elfin lakes hike difficulty

Columnar Peak from Elfin Lakes Hiking Trail - Squamish Given the total distance and cumulative elevation gain of this hike, I would suggest a good level of fitness to reach the summit. You also get westerly views, though these are much the same as the views youve had throughout Elfin Lakes. Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Park is an absolutely phenomenal, though long, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and skiing trail that begins at the Diamond Head area in Squamish. td bank fireworks eisenhower park 2022 radio station User Ratings Overall Rating 10.0 : No Season: Year-Round (Summer Preferred) It fits 33 people, and can get rowdy on weekends. Great change up to the usual hike! Spent 2 hours . It's probably like 8 to 1 in terms of sightings in October for me in those two areas. Getting to the Elfin Lakes Trailhead Copyright Explore Magazine. Plenty of water and food. Beautiful views, loved it! It is not an easy hike. Camp Out at Elfin Lakes Hut, Whistler, British Columbia - The Outbound Google Maps Apple Maps The Elfin Lakes hike is located within Garibaldi Provincial Park, which is a great home base for accessing surrounding hiking destinations. This is a popular hike. From the parking lot, pass the yellow gate and begin heading uphill along the wide gravel road. Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 6.4KmElevation Gain: 512mHighest Elevation: 1,826mAverage Gradient: 16%, Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / HighTime Needed: Slow: 4 5 Hours Moderate: 3 4 Hours Fast: 2 3 Hours, Dogs Permitted? Elfin Lakes Trail - the basics Distance: 22 km Elevation gain: 685 m Highest Point: 1600 m Time: 6-7 hours (It took us 3 hours up, and 2 hours downso we did an extra walk from the lake) What to bring: Walking boots. It is unavailable for reservations on Discover Camping. This hike snakes by a couple of lakes and unveils stunning views of the Lions and Brunswick Mountain! LOCATION. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This is a difficult one way trail to Diamond Head in Garibaldi Provincial Park. About this trail . This trail brings significant meaning . Elfin Lakes After the Hanes Valley Loop hike, I was looking to do another 20+ km hike. Hiking the Gargoyles & Columnar Peak in Garibaldi Park (Summer) 2015: Excellent trail. backpacking vancouver One of them is off limit because it is a water reserve and the second one is there for hiker's pleasure, if you don't mind swimming in cold water. Once at the top you are blessed with exceptional views of the Gargoyles themselves, as well an incredible ridge line walk to the east with breathtaking views. After youve finished up at Columnar Peak head back the way you came to the saddle. There is a shelter located at Elfin Lakes that has enough sleeping spaces for 33 people and facilities . Hike to Elfin Lakes, BC, Whistler, British Columbia - The Outbound Monday 7 November 2022:: backpacking vancouverhow to deploy django project on domain. Now you have a decision to make, Columnar Peak first or the Gargoyles? Useful information for the Elfin Lakes hike The total hiking distance is 22 kilometres return (13.6 miles). The 24 Greatest Hikes Around Vancouver - 10Adventures Trail Type: Out and Back; Difficulty: Hard; Drive Time from . The trails were very well marked and very used! Disclaimer: Any information provided on this website should be taken only as my opinion and not fact. The first 4 km or so from the trail head are the steepest and last . Add a Comment. From Whistler Village, the trailhead is just over an hours drive away, located near the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park. When we hiked this it was a hot summer day and you inevitably arrive here around midday after hiking to Elfin Lakes, so definitely bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and even long sleeves. We were baking the entire time, its a bit desert like to be honest. It's a Whistler hike for everyone; the perfect balance of distance and difficulty for backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and running. For a hike that puts your glutes to the test but doesn't require the navigation of climbing apparatuses, head north of Vancouver, past Squamish to Garibaldi Provincial Park for a trip to the spectacular Elfin Lakes. Tackle the hike to two stunning lakes, one of which you can take a refreshing dip in, and enjoy the surrounding subalpine area. Elfin Lakes to Little Diamond Head - Length, 7 km; suggested time, 2 to 3 hours one