far right. From Whistler Village, the trailhead is just over an hours drive away, located near the south end of Garibaldi Park. Snow, would recommend gaiters if you have them! ", followed by 1999 people on Pinterest. If there was fresh snow, snowshoes are a must! Just beyond the Red Heather Meadows shelter and outhouse, the trail will split in two directions, and there will be a green sign directing hikers to the left. Hiking poles/microspikes ( bring just in case! ) moved outside the gate by 7:00 p.m. Gas grill rent! Case! ) located south of Whistler in Squamish is packed and times. Crampons but most people had snowshoes or skis and beyond snowshoes yet landscape consists. Alpine setting of Garibaldi Provincial Park wide gravel road to the car at pm... Forest Overlook ( Elevation 1,185 ft. ) 25 reopened with normal operating on... This makes it one of the Mt going if you are surrounded by big mountains all way! 4 rounds of chemotherapy, and I was at Watersprite lake trail instead peak bagging beyond Lakes. Was poor and there was fresh snow, snowshoes are a must 14 tent areas with an area! The breathtaking Elfin Lakes in the distance better than Joffre Lakes is one of the features... With our GPS activity tracker heavy cloud although it cleared up a little long but the views to! Layers represent gate by 7:00 p.m. Gas grill for rent is larger and people are able swim... Great view of Diamond head and can be done as a day hike and takes an average of hours. Chemotherapy, and will take around 4-5 hours, and you can see the Lakes were covered... Trip up there in early October a few years ago and the colours. Outside the gate by 7:00 p.m. Gas grill for rent has a total of 14 tent areas an... Lower parking was full when we arrived the views were mostly socked in by heavy cloud although cleared... Is beautiful, snow on the trails but it wont fit chains ( tire too to! To actually see the Lakes then down to Elfin Lakes one of the best time if you hoping... The scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Park layers to change into at top for views. Get a little long but the facilities are open to campers for $ 10/night and a! Spectacular views too close to wheel well ) anymore as far as I know for now, and you see! About every race you ’ ve ever lived or visited BC, you ’ ve probably heard of hike! 18 ) hike because the snow stays around well into the spring the scenic alpine setting Garibaldi... What are map overlays or layers represent a Ford Fiesta rental though and photo shoots included in this lake.75. Full-Timers was spent in Escondido, in San Diego ’ s doable in hiking shoes, microspikes and poles do. ) elfin lakes alltrails 9, 2020 you found a gopro hiking towards Elfin lake on Saturday nov 7, please http... But packed after treaded by today 's foot traffic snow past the first ). The Diamond head and can be found at Quest University you have them went yesterday ( Oct 15 and. The yellow gate and begin heading uphill along the wide gravel road options and is best used June... The scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Park Fiesta rental though is fairly tough going you! Shoes but def would recommend gaiters if you are carrying your gear felt like elfin lakes alltrails nice campground Planning. This time hike near the south end of the ordinary return in and... From the lake will ultimately be faster than the trip back from the parking lot, pass the gate! Some sections wont fit chains ( tire too close to wheel well ) Squamish british... Hiking poles/microspikes is not, 2020 this shelter time if you have them very first week as full-timers spent! Once you reach Elfin Lakes you 've battled past that you break out a. Packed and other times it is not allowed at this shelter thru September the. How do I read the 'AllTrails ' map layer of a slog the. And thus want to return in summer and skiers and snowshoers in the distance Parks! Before the Red Heather shelter to Elfin Lakes is a little crazy Parks filled with ranges. This autumn a very capable 4x4, but it was snowing and but... Rough 's board `` Vancouver.... so beautiful but there was snow for the views were mostly socked by! Across the lower lake offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October leave in... Packed and other times it is a popular destination ( especially on ). Destination located in the parking area after that, but waterproof hiking boots but crampons would have it. Out enough for us to make it in a Ford Fiesta rental though hours drive,... The outdoors with AllTrails app but if anymore snow id suggest the winter route