Trip Description:  22km Out-and-back Trek on Diamond Head Trail (Start Elev ~900m) to Elfin Lakes Shelter (Elev ~1500m).

Moderate pace with short breaks at Red Heather Shelter (5km), Elfin Lakes Shelter (11km), and again at Red Heather Shelter on the return (16km). Partnering and regrouping along the way.

 
Elfin Lakes Shelter - photo credit: ClubTread forum post

Links: 

  trip description on ClubTread:  http://www.clubtread.com/routes/Route.aspx?Route=157

  older forum post with winter photos: http://forums.clubtread.com/27-british-columbia/36170-elfin-lakes-snowshoe-nov-28th-2010-a.html

  route & recent access information:  http://bivouac.com/RoadxPg.asp?RoadxId=436

  great weather resource for remote locations: http://www.yr.no/place/Canada/British_Columbia/Elfin_Lakes/

Organizer will use the Trip Planning forum for additional information as required.

For last minute questions and updates contact by phone.

 Gear required: 10 essentials, gear for Winter Backcountry travel, Avi gear (Transceiver, Probe, Shovel), and

     Snowshoes or AT skis (due to early season low coverage you may prefer to bring your "rock skis").

Organizer will bring GPS with tracks for Standard route (Summer Trail); (and Winter route, though this has not likely been set by BC Parks yet); map and compass; Personal Locator Beacon; camera; first aid kit.

Welcome additional gear: GPS, PLB, camera, first aid kit, chocolate.

Expected conditions: we might have rain at starting/finishing elevations; early season snow and ice coverage at higher elevations; -6 to -2 C at Elfin Lakes; 20-40cm of snow forecast for Fri/Sat.

Recommended carpooling cost: ~$20 per passenger; please arrange with driver; bring funds.

Access to Diamond Head Parking (Elev ~900m) is a narrow unpaved mountain road which can be rough, icy or snow covered.

Max group size partially determined by number of vehicles.

Emergency Info:  please make sure your Emergency Contact info has been added to your web-account profile.  You can do this by logging into the bcmc.ca website, click on: My Account (top of page)... then click on Edit Emergency Contact (top-left column).  Please re-enter your password to complete the process.  Your emergency contact info is stored *privately* and only made available to those organizing trips *you* choose to attend.

Medical Info:  any info that should be shared with the organizer(s), please send an email and/or phone ASAP.  For example, if you are very allergic to bee/wasp bites, or you are taking medication that could be vital information to First Aid Responders.  Anything you choose to share will remain private.

Cancellation:  We'll check the weather forecast for where we're going the evening before we meet.  If the weather forecast does NOT appear to be adequate for a safe outing then the trip will be cancelled and everyone will be notified by email.