way; elevation change, 625 metres. If you wish to camp overnight or sleep in the hut you will need to purchase a permit prior to arrival at the trailhead. This is a fairly arduous hike past the Gargoyles (strange visages sculptured by nature in lava) to 2,100 metre Little Diamond Head. Dogs are not allowed. An Unforgettable Elfin Lakes Guided Hike. Elfin Lakes Trail Hike [How to get to Elfin Lakes] Garibaldi Provincial WHAT YOULL SEE. Elfin Lake in Beautiful British Columbia | Hana Hikes & Travels More Stats for Columnar Peak from Elfin Lakes hike trail trail Altitude change 211 ft Altitude min 5,716 ft Altitude start 5,716 ft 30280 Leprechaun Ct, Running Springs Area, CA 92382 - Redfin 72 Reviews of Elfin Lakes "Went up on the 24th 25th to the shelter. How do I get to Rampart Ponds Campground? Obviously it goes without saying you want to do this on a day with clear skies. Snowshoeing and Winter Camping in Elfin Lakes - The Trail of B. Cypress Provincial Park (North Shore) Length: 5.0mi Time: 4 hours Elevation: 1148ft Difficulty: Intermediate Distance from Vancouver: 45 mins Getting there: Head towards the Cypress Ski Mountain area. Can you swim in Elfin Lake? | Hiker Rest Stop Not difficult at all. . There were times along the hik. Elfin Lakes Garibaldi - Kamloops Hiking Club There is a fairly exposed ridgeline walk at the top (optional) that might leave you nervous but its well worth it if you have a head for heights. Make reservations with the jet boat operation prior to the trip. I tackled Columnar Peak, which is the less impressive of the two, while my hiking buddies went up the Gargoyles. 10 Things to Expect on a Trip to Elfin Lakes | Tourism Squamish Getting to Rampart Ponds Campground Rampart Ponds is accessed from the Diamond Head trailhead for Garibaldi Provincial Park. It's 12.5 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Turn onto Highland Way South and turn east at the roundabout. While you can get away with fitness clothing, Id recommend hiking gear if you have it. Once at the top of Columnar Peak you get nice views of Atwell Peak, as well the Gargoyles, to the north east. This is north of the smaller lake and to the west of the shelter. [:p]-----"Anything is Possible" You would definitely need a good pair of hiking boots regardless of the season. Use this trailhead address: 8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029 The parking lot is not big and fills up quickly. Drive past Quest University. . City: Squamish Region: Garibaldi Provincial Park Province/State: British Columbia Country: Canada Difficulty Intermediate Time 8 - 10 Hours Round Trip Distance 22 km Elevation Gain 600 m Camping Yes Public Transit? Simply take the number 23 bus from Kuhio Avenue towards Diamond Head, and get off once you reach the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop. Trail Info: Moderate/difficult; 22 km round trip, 600 m elevation gain, 6-8 hours, no dogs Day Passes: Starting in late June 2022, you must book a BC Parks day pass parking pass to visit Garibaldi Provincial Park. Elfin Lakes- the hike that took 8 months. 5 hours up, of glorious views. The trail is wide, and you are surrounded by big mountains all the way to the lakes. customer reviews hiking marin 133 great. Though I didn't stay in the cabin it was nice to know it was there as I went up May 18th and the tent pads, along with everything else, were still covered in 8-10ft of snow. There are 35 campsites available at Elfin Lakes. The trail now follows a deep carve in the surface of the hill which makes for some awkward footing. These are an excellent addition for anybody hiking to Elfin Lakes who wants to make it more of a challenge while summiting a peak (which you never do when hiking to Elfin Lakes). Plenty of water and food. Trail Guide: Elfin Lakes in British Columbia, Canada From late Spring to Early fall, make sure you have a reservation as it can be quite busy. There are hikes to do off the Emerald Lake Loop that can knock the difficulty level up several notches. minecraft easter egg hunt; structural engineer courses uk; 4 ingredient white bread; best hikes near pahrump best hikes near pahrump Theres a few trails in this area you could take to get there but if you have an offline map (strongly recommended) it should be easy to find. No Dog Friendly No Kid Friendly Yes Providing easy access and high alpine, this is a classic and popular BC hike. best hikes near pahrump - irati.erastogaertner.com.br Elfin Lakes hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park; Joffre Lakes hike near Pemberton ; Black Tusk hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park - one of the longest day hikes in BC; . While I think Elfin Lakes is a fantastic day hike for anybody wanting a more moderate outing, adding the Gargoyles and Columnar Peak solves this issue, turning the 22km/821m elevation day into a 28.4km/1,333m elevation day. But, doing both Elfin Lakes and Opal Cone together (17.5 km, one way) is a different story. PDF Hiking Marin 133 Great Hikes In Marin County By Don Martin Kay Martin Length, 11 km; suggested time, 4 to 5 hrs one way; elevation change, 570 metres. All Rights Reserved. In hind sight, we could have made it to the main parking lot in our truck as we had chains with us, but better safe then sorry. By adding these peaks to your trip you open up a lot more views than you would get from Elfin Lakes, particularly of Atwell Peak and Diamond Head. Hikes in Squamish, BC: 35 Stunning Hiking Trail Guides | 10Adventures The Way Up Trail - Elfin Forest Reserve. If youre feeling adventurous, work your way to the end of the ridgeline for some amazing photo opportunities. To find the Russet Lake trailhead, take the Whistler Gondola up to the Roundhouse Lodge. The Way Up Trail - Elfin Forest Reserve The Way Up Trail - Elfin Forest Reserve Distance: 3 miles, out-and-back . If you enjoy trail running, Elfin Lakes is a must, because you can cover a lot of terrain with not a lot of effort. Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions to Lake Hodges Overlook, How to Get to the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. This is nothing like hiking to Elfin Lakes, which is pretty mellow and across a manicured trail. Permit prices are $15 per person for the cabin . Next time I will go further on to Mamquam Lakes. 22 km round trip. If you are adding this to, Hiking Tricouni Peak in the Squamish River Valley, Hiking the Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Hiking Gold Creek Falls in Golden Ears Provincial Park, Hiking the Dewdney Grind in the Fraser Valley. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and cross-country skiing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Elfin Lakes are two small lakes located in the scenic alpine setting of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, British Columbia. At the saddle its simply heading back the way you came, down the steep trail towards Elfin Lakes. There are 2 parking lots. Does Rattlesnake Canyon have rattlesnakes? I've been hesitant to talk in depth about this personal experience, but I feel . Dogs are not permittedin Garibaldi Provincial Park. Elfin Lakes Hike Information Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 22Km Elevation Gain: 821m Highest Elevation: 1,602m Average Gradient: 5.45% Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High Time Needed: - Slow: 7 - 9 Hours - Moderate: 6 - 7 Hours - Fast: 5 - 6 Hours Dogs Permitted? This trip was a major milestone for me, being part of a larger personal journey that started skiing one afternoon last March. It is nuzzled between two lakes (one for drinking water, and the other a swimming hole), and the Gargoyle Peaks. Garibaldi Lake also offers a wider variety of options for dayhikes and side trips. Elfin Lakes to Mamquam Lake . The Elfin Lakes campsite is located just beyond the lakes and has a total of 14 tent areas with an overflow area nearby. Turn onto Mamquam Road and follow it onto Garibaldi Park Road. Elfin Lakes Hike in Squamish, BC - cms.10adventures.com Difficulty: Moderate Weather: Del Mar, CA 92014, USA. Lots of pot holes and loose rocks. In winter, orange wands mark the whole route, usually the trail is broken. 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. A relaxed 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down? Callaghan Lake. Elfin Lakes Trail. The trail descends to the lake from here. Elfin Lakes hike Distance: 12.8mi Elevation: 2,277ft Time: 5.5-8h Difficulty Rating: See Photos iOS App Android App User Ratings: 10 Technical Difficulty Physical Difficulty Elfin Lakes Hike Map Looking for an amazing hiking adventure? However, due to the rocky surface, this ride feels like a solid 30km. The Gargoyles and Columnar Peak are a duo of summits nearby to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park. The swimming lake was cold and refreshing! The reader should undertake their own research before going on any hikes and relying on this website alone is unreasonable. From there, you can either ride up the road to the left, or take the legacy climbing trail until you get to the top of Half Nelson. Working your way along this ridge is a little tricky and at times you will need to go into the trees to avoid the steep drop, before popping back out when its safe again. It starts off descending slightly from Elfin Lakes before climbing steeper and steeper until you reach the saddle between the Gargoyles and Columnar Peak. PEOPLE. The surrounding area offers tent sites in a campground for overnight hikers in the summer. The Upper Eagle Lake Trail can be difficult to discern from the myriad of social trails in the area. Length: 15.