Your camp must be at least 2 kilometres from any established trail or campground and your group size must be 10 or less. Often you will find them in the slopes adjacent to the hut. Getting to the trailhead can be difficult during periods of heavy snow. The campsite also has a pit toilet and a food cache where campers can place their food into so it is protected from bears. gear, and other outdoor related updates. Campsite fees must be paid online in advance at the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park reservations page. Our Elfin Lakes Back-country Trek is a great challenge for those looking to step up into longer mountain adventures. The hiking/snowshoeing possibilities seem endless. The Elfin Lakes hike is located within Garibaldi Provincial Park, which is a great home base for accessing surrounding hiking destinations. Getting in the front entrance usually requires an abruptly steep slope down to the door. The valley is huge with stunning mountain peaks all around. The mountainous terrain is home to many trails, high alpine passes, and lakes. There are excellent signs directing you to the Elfin Lakes/Diamond Head trailhead parking. On the inside you find two floors complete with kitchen, lots of seating areas and tables... and bunk beds to accommodate 33 people! The gravel road runs deep and high into the mountains to the trailhead parking lot. There are several camping options around Elfin Lakes and in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park. There are four overnight-use shelters in the park: Elfin Lakes Shelter is located at Elfin Lakes and is reservable year round. 72 Reviews of Elfin Lakes "Went up on the 24th 25th to the shelter. If the weather is particularly bad, camping here may be a nice idea. But one day we took a trip to Elfin Lakes, and yes… it was a great choice. Expect to take four hours to reach the Elfin Lakes hut as you are almost constantly ascending a gradual, though consistently uphill trail. It is nuzzled between two lakes (one for drinking water, and the other a swimming hole), and the Gargoyle Peaks. If you are camping overnight in Garibaldi Park you will have to pay a campsite fee. 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. The first bit of the trail takes you along a forested old logging road. This trail is so well marked with orange poles and tree markers that you can reliably find your way after dark or before sunrise with good lights to assist you. There are several jaw-dropping views along this final 6k stretch. Kids under 6 are free. Near Russet Lake where the north-south running UTM 511E forms the boundary for both the south and north sections of the Spearhead Traverse. Making their way to the Elfin Lakes hut in the dead of night seems to be a pastime of quite a few local skiers and boarders. Garibaldi Lake, Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk and Elfin Lakes are all wonderful hiking destinations is this extraordinary Provincial Park so close to Squamish. This is a courtesy to all the animals that inhabit the park and the potential disturbance that dogs my introduce to their environment. In the North, UTM 511E dissects the Decker Glacier. You get amazingly dramatic mountain views in all directions and on a sunny day in the summer it is paradise. The trail to Elfin Lakes starts out ascending through deep forest, reaching the Red Heather hut after 5 kilometres. The Elfin Lakes Cabin is just beyond the campground and is a fully equipped hut with cooking utensils, stove and can sleep up … The Diamond Head/Elfin Lakes trailhead to Garibaldi Provincial Park is located in Squamish near the southern end of the park. In 1973 the lodge was permanently closed and in 1974 the Elfin Lakes Hut was built to replace the deteriorating lodge. There are various excellent spots overlooking the vast valley just a few dozen metres from the hut. You will get little sympathy from road crews if you find yourself stranded due to poor planning. Elliot and Haney sit on the deck of Elfin Lakes Cabin The Elfin Lakes Cabin is one of the best in the region because it is heated by propane and has propane stoves for cooking. BC Parks staff can issue fines for dogs in the park. 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. The cabin itself is fully stocked with 8 gas burners, tables, a … The Elfin Lakes hut is solar powered. All overnight campers must use the new Rampart Ponds campground located 1.5 km before Mamquam Lake. It is nuzzled between two lakes (one for drinking water, and the other a swimming hole), and the Gargoyle Peaks. And you will be under a magnificent starry sky surrounded by idyllic mountains. The Elfin Lakes Trail requires a free Day Use Pass to be reserved the day of starting at 6am from the Discover Camping reservation system. The cabin at Elfin Lakes is a beautiful well maintained shelter in the heart of the Garibaldi Provincial Park. Elfin Lakes is a popular hiking destination located in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, B.C. Campsite fees must be paid online in advance at the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park's reservations page. The cabin is two floors, with bunks on top, and a kitchen and a recreation area on the bottom. However, due to the rocky surface, this ride feels like a solid 30km. A beautiful scene. Please This area is very popular with skiers as well as snowshoers in the winter and deep snow covers the trail usually from November to June. The small trail winds through the meadows and eventually leads to a saddle where you then cross a steep slope of rocks. The two cute little lakes lay next to the amazing Elfin Lakes hut. A fact you would have never believed from your approach view outside. The Brandvold's continued to operate the lodge until their retirement in 1972. From Whistler Village, the trailhead is just over an hours drive away, located near the south end of Garibaldi Park. You may get turned away if you don’t have chains with you. Stairs lead up to a impressively large sleeping area which can accommodate 33 people. Camping at Elfin Lakes is an amazingly beautiful experience. Elfin Lakes are two lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park that are popular for hiking, snowshoeing ... which gains approximately 600 metres (2,000 ft) of elevation from the trailhead. However, due to … Year-round the Elfin Lakes hut has bunk beds for 33 people(11 double bunks and 12 single bunks). The Elfin Lakes Trail starts near Squamish close to the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. You can electronically Unsubscribe at any time. Better yet would be overnight camping and the … There’s a full-time ranger station, outhouses that usually have toilet paper, bear-proof food caches, a lovely cooking shelter with an amazing view, two An unexpectedly idyllic little hut that for much of the year is consumed by snow. You have the option of camping on designated tent pads, or staying in the shelter on bunk beds. Alice Lake  Ancient Cedars  Blackcomb Mountain  Black Tusk  Brandywine Falls  Brandywine Meadows  Brew Lake  Callaghan Lake  Cheakamus Lake  Cheakamus River  Cirque Lake  Elfin Lakes  Garibaldi Lake  Garibaldi Park  Helm Creek  High Falls  Joffre Lakes  Keyhole Hot Springs  Levette Lake  Logger’s Lake  Madeley Lake  Meager Hot Springs Nairn Falls  Panorama Ridge  Parkhurst Ghost Town  Rainbow Falls  Rainbow Lake  Ring Lake  Russet Lake  Sea to Sky Gondola  Sea to Sky Trail  Shannon Falls  Skookumchuck Hot Springs  Sloquet Hot Springs  Mount Sproatt  Stawamus Chief  Taylor Meadows  The Lions  Train Wreck  Upper Shannon Falls  Wedgemount Lake  Whistler Mountain. Questions or comments can The Elfin Lakes campsite is located just beyond the lakes and has a total of 14 tent areas with an overflow area nearby. Increasingly steep sections lead to some downhill parts. Campsite fees must be paid online in advance at the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park's reservations page. Continue following the signs for "Garibaldi Park Diamond Head." They are all now reservable year-round, with the exception of the Red Heather campsite near Elfin Lakes which is only open for winter camping. Consult the Wilderness Camping Map(see below) which denotes prohibited camping zones such as the Diamond Head area and approach, Columnar Peak, the Gargoyles, Opal Cone, and Mamquam Lake. 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. Elfin Lakes shelter and camping. These may or may not be marked for winter routes, but regardless, you will need to take all the requisite snow travel safety precautions if you carry on to any of these other destinations from Elfin Lakes. Garibaldi Provincial Park is not dog friendly. There is an amazing plateau near the hut that edges onto a sweeping view of the valley below. Duration 2 days Hiking Time of year June - October Total distance 20km Group size 1 - 8 Guests Difficulty Moderate . Or worse, you may get up to the parking lot without chains, then get snowed in and unable to drive out. The Elfin Lakes trail is very well marked and maintained and leads to the wonderful, Elfin Lakes hut. The mountainous terrain is home to many trails, high alpine passes, and lakes. The back door has an adjacent window that glows a beautiful blue from the wall of icy snow that often buries the back door. The Elfin Lakes Shelter There is a large, heated, shelter at Elfin Lakes that sleeps about 33. Hike NE out to Opal Cone(1710metres) on the edge of the Garibaldi Neve ( permanent snowfield) a 13 kilometer round trip from Elfin Lakes. The section of trail from the Red Heather hut to Elfin Lakes is considerably more scenic than the first 5 kilometres of the trail. Sign up to receive hiking updates, information Staying at the Elfin Lakes hut costs a bit more at $15 per adult, per night and kids 6-15 pay $10 per person, per night. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Expect to take four hours to reach the Elfin Lakes Hut as you are almost constantly ascending a gradual, though consistently uphill trail. Adjacent to the hut is a row of outhouses. Elfin Lakes campground. Elfin Lakes is a really popular place for snowshoeing because there’s a heated hut located at the end, so people snowshoe in and stay overnight in the hut. One record indicates the lakes were once called Crystal Lakes. I must say that the Elfin Lakes campground was one of the most quiet and peaceful campgrounds I’ve ever been to. The trailhead parking lot is high above Squamish up a long, rapidly ascending road. There is a wonderful and very inviting plateau of land above Wedgemount Lake close to the end of the lake where the pours out via Wedgemount Falls. There are frequent animal sightings on the trail and beyond Elfin Lakes. Elfin Lakes trail – the start. It is located 10 kilometres from Elfin Lakes on the trail to Mamquam Lake. This popular camping spot in the summer, turns into a winter wonderland for backcountry enthusiasts in the winter. Snow is slippery and hard, you start seeing it 30 mins or so… But, you will have to reserve in advance on Discover Camping. until you reach the trailhead parking at 18.7 kilometres. Pretty amazing and surprisingly comfortable. If you enjoy trail running, Elfin Lakes is a must, because you can cover a lot of terrain with not a lot of effort. There are several eligibility requirements you must adhere to. Grades explained. Garibaldi Provincial Park sprawls from Squamish up and beyond Whistler. Day hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park is free and parking at all the trailheads is free as well. Don't approach bears and do your best to not surprise them. It is wide, not particularly steep, and pretty well paved. The trail head is at the end of the parking lot beside the trail map/info area. On first glance this may seem like a poor substitute to Eflin Lakes, however, the short hike is quick and easy. Elfin Lakes Camping Trip Epic panoramic mountain views and an unforgettable sunrise await you at Elfin Lakes! Parkhurst Ghost Town, Whistler Train Wreck, the Sea to Sky Trail, Cheakamus River, Logger’s Lake, Ring Lake, Mount Sproatt, Brandywine Meadows and Brew Lake are all dog friendly hiking trails. Earlier in the week a mouse had somehow gotten into my Ursack food bag while up on the line, so I switched to a dry bag. If you can pull yourself away from the luxurious warmth of the Red Heather Hut you will find the trail quickly becomes more challenging. be sent by Email through the Contact Us Emil, Ottar and Joan built Diamond Head Lodge by hand using the forest surrounding what would become known as Elfin Lakes. There are over a dozen, wooden camping pads that overlook the valley beyond and once you see them, you’ll have wished you brought a tent. There is another parking lot before the main parking lot at the trailhead. Lancer had no problems going up. 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. I You should be prepared with tire chains and may have to walk from the lower parking lot below the main, usually deep with snow trailhead parking lot. The new campground has 12 tent platforms, an outhouse and food storage facilities. Elfin Lakes is probably BC’s most comprehensive backcountry camping area. The walk-in campgrounds have anywhere from 6 sites at the Singing Creek campground, to 50 sites at the Garibaldi Lake Campground. For those seeking solitude, there are endless tent site possibilities further away. The fact that there is a shelter after only 5 kilometres indicates that the 11k distance to the lakes is a bit of a journey. Mamquam Lake campground is permanently closed for overnight use. Atwell Peak above the Elfin Lakes Campground That afternoon, we decided to do a day hike to the Gargoyles, which are rock formations about 2.5km from the campground up a steep mountain. The trail is 21km return. We ended up having a lot of fun and knew we wanted to try something a little more adventurous this year. Fees Per Night: $10 Adult - $5 Kids(6-15)  Campsite fees must be paid online in advance at the BC Parks Garibaldi Provincial Park reservations page. The Elfin Lakes hut has bunk beds for 33 people(11 double bunks and 12 single bunks). Elfin Lakes is probably BC’s most comprehensive backcountry camping area. Your camp must be at least 30 metres from water sources such as a lake, stream or wetland. The serenity and vastness of this part of the world are magnificent. For the 2020 camping season, reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance of your arrival date. In the south, this line roughly dissects The Fissile and Overlord Glacier east of the Russet Lake campground. The sign at the trailhead shows the distances to the Red Heather Shelter(5k), Elfin Lakes(11k) and Mamquam Lake(22k). If you are not well prepared, however, you may easily stray from the trail and get dangerously lost. To snowshoe to this hut is quite something. You may be able to drive to the trailhead, then return from your hike a day or two later to a metre of snow on the access road. Two sturdy picnic tables and a sink, propane stove top burner and large pot make the shelter an effective place to picnic and warm up. This is the Elfin Lakes trail that is used by hikers and bikers in summer and skiers and snowshoers in the winter. 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. 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. The Elfin Lakes shelter ( pictured above) is the largest shelter and has the most amenities, but there are two more small huts in the park – one at Wedgemount Lake, and another at Russet Lake. Hiking (snowshoeing) to Elfin Lake in winter is spectacular. You can reach it by car from Vancouver by driving 90 minutes up the Sea to Sky Highway. www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/. In the 1930's Ottar and Emil Brandvold immigrated to Canada from Norway. Carolyn and I spent a night outside in -10 degrees celsius to test out skills and our gear. You can stay in the Elfin Lakes shelter at Elfin Lakes. Last year I had my first experience with snow camping. The hut also has 4 huge picnic tables inside as well as 2 propane stove-top burners, a washing sink as well as a giant propane stove and solar powered lights. Tackle the hike to two stunning lakes, one of which you can take a refreshing dip in, and enjoy New in 2018, for the first time you can camp in the vast wilderness beyond the campgrounds. The hut does not take reservations and costs $15/night payable in cash only. Joined by Ottar's future wife, Joan Mathews of West Vancouver, they decided on Diamond Head, next to the two small lakes to build their dream lodge. The walls are lined with clothing hooks indicating that this shelter sees a lot of traffic. The hike is about 11 kilometers to the Elfin Lakes campground/shelter and should take you approximately 3 hours. This is a small warming hut equipped with a wood stove complete with a stack of wood free to use, though sleeping here is for emergencies only. Wilderness camping reservations/fees cost the same as for the campgrounds. If you are lucky enough to be here on a clear night, the stars will shine like diamonds this far from the bright lights of civilisation. 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