This trail is 32km - 4 hours running, 6-7 hours hiking.
This trail has a little something of everything. It starts beside Ribbon Creek day parking area not far from Kananaskis Lodge. It follows the Creek through the trees for about 10 kilometers. After which, you encounter a waterfall. Some people mountain bike this portion. A kilometer or two behind the falls you will encounter approximately 30 feet of rocky cliff to scale. The cliff face has spikes and chains in it so it is not too tough to scale. Not far above the cliff Ribbon Lake awaits. There is a ranger station and a back country campsite beside the lake. The trail wraps beside the lake for a kilometer or so before it continues up Guinns Pass. As you leave the tree line you will encounter a lovely field of wild flowers. After which 3-4 kilometers of steep shale climbing bring you the most breathtaking view of the Rockies. You can descend the other side on Galatea trail. The Galatea trail parking lot is about 10 kilometers up the highway from the Ribbon Creek Parking lot. The distance from starting parking lot to ending parking lot is 32 kilometers approximately. There is a trail which runs beside the road back to Ribbon Creek Parking lot. If you are not up the extra 10 k bring two cars, or better yet, a car and a few bikes!
ByPosted By: Nauro
- Mon Sep 01 15:19:47 EDT 2008
Not Rated
UpsideBeautiful views, spectacular scenery.
DownsideVery long hard day to get up the chains to Ribbon Lake and then to hike to the top of Guinn's pass. Would have been much easier to hike without the extra 30lbs from a backpack.
CommentBackpacked in to Ribbon Falls the first night with a long climb the second day to the top of the pass and then a long descent into Lillian lake. Camped the second night at Lillian lake and hiked out Galatea the following day.
If you are backpacking I would recommend hiking Guinn's pass from the Ribbon Lake side versus the Galatea side. You got the vertical out of the way quicker and could enjoy a more relaxed walk through the alpine meadow on the other side of the pass.
ByPosted By: Bretan
- Mon Jul 31 16:37:57 EDT 2006
UpsideIt's a great hike with the highlights being at Ribbon falls, the cliffs, Ribbon lake and of course Guinn's pass. It's a great day with many scenery changes.
DownsideFirst part of the Ribbon Creek trail is long and rather boring. Bikes would be a good idea for the first bit. Long day.
CommentWe took our time and enjoyed the day. I've hiked into the area from Buller Pass, Galatea trail, and the Ribbon Creek trail.
Posted By: Nauro
Posted By: Bretan