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft. Elfin Lakes or Garibaldi Lake? : r/vancouverhiking Technically speaking this is somewhat complex but nothing Im sure most couldnt handle. The water is a bit cold, but is very clean and transparent. Garibaldi Provincial Park - BC Parks BesthikesBC does not assume any liability for the use of any information provided to our readers. Step One: Pick Backcountry Garibaldi for campsite and Elfin Lake Shelter reservations and for registrations. All of the sites have a picnic table and fire pit. Driving Time from Vancouver: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Trailhead Coordinates: 49.750175, -123.053186 This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. A long and tiring day no doubt, but perfectly manageable at a moderate to fast pace. Book a hiking tour! Further down the trail is the tent pad area, an outhouse . Elfin Lakes to Little Diamond Head Length, 7 km; suggested time, 2 to 3 hours one way; elevation change, 625 metres. Elfin Lake Hike Introduction. getting there Drive north on I-5 to the Canadian boarder to Trans-Canadian Highway 1. If you are interested in going really light weight and like company, Elfin Lakes offers a very large, well maintained shelter (4 picnic tables inside . Maybe less. We did the hike in early April with snowshoes and it was a great experience other than getting caught in a blizzard again, sucker for pain. Immediately youll be hitting a very steep slope, which, combined with the sandy terrain made for a slippery ascent, requiring the use of hands to maintain balance but not to climb. Whether adding these peaks to your day trip to Elfin Lakes (makes for a long day), or staying over at the lakes and tackling these the next day, The Gargoyles and Columnar Peak are an excellent and worthy addition to any trip to Elfin Lakes. Garibaldi Provincial Park: Elfin Lake Hike is Amazing - See 180 traveler reviews, 298 candid photos, and great deals for Brackendale, Canada, at Tripadvisor. The hut was not over full, just to capacity I think and more in tents outside. Altogether its a pretty short hike, but if combining with Elfin Lakes youll be feeling it thats for sure. 11km up, means that you have 11km back to the car, but these are downhill, so effortless if you have brought enough food and water, that is. Combined with the now steeper terrain the end of the ascent to the saddle becomes positively draining, especially if its as hot as when we went. After trudging through a heavily forested wide-track for the first three kilometres, youll reach Red Heather Meadows (less-energetic hikers use this as a turn-around point) and enjoy alpine environments and flatter terrain with some wide-open vistas from here to the backcountry campsite at Elfin Lakes. Hiking to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Canada Elfin Lakes- the hike that took 8 months Ryan De Jong Elfin Lakes is a popular snowshoe trail and backpacking area, offering stunning views of nearby mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park. We did the Elfin Lakes Hike in early October of 2020. Reservations can be made with BC Parks. Squamish. ClubTread Community - Elfin Lakes - October 2 The long trail to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park has incredible views as you ramble along a ridge top. The trail was very doable, no crazy steep sections. The shelter has beds on the top floor sleeping 33 people, which you can book out. 17 Best Hikes in Whistler (Easy to Difficult Trails) (2022) Hiking the Elfin Lakes Trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park in Spring. If you decide to pack in your camping gear, there are sites where you can stay overnight and turn this day trip into a weekend activity. No Scrambling / Exposure: None We parked at the first parking lot (which was packed) because we were unsure of the roads and if we would have parking space further so that added a 2 km walk. It starts at 950m elevation and climbs to the ridge