DESTINATION
ELFIN LAKES,
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Stats
ELEVATION GAIN 600 m in 11K (22K return)
TIMING Allow 3–4 hours return, more if venturing
beyond Elfin Lakes
Trail Basics
The trail to Elfin Lakes is predominantly a hard-packed
doubletrack with very few terrain obstacles. It’s also well
marked with signposts at every junction, making this acces-
sible to even novice trail runners. Wildlife sightings are
common and eagles, ptarmigan, deer, marmots and even
black bears may be encountered en route, so be aware and
take precautions. Due to this healthy wildlife population,
and also environmental restoration efforts, dogs are not
allowed on this or any other trails in Garibaldi Provincial
Park. Note that there are toilets at the parking area, Red
Heather meadows, and at Elfin Lakes. Water is available
along the trail and at Elfin Lakes, and cellular reception is
generally good, although in the mountains this should never
be relied upon.Logistics
The Elfin Lakes/Diamond Head trailhead is barely
30 minutes east of Squamish. From Highway 99 at the
downtown Squamish traffic lights, head 3.8 kilometres
north and turn right onto Mamquam Road, at the Canadian
Tire. Follow Mamquam Road past the golf course (road
turns to gravel) and then up the hill to Quest University
(road turns to pavement). From here, the road becomes
sportier as it continues uphill as the Garibaldi Park FSR,
and after 16 kilometres you’ll reach the large gravel parking
lot with a map kiosk, gate and outhouse.Rich Wheater is a photographer and writer based in Vancouver.
He is the author of Vancouver Trail Running.runningmagazine.ca Canadian Running 33places
canadian trails