There is a small but very treacherous trail washout between Opal Cone turnoff and Mamquam Lake – check out the photo in the trip report. But note, that the Elfin Lakes area holds its snow well into June – and even late August, as we discovered one year. From the parking lot, pass the yellow gate and begin heading uphill along the wide gravel road. 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. It's generally a good double-track except for some loose rock and a few muddy areas after a rain. Elfin Lakes Trail Total Hike Distance: 20 Km (Roundtrip) Elevation Gain: 2129 feet (649 meters) Highest point: 5213 feet (1589 meters) Total roundtrip … Todays weather forecast, by the hour and long term. The hike to Elfin Lakes is 6.25 miles one way with 2,000ft of gain. Great trail conditions for ski touring, almost completely snow covered from trail head. With a lunch stop at the warming hut the hike in took us about 3.5 hours. The Elfin Lakes hike has been on my bucket list for a few years. 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. We took time to soak in the scenery, have lunch and explore the area before heading back. Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes Area. It would do. It goes around the other side of Round Mountain, and stays higher. From Vancouver, take Highway #1 (Trans Canada Highway) westbound towards Horseshoe Bay and follow the turnoff onto Highway #99 (Sea to Sky Highway). 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. I It is well graded with some occasional post holes. After hiking for just over an hour, you arrive at the shelter at Red Heather Meadows. On Aug 16/2011 there was still snow on the upper 1/2, has anyone experienced or heard otherwise? Trip Report. Parking Lot to Elfin Lakes This 11 km (7 mi) trail takes 3 to 5 hours and leads to the Elfin Lakes shelter. Note: This parking lot does have a reputation for several car-related thefts, so do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. The road becomes a gravel road. Originally, this was the main road to access the old Diamond Head Lodge at Elfin Lakes. Information on the trail can be found on the park’s website, as well as in popular hiking books such as 105 Hikes. Trail Conditions Trail in good condition. 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. If You Go: Elfin Lakes is located at the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park, just outside Squamish. Make the final descent down towards the first lake and stop to take photos and enjoy the view. 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. Home Hikes British Columbia Trip Report: Elfin Lakes Snowshoe.

My store contains affiliate links. 0. High on the Mountain Top . The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use. July 30, 2020 . CallaghanValley-BC. You can electronically Unsubscribe at any time. 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. 914 m alt. There is a Permit System for Overnighters. For more detailed information on these, and other, trails please visit the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park Page.. Outhouses are located in several places including at the parking lot, just beyond the Red Heather Meadows shelter, and near Elfin Lakes. Starting January 2, 2018, reservations are required year-round for Elfin Lakes Shelter and Elfin Lakes campground. Tweet LinkBack: Thread Tools: post #1 of Old 11-27-2010, 02:03 PM Thread Starter. Sign up to receive hiking updates, information Estimated time to Elfin Lakes in winter is 3-5 hours. peterm. Temperature-6 °-6 ° Feels like -6 ° Precipitation 0 mm. This is the Elfin Lakes trail that is used by hikers and bikers in summer and skiers and snowshoers in the winter. 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.

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