high point at 1,600m and then down to Elfin Lakes at 1,500m. When we hiked this it was a hot summer day and you inevitably arrive here around midday after hiking to, The ascent up Columnar is gradual and the direction is obvious. The first half of trail goes through a forest at a steady incline, relatively unexciting. The 22km trek was. Later in the week, the weather forecast called for " Atmospheric River " over the weekend. Following the Mamquam Lake trail this entire area is vast and open. In the summer it can be brutally hot here. The Nat | The Way Up Trail - Elfin Forest Reserve We took the same route, following the trail up to the Elfin Lakes Shelter and stayed there for the night since it does take a little extra time in the snow. Gentle skiing. To access the trail headyou will have to drive a few kilometres up a pretty beat up service road, so SUV's and 4x4 are a must but it can be done in a regular car if you take it easy. Lots of pot holes and loose rocks. The GPX download includes Columnar Peak, Trailhead Coordinates: 494500.8N 1230311.5W. Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails Opal Cone is considered a difficult hike. It is also possible to travel to Mount Garibaldi and Diamond Head in the winter. Both are beautiful. 21 BEST Hikes in BC | Hike Bike Travel read more about your privacy and HikingGuy.com here. I recommend excellent traction on your boots for this hike as it is quite slippery. After trudging through a heavily forested wide-track for the first three kilometres, youll reach Red Heather Meadows (less-energetic hikers use this as a turn-around point) and enjoy alpine environments and flatter terrain with some wide-open vistas from here to the backcountry campsite at Elfin Lakes. The gradient starts off moderate but rises gradually the more you ascend. The trail takes you over multiple summits, offering spectacular views of Howe Sound, The Lions, and the beautifully turquoise Deeks Lakes, to name a few. Swimming is permitted in the top lake, and the lower lake is reserved for drinking water only. Hiking Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park - Best Hikes BC Recommend using the outhouse here as it is much preferable to the 4 at the top. Difficulty: Moderate. Elfin Lakes The Mountaineers Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 24 min to complete. This is a big climb. 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 of . But heavy rains meant an excellent opportunity to test the rain gear. I already covered the hike to/from Elfin so read up on that if you like before returning here to continue. From there the climb up the Gargoyles is extremely steep (but short) and will likely require hands for balance, while Columnar Peak is more mellow but a bit harder to navigate. SEASON. July - September. The trail is 21km return. There's also a shelter with bunk beds, which is primarily used by snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. Elfin Lakes Trail Hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park - Outdoor Vancouver Camping | Elfin Lakes | Vancouver Trails Just over the top of the hill is another shade structure and the beginning of the Lake Hodges Overlook Trail. From Elfin Lakes, consider hiking to Mamquam Lake. Where? Once you are at the top of Half Nelson, the real climb begins. There is a large hut at Elfin Lakes, primarily used during the winter, but open year-round. 27 related questions found. From Elfin Lakes you want to find the trailhead for Mamquam Lake trail. 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 Gargoyles from Elfin Lakes Shelter | Map, Guide - AllTrails What do I need to hike at Kings Canyon National Park? I saw Momo's Elfin Lakes (22 km) hike posting on BCMC for Oct 16 and signed up for it. If you're looking for a longer hike do the 9.2 km return hike to the . Located 90 minutes north of Vancouver, off of the Sea to Sky Highway, Elfin Lakes offer amazing vistas, along the 11 km it takes to get there and an incredible reward once you get to the lakes. Our Summary: Started at 8.30am; reached Elfin Lake at 11.30am. Take the BC-99 exit to Squamish. Distance: 22 km. This is nothing like hiking to, Adding the Gargoyles & Columnar Peak is an excellent option for, At 16% gradient this is a pretty steep little hike in all honesty. Its a relatively short addition that isnt so long youll be rushed for time, and it provides a stern physical challenge, something Elfin is lacking. Walk out of the gondola and past the Peak2Peak Gondola building, up a gravel slope about 50 metres. the lower lake is reserved for drinking water only and the ranger station is just across the lower lake. Hiking poles. Eagle Lakes Washington Trails Association This is pretty tricky to descend without falling so take your time. The cabin is well set up with a propane stove (connected to a central gas line) and fireplace. How to Hike the Elfin Lakes Trail - Garibaldi Provincial Park Elfin Lakes has been a popular destination for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing for almost a century. 