LAST MINUTE: Picklejar Lakes - T3

Let's explore Picklejar Lakes. The hike begins from the Lantern Creek Day Use parking lot, near the south end of Highway 40. The trail ascends through the tree-line, alongside Lantern Creek, and onto the 1st of 4 "kettle" lakes. There is a flat "scree" exposure to the 1st lake after the trees. We will continue on to the rest of the lakes, stop for lunch, before returning back the way we came. A Kananaskis pass is required for this hike. This is not a first come first serve hike. Participation is at the discretion of the organizers. Please read the trail descriptions to determine if this is the hike for you. According to Alberta Parks, This trail is non-designated, not signed, not maintained and not regularly patrolled. The trail winds upwards through mixed forest and across open slopes. It then drops down to 4 alpine lakes.
https://bobspirko.ca/Hiking/Kananaskis/PicklejarLakes/PicklejarLakes.html
📆 Date: Wednesday July 16, 2025
🕗 Plan to arrive at 9 with a 9:15 hike start. I'm camping at Boulton Creek this week and have no cell service. If you are late, there is no way to reach me so plan to arrive at 9 and we will start right at 9:15.
🥾 Distance:🌲 11k return (in and out)
🧗‍♀️ elevation gain: ~700m
💪 Difficulty: Strong beginner and intermediate hikersGood trail to the pass. A somewhat sketchy trail leads down across scree slopes to the first lake. Route-finding may be necessary around the lakes where there are myriad trails that are occasionally indistinct where they cross rocks.
PACE: Relaxed and steady on the incline. Moderate on the way out. We break for photos, layering, snacks etc. I expect the group to stay together. Count on being out for the whole day.
🌲 Trailhead: We will meet at the Lantern Creek Day Use Parking Lot of Highway 40. Expect about an about a 1:45 minute drive from Shouldice Park and Ride, https://goo.gl/maps/gsk8Tt2v8t7PU87b8

ATTENDEES: minimum 4, max 8. (no guests or dogs)
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CARPOOLING: I do not arrange carpooling. Use comments to request and offer rides. Suggested gas share fee: $25, If you cannot arrange a ride please remove your name from the attending list.

WHAT TO BRING: backpack, rain-jacket, gloves, appropriate layers for the weather, 2litres water minimum, lunch, snacks, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellant, personal first aid kit, hiking boots, bugspray.
(no sandals, running shoes, jeans or cotton clothing)
MANDATORY items: BEARSPRAY and a sense of humour

THIS TRIP WILL BE WILDLIFE/TRAIL/CLOSURE DEPENDENT. Please check in to AND including the morning of the trip, that the hike has not been cancelledI hike rain or shine.
PARTICIPATION WAIVER

You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. Organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Qi7owQNOgRIIp3Q2LGuRz3tak0su3r1E4MXe--j6DjM/edit?usp=sharing
DISCLAIMER
You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.