Detailed Itinerary
Here is a selection of my favorite photos from our hike to Rampart Ponds. We did this hike in September of 2017 and were told that only a month earlier, there was still a foot of snow up here. In summary, it’s not unusual to find significant snow in this area into July and August. Enjoy the photos and be prepared.
Part 1: Elfin Lakes Trailhead to Elfin Lakes
The trail to Elfin Lakes is approximately 10km and has no steep sections. The trail is well-marked and follows a well-trodden path up through open meadows and beautiful vistas onto the nearby mountains across the valleys.
When you see the above view, hiking up towards the gap in the trees with Mount Garibaldi behind, you know you’re getting close to the half way mark! For Mike, Steve and I, it was our first time up at Elfin Lakes, so none of us knew what to expect. Turns out we were in for a treat!
As you can see Elfin Lakes is spectacular. The campground here actually sits on the ledge in the far back left of this photo, meaning it has incredible views over the Mamquam Icefield across the valley. Elfin Lakes makes a great stopping point for a snack or lunch on your way to Rampart Ponds. That said, even if you choose to only hike this far, making it 12km each way, there’s no shortage of incredible views. There are two lakes here, one I believe is used for swimming, and the other as a water source. Be sure to check signage before doing one or the other.
Part 2: Elfin Lakes to Rampart Ponds
The second part of the trail starts out fairly gentle, though by this point you’ll already have been hiking for a few hours and the legs might be getting the afternoon fatigue! From an easy trail like the one above, the trail drops fairly steeply 80 or so metres of elevation, down a set of well-maintained, man-made stairs, before crossing a river on a sturdy but thin bridge.
After crossing the river, you’ll quickly gain back all the elevation you lost and more. It was roughly at this point on the hike that we were discussing what we’d brought for our camp meals. Mike quickly talked us through the two ingredients he’d brought (Baguette and Brie), which I’d soon learn would become a staple of hiking with Mike. Over the years, Mike has been through several phases, one of them being cous cous, though arguably he’s better these days at packing more nutritious food. Through all that, the Brie is always present. Sometimes, you just need a treat.
As you transition from this valley to the next, you’ll find the trail switches back a couple of times before definitively heading due east. The view above is just as you enter that next valley. With the trail remaining fairly flat across the top of this valley, you can quickly make progress here, and take the optional left turn to Opal Cone.
This moon like landscape above is the final shallow valley you pass through before making the final push up to Rampart Ponds Campground. You get right up close to the Lava Glacier, and really get a new appreciation for these gargantuan natural world creations.
Optional Extras
The Gargoyles – A 5km round trip (450m elevation) from Elfin Lakes, or a 3.5km addition to your trail if you’re continuing to Rampart Ponds. Download the Gargoyles detour GPX file here.
Opal Cone – A 2.5km (200m elevation) detour, well signposted halfway from Elfin Lakes to Rampart Ponds. Download the Opal Cone detour GPX file here.
Mamquam Lake – We didn’t make it down to Mamquam Lake, but this is a possible 3.5km (250m elevation) addition that goes beyond Rampart Ponds. Download the Mamquam Lake detour GPX file here.
Northern Lights – Ok so you don’t really get to choose this one, but with a little luck and flexibility, you may just be able to catch a glimpse. On a clear night, Rampart Ponds makes a great viewing spot as it’s pretty free of light pollution. Check out Aurora Forecast to see the outlook for the nights ahead – realistically you’ll need a 5 or 6 on the scale in order to see them.
Alternative Itineraries
We did Rampart Ponds as a 1 nighter from the main trailhead. You may wish to extend your stay or give yourself more time to relax or take on some of the suggested detours. My suggestion for a two nighter would be:
- Day 1: Hike to Rampart Ponds, including the detour to Opal Cone.
- Day 2: Hike to Elfin Lakes, with the Mamquam Lake detour in the morning.
- Day 3: Hike the Gargoyles in the morning, before hiking back to the trailhead.
This will make the distance far more manageable, and allow you to really relax and enjoy the scenery. Elfin Lakes is equipped with many more tent pads, food hangers, toilets, a hut, and a lunch house.
You also get the added bonus of going for a dip in Elfin Lakes. Check the signs though as one lake is used for drinking and the other for swimming.
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