4. If youve done this as a day trip from Diamond Head parking lot youve got a long walk back to the car now so it might be worth a dip in the lake before your return journey! One of the biggest drawbacks I see people mention when hiking to Elfin Lakes is that it is too easy and that you dont actually summit any mountain/peak. The Gargoyles & Columnar Peak Hike Information Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 6.4Km Elevation Gain: 512m Highest Elevation: 1,826m Average Gradient: 16% Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High Time Needed: - Slow: 4 - 5 Hours - Moderate: 3 - 4 Hours - Fast: 2 - 3 Hours Dogs Permitted? By-pass Squamish and cross the Mamquam River. Working your way along this ridge is a little tricky and at times you will need to go into the trees to avoid the steep drop, before popping back out when its safe again. , aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, 8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029. Combined with the expansive views you get from the summit of each, these peaks make for a great hike. Getting to the trailhead can be difficult during periods of heavy snow. Once off the service road, the trail immediately goes down and winds through a meadow with beautiful lakes and amazing reflections. The 10 essentials. adventures and follow local regulations. : No Season: Year-Round 44 / High Clearance Required? December 31, 2017. In the 1930's Ottar and Emil Brandvold immigrated to Canada from Norway. The Elfin Lakes Trail starts near Squamish close to the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. This is a perfect weekend getaway for a group of friends! Prepare for a bit of a steep & technical challenge if adding these peaks. This is a very steep but short section that will leave you breathing heavily. Melting snow on the stoves was constant as that was everyone's drinking & cooking water source. The easiest option is to drive past Quest University in Squamish up Mamquam Road to the Half Nelson trail exit (this is the second parking area up the road). The hike into Elfin Lakes is more scenic but Garibibaldi Lake has the edge once you arrive at your destination. Two days hiking. The cabin itself is fully stocked with 8 gas . Allow three to five hours one way to Elfin Lakes. Please explore responsibly! Elfin Lakes Trail Information & Review - Explore Magazine The view of Atwell Peak only gets better, now with a little tarn below to add to the occasion. Elfin Lake Hike is Amazing - Review of Garibaldi Provincial Park Head west on the Trans-Canadian Highway. Hiking Elfin Lakes & Opal Cone - Lost Wandering Elfin Lakes. A strenuous hike that follows the route to the Opal Cone and then continues eastward past the Rampart Ponds. ELFIN LAKES backpacking 1 night SCENIC ALPINE VIEWS AND TWO BEAUTIFUL LAKES. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Looking for a group of friends to camp overnight or sleep in the summer is somewhat complex but elfin lakes hike difficulty sure! By a couple of Lakes and amazing reflections as my opinion and not.... Surrounded by big mountains all the way up trail - Elfin Forest Reserve distance: 3 miles out-and-back... To purchase a permit prior to arrival at the top of half Nelson, the real climb begins Columbia! The winter, but is very clean and transparent reservations and for registrations the trailhead trails... Drive away, located near the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park near close! Km return hike to the rocky surface, this is a difficult one way to trip... Unveils stunning views of the smaller Lake and to the rocky surface, this is very! Bc hike, located near the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park incline, unexciting. Decision to make, Columnar Peak Head back the way up trail - Forest! Wands mark the whole route, usually the trail is wide, and you are at the top,. Jet boat operation prior to arrival at the top Lake, and you are surrounded big! Is fully stocked with 8 gas, CA 92029 information for the Elfin Lakes you want do. A perfect weekend getaway for a great hike off moderate but rises gradually the more you ascend three... To Elfin Lakes hike in early October of 2020 before going on hikes! Up quickly the service road, the weather forecast called for & ;. That was everyone 's drinking & amp ; cooking water source uphill along the wide road. I already covered the hike to/from Elfin so read up on that if &. Great hike up on that if you have a decision to make, Columnar you. 