Great Divide Trail - Section Hike/ Lightweight Backpack - Wed, Jul 31 2019, Thu, Aug 1 2019, Fri, Aug 2 2019, Sat, Aug 3 2019, Sun, Aug 4 2019, Mon, Aug 5 2019

Great Divide Trail - Section Hike/ Lightweight Backpack (7/31/2019)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Hike - Backpack
Event Location:Icefields Parkway
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Jul 31 2019, Thu, Aug 1 2019, Fri, Aug 2 2019, Sat, Aug 3 2019, Sun, Aug 4 2019, Mon, Aug 5 2019  8:00 AM  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Jun 9 2019 8:00:00 AM
Event Duration:6 days
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Event Coordinator(s): Benn C
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members & Guests, All Ages Welcome
Maximum Group Size:5
Maximum No. Guests:0
Minimum Group Size:3
Maximum No. Guests Per Member:0
Number Registered So Far: 5 (Log in to see who's signed up.)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
The Great Divide Trail traverses the continental divide between Alberta and British Columbia, wandering through the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains for more than 1100 kilometres. It is one of the most spectacular and challenging long‐distance trails on the planet. The Great Divide Trail is not officially signed and not always even an actual trail, sometimes merely a wilderness route, inspiring modern-day adventurers to walk the same paths of the original explorers to the area. A journey on the Great Divide Trail promises to be demanding but on the GDT you'll discover a definitive wilderness experience in one of the most magnificent settings on Earth. Trail highlights include views of Mt Wilson and hopefully the Wilson Icefield, Pinto Lake, Mt Stewart, Cataract Pass, and the Cirrus Mountain range .

- This a REMOTE area we are going into. The only way out is by hiking out or by helicopter. No easy bail out points.
- Grizzly country.
- We'll go northbound from Saskatchewan Crossing and exit at Nigel Pass trailhead.
- Note you might get wet feet crossing creeks and waterfalls.
- This is a wilderness random ultralight backpacking camping event. No facilities. Some days may be longer than others, depending on the distance we cover.
- Whilst this is a group event, you're expected to be self sufficient for all your needs, including having your own shelter if needed. For example, if you end up using someone else's fuel it means that person will have less to use. Self sufficiency is better for safety also, if you get separated for any reason (not that we plan to but the group might get spread out)
- You should have the ability to cover long distances and elevation whilst carrying a loaded backpack
- Our pace will be brisk and your pack should not exceed 40lbs all in, lesser is preferable. There is a contest to see if anyone can get to 25#s. A lighter pack also = a more enjoyable trip instead of huffing it.
- As far as possible, we'll be practicing Leave No Trace camping
- Participants will be screened for ability prior to being placed on the event. Get on the waitlist and I will be contacting you for more info.

Duration: Day 1-5 hike. Day 6 exit the trail and have a bit of R&R and dinner in Banff on the way home.
Pace: Brisk. Not so slow
Distance: - approx 55km
Elevation: approx 2300m. 1100m of that is on day 1. Bring ultralight gear.

Costs: TBD

There will be a car shuttle required. Therefore will need enough drivers.


Required Items to Bring:
- Super Lightweight backpacking gear - under 40lbs the lighter the better
- Bear canister
- Bear spray
- An airtight medium enclosed box or pail for drivers
- Trowel
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
- Camera
- SPOT or Inreach device
- Power/Solar bank to recharge batteries
- Gaiters
- Poles

How to Get There:
Event Directions:TBD
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):530Km
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
** Calgary Transit Info
Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $159.00 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Friday, April 19, 2024). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:
Voluntary Donations:Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: