This a moderately difficult trail along the banks of Galatea Creek arriving eventually at Lillian Lake (also campsites). Along with a suspension bridge over the Kananaskis River there are 10 other bridge crossings (kids love bridges). There is one steeper portion but it is quite short in length.
Option - this trail intersects the Terrace Trail after crossing the second bridge. The Terrace Trail runs from this trail to Kananaskis Village.
The length of 6.5km is one way.
This is a very popular trail, especially on weekends, so arrive early or on weekdays. For a little solitude on weekends, travel a little further (1km and 183m elev.)to the Galatea Lakes. The unofficial trail begins behind campsite #11.<
For the more adventurous, a scramble up the backside of Mt. Kidd is possible from the main trail. Refer to Kane's 'Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies'.
Directions:
The trailhead is well signed, right on Hwy 40, about 3 miles south of the Kananaskis Golf Courses.
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ByPosted By: longleggedhiker
- Sat May 22 20:54:33 EDT 2010
UpsideOne of the best trails in all of Kananaskis Country. This spectacular trail is relativley easy and offers views the whole way.
DownsideThis is one of the most popular trails in the area. You will never be alone here and on summer weekends, its bumper-to-bumper hiking.
CommentThis is a must do trail. It is a well defined trail with numerous bridges as it criss crosses the creek. Lillian Lake is a great backcountry destination. It is 6.5 km with 400 m of elevation gain to Lillian Lake.
It is well worth it to continue to the Galatea Lakes. The hike is 1.2 km with 250 m of elevation gain so it is quite a difficult slog up the scree but it is worth the effort.
Go during the week if you can. This is a busy trail.
ByPosted By: MChaisson
- Sat Sep 13 22:57:57 EDT 2008
UpsideGreat weather (16 deg)....trail conditions very good except for some slippery sections. We didn't go to the lake rather we climbed up to Guinns pass for some breathtaking views. Worth the push to the pass.
DownsideThe smell of the spruce, the sound of the creek rushing by......wait those are more good things....no downside from our party!!
CommentAll in all a great trail with good bridges. We will do it again next summer and incorporate the campgrounds at the lake.
ByPosted By: Alexcool880
- Sun Jul 13 11:15:20 EDT 2008
Not Rated
CommentSweet, thanks dudes, but it took us to texas, 32 hours of wasted time =(
ByPosted By: daveandlinda
- Tue Mar 25 17:22:12 EDT 2008
UpsideThis is also a great winter hike! We did this in March 2008 and found the trail to be well-packed and easy to follow, but stay on the trail, otherwise the snow is deep. There are also slippery/icy sections...my cramp-ons made things much easier : )
ByPosted By: Mish@
- Sun Sep 24 14:06:04 EDT 2006
UpsideIt is a very nice and beautiful hike with average and easy parts of difficulty. The first stop is the Lillian lake. It has lots of cutthroats. So fisherman can always spend nice time with their fishing rods. psst!(I'd recomend you bright coloured spoons!) After you had a nice rest at lillian lake you can continue your hike going up to Galatea lakes. Belive me, is worth to get there!!! The trail gets more difficult because in parts it goes through scree. On the top there are two lakes. Upper and lower The lower lake has rainbows twice as much and big as on lillian lake! But the upper lake does not have fish and it is smaller but it is still very beautiful.
ByPosted By: 26miler
- Sat Aug 05 15:18:25 EDT 2006
Not Rated
DownsideCrowded, popular trail
CommentA long trail run can be done by going to lower Galatea lake first, then backtrack to Guinn's pass over to Ribbon Lake and out Ribbon Fall trai. A shuttle drop-off is needed. It's about 26k, done is 6-7hr.
ByPosted By: sdecarie
- Sun Jun 25 00:24:12 EDT 2006
UpsideI'd recommend going about 1km further all the way to Galatea Lake, much better views but it is 250 meters of elevation in 1 km
DownsideMost of the trail is in the trees. Not going all the way to Galatea Lake you miss the best views
CommentThe elevation is more like 400 meters from parking lot to Lillian lake and 250 more to Galatea Lake, through some scree too
Posted By: longleggedhiker
Posted By: MChaisson
Posted By: Alexcool880
Posted By: daveandlinda
Posted By: Mish@
Posted By: sdecarie
