PNOA Garibaldi Lake Traverse Backpacking Trip, Aug 8-10, 2025

From August 8-10, 2025, PNOA organized an unforgettable 3-day, 2-night backpacking adventure through the stunning Garibaldi Lake Traverse in Garibaldi Provincial Park, led by Paul and Yolanda. With 16 enthusiastic participants, we covered 53 km and gained 3,000 meters in elevation under clear, favorable weather. The group’s high spirits and camaraderie made this trip a memorable journey of personal growth, connection, and breathtaking scenery.

Day 1: Helm Creek Campground via Cheakamus Lake Trail (8.66 km, 766m elevation gain)

We began our adventure on the Cheakamus Lake Trail, a well-maintained and clearly marked route. The trail offered a steady climb with switchbacks after crossing a creek, where we refilled water (filtered, of course!). The ascent was steep but manageable, though the bugs at Helm Creek Campground kept us on our toes—bug repellent was a lifesaver! After setting up camp and cooking a hearty meal, we explored the surrounding area, hiking 6 km, 204m elevation gain up to a nearby lake. Some discussed catching the sunrise at Panorama Ridge, but safety concerns led most to opt out. The evening was filled with laughter, shared stories, and anticipation for the days ahead.

Day 2: Helm Creek to Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk, and Garibaldi Lake Campground (18.36 km, 1,232m elevation gain)

Day 2 was packed with adventure! Starting from Helm Creek Campground, we headed to Panorama Ridge, dropping our heavy backpacks at the junction to carry lighter daypacks. The trail to Panorama Ridge was a visual feast, weaving through meadows, volcanic pebbles, lakes, and boulders, with the iconic Black Tusk in view. The path was moderate until a steep ascent in the final kilometers. After soaking in the panoramic views, we returned to the junction, picked up our backpacks, and continued to Black Tusk.

The Black Tusk trail was well-marked until snow patches appeared, but footprints guided us. The final scramble up the chimney required experience and caution due to loose rocks—helmets were a must. After conquering Black Tusk, we descended to Garibaldi Lake Campground, a bustling spot where finding a tent site took some exploration. Over dinner, Paul and Yolanda shared the next day’s schedule, and some planned a sunrise hike by Garibaldi Lake. The day’s challenges and triumphs brought us closer as a group.

Day 3: Mt. Price and Rubble Creek Trailhead (19.53 km, 755m elevation gain)

On the final day, those who opted for the sunrise at Garibaldi Lake were treated to a magical start. After breakfast, we packed our tents, stored our backpacks in the shelter, and set off with smaller bags for a day hike to Mt. Price. The trail to Garibaldi Lake was busy but easy, though the path beyond the campground was less maintained, requiring some bushwhacking and scrambling. Pink and orange flagging guided us past the ranger station, leading to lava flows, woods, and the exposed base of Clinker Peak. From the peak, we enjoyed stunning views of the Skypilot Range, Brandywine Range, and Table Mountain.

Back at Garibaldi Lake, some of us took a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water before retrieving our backpacks and descending to Rubble Creek Trailhead. The descent marked the end of an epic journey, filled with shared laughter and awe-inspiring moments.

Reflections

This backpacking trip was more than just a physical challenge—it was a journey of personal growth and connection. The stunning landscapes of Garibaldi Provincial Park, combined with the companionship among our group, created lasting memories. PNOA invites you to join us on future adventures to experience the joy of the outdoors and build lifelong friendships. Lace up your boots, pack your bag, and let’s hit the trails together!

PNOA 2025年8月8-10日加里波第湖穿越背包旅行

2025年8月8日至10日，PNOA在Paul和Yolanda的带领下，组织了一场令人难忘的3天2夜加里波第湖穿越背包旅行。16位充满热情的参与者共同完成了53公里的路程，累计爬升3000米。天气晴好，团队士气高昂，这趟旅程充满了个人成长、友谊和壮丽的自然风光。

第一天：经Cheakamus湖步道至Helm Creek营地（8.66公里，爬升766米）

我们从Cheakamus湖步道开始，这是一条维护良好、标记清晰的步道。过河后是一段陡峭的之字形上坡，略有挑战，但整体可控。我们在小溪边补充了水源（需过滤）。Helm Creek营地的蚊虫较多，防虫喷雾必不可少！扎营后，我们烹制了美食，并探索了周边区域，徒步6公里（爬升204米）到附近的一个湖泊。一些人讨论去Panorama Ridge看日出，但出于安全考虑，大多数人决定放弃。夜晚，我们围坐一起，分享故事，期待接下来的行程。

第二天：Helm Creek营地至Panorama Ridge、Black Tusk及加里波第湖营地（18.36公里，爬升1232米）

第二天行程丰富！我们从Helm Creek营地出发，前往Panorama Ridge，在路口卸下重背包，携带轻便小包上路。通往Panorama Ridge的步道风景多样，有草地、火山碎石、湖泊和巨石，Black Tusk的壮观身影始终相伴。步道平缓适中，直到最后几公里的陡坡。欣赏完全景后，我们返回路口取回背包，继续前往Black Tusk。

Black Tusk的步道标记清晰，但雪地出现后需跟随足迹前行，建议提前下载地图。攀登Black Tusk的最后一段是攀岩路线，需有攀岩经验，松动的岩石增加了危险性，头盔必不可少。完成Black Tusk后，我们下行至加里波第湖营地，这是一个热门营地，找空地扎帐篷颇费周折。晚餐时，Paul和Yolanda宣布了次日计划，部分人决定去加里波第湖看日出。这一天的挑战与成就让团队更加紧密。

第三天：Mt. Price及Rubble Creek步道口（19.53公里，爬升755米）

最后一天，选择去看加里波第湖日出的队员迎来了梦幻般的清晨。早餐后，我们收拾帐篷，将大背包存放在避难所，带上小包进行Mt. Price的日间徒步。通往加里波第湖的步道人流较多但简单，过了营地后，步道维护较差，需穿过灌木丛和攀爬。路过带有码头的护林站后，粉色和橙色标记指引我们向右急转，约50米后折回湖边。前30分钟有些许挑战，之后步道变得清晰，穿越熔岩流和森林，最终到达Clinker Peak的底部。山顶视野开阔，可眺望Skypilot山脉、Brandywine山脉和Table Mountain。

回到加里波第湖后，部分队员跳入清澈的湖水中畅游，随后返回避难所取回背包，朝Rubble Creek步道口下行。这标志着我们史诗般的旅程画上句号，充满了欢笑和震撼的瞬间。

感悟

这次重装背包不仅是体力挑战，更是一场个人成长和团队联结的旅程。加里波第省立公园的壮丽景色与团队的友谊交织，创造了难忘的回忆。PNOA诚邀您加入我们未来的活动，体验户外乐趣，结交志同道合的朋友！快来系上登山靴，背上背包，一起踏上旅程吧！

Video Courtesy of Yuki Chau

Video Courtesy of Li Wan

Video Courtesy of Yuki Chau