Healy Pass Fall Colours Hike - Relaxed Pace - Sat, Sep 30 2023

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Healy Pass Fall Colours Hike - Relaxed Pace (9/30/2023)

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

Event Location:

Sunshine Village overflow parking lot (Banff)

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Sep 30 2023 9:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 7:30 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Sep 29 2023 4:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

8 Hours + Travel

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

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

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

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

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Distance: 17.6km return
Elevation Gain: 655m
Pace: Relaxed but steady (3 - 4 km / hr) with brief stops as needed on the steeper section leading up to the meadows and the larches... then we'll take our time once we reach the treeline!
Please only register if: you have recent (this summer) experience with (or close to) the above stated elevation & distance, you are able to maintain a moderate pace on gradual inclines (this steeps will be slower), you are not on a timetable and most important: you understand that the plan is to spend up to an 1 - 2 hours for lunch, photos and general enjoyment of the view in the meadows and at the pass. Due to the length of the hike, and the group's goal of spending more time above treeline than in the trees, this is not a suitable hike for very slow hikers or those who haven't done any long hikes with moderate elevation yet this season.

We'll depart from the Sunshine Village parking lot and follow Healy Creek, climbing to the meadows that source it. The trail starts in the trees with a gradual incline, becoming steeper as it approaches the tree-line near the 6.5 - 7 km mark. Once in the meadow, the trail continues up at a moderate grade for another 1 - 2 km, but the views and larches will give us the opportunity to catch our breath, along with stunning views of Egypt Lake and many nearby peaks. Note that lunch may be shortened or delayed until we are back in the trees if weather becomes a concern. It's possible to get snow this time of year - or for the colours to be over entirely - but hopefully it will still be 'fall' for our hike.

Required Items to Bring:
-PROPER HIKING BOOTS/SHOES required
-Breathable quick dry hiking attire
-Warm layers (toque / glove)
-Jacket/wind breaker
-Rain gear
-Plenty of water or a filter
-Warm drink if it's cool
-Snack/lunch
-Hat/Sunscreen (highly recommended)
-Bear spray (no bells, please)
- National Park pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
-Hiking poles
-Camera
-Toilet paper & ziplock bag (to pack-out)
-First aid kit
-Spare shirt (change at the top)
-Sit-upon
-Change of footwear / clothes for the car ride in case it's really wet
-After hike snack for the car (it's a long day!)

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Head west on Highway 1 west from Calgary. Pass by the Banff townsite and take exit for the Sunshine Village Ski Area. Follow the Sunshine Village Access road (~6 km) until you reach the parking area. Park as close to the buildings as possible.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

224Km

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $78.40 (calculated at total Km * $0.35, effective Tuesday, September 26, 2023). 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:

Remember that timing 'Larch' hikes is always a bit of a guessing game and never a sure thing. This weekend has been "peak" time for the past three seasons, but with our early spring, things may be different. Please come prepared for a wonderful day and HOPEFULLY some golden larches will be there for us to see too!
- 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:

Waiting List

Sorry, either registration for this event is closed, or the event is full. If you are a COC Member, you may add yourself to the Waiting List here.
Note that if the event maximum has not been reached, but you are still seeing this box, it is because the maximum was reached at one point and there are already others ahead of you on the list.