Glacier Lake Day Hike (26km) - Sat, Sep 16 2017

Glacier Lake Day Hike (26km) (9/16/2017)

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The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Banff National Park
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Sep 16 2017  5:00 PM  (Carpool Departure: 5:15 PM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Sep 15 2017 11:55:00 AM
Event Duration:1 day (stay overnight the previous day to get an early start)
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Beata
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 5 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Priority will be given to those individuals that were interested in doing the introductory glacier lake backpacking trip however couldn't get on the list

We will hike to Glacier Lake in the early am (Departing 6:15AM on Sunday, September 17), where we will meet up with another group at the campsite located on the eastern shore of the lake. The hike in is short (8.9 km), with minor elevation changes along the way (approximately 210 m elevation gain over the first 7 km, followed by a 220 m descent over the final 2 km).

After arriving, we should have an opportunity for day hiking in the area. A 3.5 km (one-way) trail from the campsite continues alongside Glacier Lake, to the far western shore of the lake. A rougher trail beyond the lake's western shore follows alongside a creek, ultimately leading towards Lyell Lake and the toe of the Lyell Glacier. It is quite unlikely that we will be able to get all the way to the glacier (the distance between the Glacier Lake campsite and the toe of the Lyell Glacier is 22 km return) - However from earlier discussions, I have learned that there is a willingness to attempt the 40 + km day hike to Lyell glacier from a couple people in the group and so part of the group will continue on with Beata (you must be a strong hiker and be willing to trail run part of the way). The rest of the group will join up with Ryan's group. There is no expectation to continue onto Lyell glacier for this trip.

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My aim is to be on the trail by 6:15 AM, if not earlier. I will be staying at the HI-Rampart Creek Hostel on Saturday so that I can meet everyone at the trailhead for the 6:15 AM departure time on Sunday. I have organized a centralized carpool location for those that are interested. We will meet at the Starbucks in the Hamptons for 5PM. I will be leaving Edmonton at 5:15 PM on Saturday to get to the hostel for 9 PM (I cannot take any passengers). The Glacier Lake trailhead is located along the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) approximately 1 km past its intersection with Hwy 11 (the David Thompson Highway) at Saskatchewan Crossing.


Required Items to Bring:
Required by everyone:
- water (2L)
- appropriate clothing for the trip
- snacks and food for the trip
- small daypack
- waterproof hiking boots
- bear repellent
- headlamp
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • hiking poles
  • gaitors

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:Directions to Glacier Lake Trailhead: From Saskatchewan River Crossing, where David Thompson Hwy (11) intersects the Icefields Parway (hwy 93), drive the parkway 1km northwest. Turn left (southwest) into the trailhead parking area.

    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):800Km
    Carpool Departure Time: 5:15 PM
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: The event coordinator(s) will help you to arrange a centralized carpool if you require it, but it's not guaranteed. Please DO NOT pay your driver en route. Passengers will pay the coordinator, and he/she will distribute the money to the carpool drivers. SO PLEASE BRING CASH!!! Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $232.00 (calculated at total Km * $0.29, effective Saturday, November 23, 2024). This is based on $0.09/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divided by 9. This cost will be multiplied by the number of carpooled cars, and divided by the number of carpool participants.

    Notes:

    - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in EOC events.
    - Please scroll through and read the entire online waiver when you sign up.
    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.


    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!