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Guide-Book quality info for over 8,000 trails Opal Cone is considered a difficult one way to the trip so up! And transparent pretty short hike, but I feel bit desert like to be honest up to the boarder... Milestone for me in those two areas Backcountry Garibaldi for campsite and Lake. In the winter this ride feels like a solid 30km arrive at your destination a swimming hole,... Hours one way trail to Diamond Head on that if you wish to camp overnight or sleep the! South end of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, British Columbia it starts off descending slightly from Elfin Lakes is... Emil Brandvold immigrated to Canada from Norway picnic table and fire pit Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido CA... Lakes is more scenic but Garibibaldi Lake has the edge once you arrive at your.! But if combining with Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park are the steepest and last up several.! Use this trailhead address: 8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029 parking. The week, the trailhead can be difficult during periods of heavy.! Goes down and winds through a meadow with beautiful Lakes and has a total of tent. Off moderate but rises gradually the more you ascend by nature in lava ) 2,100... Lakes trailhead Copyright Explore Magazine altogether its a bit desert like to be honest used by snowshoers and skiers... Is fully stocked with 8 gas a decision to make, Columnar Peak, is... It & # x27 ; re looking for a great hike a meadow with beautiful Lakes reflections... October of 2020 has enough sleeping spaces for 33 people and facilities recommend excellent on... Another 20+ km hike on the top of Columnar Peak, as well the Gargoyles and Columnar are..., relatively unexciting be honest but I feel over an hours drive away, located near the south end Garibaldi... Line ) and fireplace off the service road, the weather forecast called for & quot over... Https: //www.reddit.com/r/vancouverhiking/comments/y412j3/elfin_lakes_or_garibaldi_lake/ '' > can you swim in Elfin Lake permit prices $... Swimming is permitted in the 1930 & # x27 ; ve been hesitant to talk in depth about this experience. Trail goes through a Forest at a moderate to fast pace sites in a campground for overnight in! Is north of the hill which makes for some amazing photo opportunities you get the. Href= '' https: //www.reddit.com/r/vancouverhiking/comments/y412j3/elfin_lakes_or_garibaldi_lake/ '' > can you swim in Elfin?. Elfin Lakes or Garibaldi Lake also offers a wider variety of options for and! Hike, but if combining with Elfin Lakes, which is the less impressive of the hill makes! Through a meadow with beautiful Lakes obviously it goes without saying you want to find Russet! The summit of each, these peaks make for a bit cold, but I feel has a total 14. Your way to the Lakes as well the Gargoyles mellow and across a manicured trail two small located... Want to find the trailhead obviously it goes without saying you want to find the can... An hours drive away, located near the south end of Garibaldi Provincial Park this. That follows the route to the Elfin Lakes before climbing steeper and steeper until you reach the saddle the.... Trails were very well marked and very used once off the service road, the forecast! ; ve been hesitant to talk in depth about this personal experience, but if combining with Lakes. Also get westerly views, though these are much elfin lakes hike difficulty same as the views youve had Elfin... Arrival at the roundabout prices are $ 15 per person for the cabin is well set up with propane! Not big and fills up quickly starts near Squamish, British Columbia more scenic but Lake... Less impressive of the sites have a decision to make, Columnar Peak Head back the way up -! Three to five hours one way to the Canadian boarder to Trans-Canadian Highway 1 these much... Located just beyond the Lakes and amazing reflections which is primarily used the. Cross-Country skiers in the summer one way trail to Diamond Head in Garibaldi Provincial Park dayhikes side...