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    Lillian and Galatea Lakes

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5-7h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    16.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    740 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Beautiful panorama of Galatea Lake hike in the Canadian Rockies

    The hike to Galatea Lakes is spectacular. The first bit to Lillian Lake is through forest, the route above Lillian Lake is outstanding, especially the circuit around Lower Galatea Lake. This hike takes in Lillian Lake, Lower Galatea Lake and Upper Galatea Lake.

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    Route Description for Lillian and Galatea Lakes

    Set out from Galatea Parking Lot on the clear path that goes initially downhill before crossing a bridge over the Kananaskis River.

    The trail then goes up the Galatea Valley, following Galatea Creek, over which you will cross and re-cross several times.

    Along the way, you get some pretty river views, however most of this first section is through the forest.

    2.9 km from the car, the path will split. Take the right-hand branch and go up and away from Galatea Creek.

    You reach the tip of Lillian Lake after anywhere from 1.5-2 hours. The hike is roughly 6.3 km while gaining 600 m. If you aren’t a regular hiker, expect this to take a bit longer.

    Lillian Lake is a pretty lake, and many hikers stop here. There are some nice benches along Lillian Lake, as well as the Lillian Lake Backcountry Campground, which has 17 campsites, a group fire pit and toilets. This is a very good objective for your first backpacking trip (if you’re an intermediate hiker), and you can easily spend a weekend here with great day hikes over to Ribbon Lake or up to the Galatea Lakes.

    From Lillian Lake, the path to Galatea Lakes is a bit tricky. Go towards the campground and follow the signs to the washroom. You will soon see the signs pointing the direction to Galatea Lakes or Guinn’s Pass.

    The route to Lower Galatea Lake and Guinn’s Pass is the same, and you follow a narrow path through tall brush, which is at times steep. Once you come out of the trees you continue going up, now over rocks.

    You soon come to a junction, where those wanting to explore Lower and Upper Galatea Lakes go to the left. Guinn’s Pass (3.0 km return, 240 m of elevation gain) goes up to the right.

    Go left here and you very quickly come over a ridge and look down on Lower Galatea Lake. Follow the path here as it goes around the right-hand side of Lower Galatea Lake before going around the back of Lower Galatea Lake. The views along this part of the hike are spectacular.

    Once at the far-end of Lower Galatea Lake you hike up a short section and go right to see Upper Galatea Lake. You can hike a short distance on the right-hand side of Upper Galatea Lake.

    From Upper Galatea Lake, the easiest option is to return the way you came back to Lower Galatea Lake and then down to Lillian Lake.

    There is also a path that continues around Lower Galatea Lake, which is shown on our map. To go around Lower Galatea Lake, take the clear path that goes around the right-hand side of the lake. When you reach the end of Lower Galatea Lake, look on your left for a path that goes through the trees. This path will take you to the junction that goes up to Guinn’s Pass. It’s very easy to miss this path, which we did, and is shown on our map.

    If you miss the turn, then the route down is a very steep and loose trail. The route looks like it goes down all the way to Lillian Lake, however we went left partway down the descent and bushwhacked 200 m through the forest back to the main trail. We’d recommend against our route, though it is possible. If you make it all the back to Lillian Lake let us know!

    Either way, once you’re back on the main path, follow the trail as it heads down to Lillian Lake and then back to your car.

    Insider Hints for Lillian and Galatea Lakes

    • The washrooms at Galatea Parking Lot are heavily used, and there aren’t enough for the crowds that come. Bring your own toilet paper, or maybe stop at another washroom before here if you need the washroom.
    • This is a classic backpacking trip for beginner backpackers. Hike into Lillian Lake, set up your tent and then explore the Galatea Lakes and Guinn’s Pass.
    • You could add on a trip to Guinn’s Pass as well. The roundtrip distance for this trip and Guinn’s Pass is 21.1 km with 1,100 m of elevation gain.

    Getting to the Lillian and Galatea Lakes Trailhead

    From the Stoney Nakoda Casino on the TransCanada, take Highway 40 south for roughly 32.6 km. Turn right into the signed Galatea Parking lot.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June to September

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Lillian Lake

    • Toilets

      Parking Lot, Lillian Lake

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Lillian and Galatea Lakes Elevation Graph

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    Lillian and Galatea Lakes Reviews

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