Sunshine Meadows Loop Hike - Wed, Aug 3 2022

Sunshine Meadows Loop Hike (8/3/2022)

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 will then make your payment for this event at the venue, NOT in advance to the COC.

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

Event Location:

Banff National Park

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, Aug 3 2022 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, Aug 2 2022 8:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

5 hours

Difficulty Rating:

D2: Easy to Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Shelley R
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

$61.95/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

2 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Distance: 9.5km
Elevation Gain: 210m
Elevation Loss: 465m

Note: You must purchase a Gondola ticket to attend the event. Cost is $59 plus GST (free if you have purchased a 2022-23 Season's Pass)

It's flower season in the high alpine and one of the more scenic and accessible spots to see them is in Sunshine Meadows!

We'll take the gondola up to Sunshine Village and from there ride up the Standish chairlift to gain an extra 200m to begin our hike of the loop of the three lakes and Wawa Ridge with stops to enjoy the flowers and the views. The route is described as follows in the Gem Trek map (Banff Edition):

* Sunshine Village to Rock Isle Lake Viewpoint. 2.1 km, gain 105m. The trail crosses the Continental Divide at 2300m into BC's Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, then descends slightly to Rock Isle Lake. The boardwalk viewpoint is the quintessential Rocky Mountain Vista with a majestic backdrop of peaks reflecting into clear waters.

* Rock Isle Lake Viewpoint to Grizzly and Larix Lakes: 3.4 km return, gain 110m. Continuing from Rock Isle Lake Viewpoint above, descend left on the "Garden Path" into sub- alpine forest dotted with wildflowers (July, August). Here the short growing season and high winds leave the trees stunted and gnarled. Between Grizzly and Larix lakes is a superb viewpoint of the Simpson Valley.

The return from the lakes area is a 4km trail that joins up with the green run off of Wawa chair, with a gain of 50m and loss of 176m as we head back down to the lodge.

There is a carpool available for this event for those who are comfortable riding with others. Please note the time and location. If you wish to meet us at the base of the gondola instead, that's great too!

Required Items to Bring:
Park pass or $$
Credit card to purchase gondola pass or proof of 2022-23 Season's Pass purchase
Lunch (or snacks for the trail)
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Water
Layers
Rain gear
Bear spray

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking Poles (if your knees need some help!)
Camera
Toque & Gloves
Sunscreen / Bug Repellent
$$ for snacks / food from Mad Trapper Saloon or Creekside Eatery

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Take Highway 1 west 9 km past Banff to the Sunshine Village Interchange and follow the Sunshine Village Road an additional 9 km to the parking lot at the base of the gondola lift.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

224Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $67.20 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Thursday, April 18, 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:

Member Cost:

$61.95/Person

Cost Includes:

Round-trip gondola ride from the parking area to the hiking area; MUST BE PURCHASED BY EACH MEMBER at the customer service desk (upstairs in building at the base of the gondola). Those who have purchased their 2022-23 Winter Season's Pass will have to bring proof of purchase (receipt) to be able to board the gondola free of charge.

Make a Payment:

Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the COC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: