17.05.2016
We decided to camp up at Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Park, my favourite place on earth. The long switchbacks in the beginning were snow free but they're redundant as its all uphill and not much to see just yet BUT ITS WORTH IT. We took the route that takes you down to the lake first, 9km from the parking lot, adding an extra few km to the total trip. The lake was still mainly frozen but tiny pieces were melting. As we made our way up from the Lake to head towards the route to Panorama there was lots and lots of snow. We brought snow shoes but because the snow was melting and patchy we didn't use them for a while. We had to go off my boyfriend's predownloaded google map and our memory of the way up because the trail markers were sparse and with so much snow the trail was hard to follow. We ended up off trail a bit after hiking up towards Taylor Meadows, at least we think that's the direction we were going. We got to a point where we could see the summer route from ways away but couldn't find the exact trail as it was snow covered. We debated where to go and then decided to go straight up the right side of what we knew to be Panorama Ridge. We were lucky and by making our way towards the ridge we crossed over a stream which had enough snow over to cross. Get water when you can, use tablets or a water filter. We scrambled up the right side of the peak, to the left was snow covered, and to the right much of the rock face was exposed with no snow and safe to climb. We trudged up and got to the peak after 11 hours, granted we stopped at the lake for about and hour and a half and the lake route added an extra 2km. We only used snow shoes for minimal parts walking towards the peak, for the most part we carried them. The night camping at the peak was the most rewarding, we had a beautiful sunset mixed with minimal cloud coverage passing through. Camping there was so surreal and beauty that can only ever be experienced from up top.
On our way down the next day we were able to follow the summer route down based off memory and the pre-downloaded google maps. I wouldn't do this route unless you are sure of your route finding skills or have the resources just because the snow covered so much at this time of season. We made it down in 6 hours.
This trail is challenging much because of the distance and duration, the inclines aren't too bad throughout but you are moving for a long long time.
Not a beginners trail, going in the snowy season you would want to be advanced and prepared. BUT this route in the summer is a lot easier and it is always a most rewarding view.
Happy Adventuring !
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