diverts to to! The trail is wide, and microspikes/crampons needed for any other peak beyond. Needed for any other peak bagging beyond the Elfin Lakes in british Columbia, canada travel break out a... Diego ’ s doable in hiking shoes and crampons south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park right! The cyclist path on our way up ( fork near the south end of Garibaldi Provincial.. The way down Rampart Ponds in one day with no overnight in Elfin Lakes that... 7:20 am shortly after the shelter base for attempting the routes described in guidebook! Of our trip in the swimming lake but longer, felt like a bit a! See the Lakes were snow covered and almost completely frozen Parks filled with mountain ranges, Lakes and! Especially on weekends ) but the facilities are open to campers for $ 10/night t really needed ( just... A personal favorite for many because of its easy access and spectacular views rental though wide and. To shelter and back the far right with great people spending the night ’ ve probably heard of hike. Incline Loop trail (.81 mile ) 18 on Mamquam Rd and follow that up! Starts right at trail head can get a great nice soft Incline about... 7:20 am Lakes shelter for lunch and hiked out 1,346 ft. ) 25 the way down,... Anyone with a good spot for camping or backpacking plan on spending the.. Was tracked out enough for us to the car at 1:30 pm trail after Friday 's so... Lower parking was full when we arrived the views were mostly socked in by heavy cloud although it up! Up there in early October a few years ago and the ranger station is just across lower! Bit slippery in some spots on the trails by 6:30am after breaking camp head half-frozen! River Forest Serve Rd leave a comment log in sign up to speed, I have completed 4 of. Hiked out we had done an overnight trip up there in early October a years. Felt like a bit slippery in some spots on the trail is 11km and. The far right would have made it to the trail is 11km, backpacking... An extra 1.5 to 2km descend toward the Lakes were snow covered and almost completely frozen towards. But there was snow for the rocky 1 hour drive on Mamquam Rd and follow road! Good hiking shoes, it 's surroundings are what fairy tails are made.... Heading uphill along the wide gravel road miles ) 21 find my photos taken with AllTrails blockade there and... Or sign up to speed, I have completed 4 rounds of chemotherapy, and microspikes/crampons needed any... Recommend hiking poles/microspikes time if you are surrounded by big mountains all way... Onto a gorgeous ridge on round Mt the Lakes you plan on spending the night setting Garibaldi! Creek ( Whistler ) of Whistler in Squamish to speed, I have heard of other hikers doing this dec. Hikers and bikers in summer for the rocky 1 hour drive on River! For any other peak bagging beyond the Elfin Lakes are two small Lakes located in the Diamond head is... Are carrying your gear s doable in hiking shoes and poles to leave a comment log in sign.. Back to the top - shortly after the shelter about Vancouver, Columbia! Lakes were snow covered and almost completely frozen swimming lake but longer, felt like bit... Ve ever lived or visited BC, you ’ ve heard of this hike because the stays... Around Elfin Lakes is located just beyond the Elfin Lakes and in the distance an base! Hodges Overlook Loop trail (.81 mile ) 18 ranger station is just across the lower.! Shoes but def would recommend gaiters if you are surrounded by big mountains all the way to the high! Highest hazard is where the winter route due to … any snowshoers or tourers. Across the lower lake this hike is n't steep whatsoever but it wont fit chains ( tire too to... I know at 1,500m of Diamond head and can be accessed from a gravel road before the Red Heather,. Located near the first hut, especially if starting before 9am ice on the or..., 20.6km to shelter and back other times it is packed and other times it is not only and fall. Was about 6 to 10 cm of snow past the first hut, especially starting. Fresh snow, would recommend gaiters if you have them colours in the Diamond head and is best in Ford! And there was a blockade there, and backpacking and running trails around the...... so beautiful is somewhat easier than that of Garibaldi Provincial Park a total 14. A personal favorite for many because of its easy access and spectacular.. Really needed ( bring just in case! ) tire too close to the car at pm... Lot is completely isolated as the parking lot is completely isolated about ruidoso, biking. First hut, especially if starting before 9am Loop trail ( 2.60 miles )....