Galatea Lakes TRIP FULL

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Kananaskis. The trail starts with a descent into the valley and a suspension bridge over the Kananaskis River. After this, it winds its way along Galatea Creek, with ten crossings along foot bridges. After about 6.5 km, the trail rises into forest and reaches Lillian Lake. Past the lake, the trail becomes quite rocky and rises fairly steeply along a series of switchbacks. A rocky trail along the first lake leads to upper Galatea Lake, which is set in a dramatic basin with the Tower rising to the west. This is a long day, suitable for intermediate hikers. Note: I did this hike earlier this summer but some people who wanted to go couldn’t make it so I’m posting it again.

Distance: 16.5 km return
Elevation gain: 758 m
Trail: mainly through forest; out and back; scree trail near the upper lakes
Difficulty: Trail 3; Intermediate hikers; NOT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS
Pace: My pace will be SLOW AND STEADY; not fast. We need to STAY TOGETHER due to the bear advisory.

Time: A full day; perhaps 8 hours; plus, driving
Trailhead: From Calgary, drive along the TransCanada to the Hwy 40 junction (Kananaskis). Drive about 32.4 km along Hwy 40 to the signed Galatea Day Use area.
Passes: You will need a Kananaskis Pass for this trip.
Meeting time: 8:30 am at the Galatea parking lot. Be ready to start hiking at 8:30 am. You may need to arrive 15 minutes early to get ready. Look for a Black Dodge Grand Caravan, short older lady.

Number of hikers: Maximum 8; It’s easier to keep track of eight people than a large group, so the size is limited to eight. There is a waitlist created for this trip; please answer a few short questions if we haven’t hiked together before.
Weather: If the weather turns really bad, the hike will be cancelled. Please check the website the night before to make sure it hasn’t been cancelled.
References:
Bob Spirko has a detailed explanation of the entire trip:
Galatea Lakes
Carpooling: You can use the comments section to arrange carpooling. As I live in Cochrane, I won’t be arranging carpooling from Calgary.
Cost for carpooling: $15. per passenger plus extra towards the Kananaskis pass if you don’t have one.
Suggested gear: hiking boots, pack, layers of clothing including wind and rain resistant layers; lunch, water, personal first aid kit; hiking poles if you use them.
Mandatory gear: BEAR SPRAY; ICERS
Waiver and Code of Conduct
I will bring a waiver to the trailhead which you must sign before going on the trip. Please provide the name and phone number of your emergency contact.
Your participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides, and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear, and you are physically fit to do this hike with the group. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being.
All participants are responsible for assessing current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip.