We tried out the newish (2017) re-route of the Guinn Pass trail on what turned out to be a mixed weather day. It was the first day it was open this season and a fair number of people were on it. We hiked our way up a roaring Galatea Creek, with one spot showing the effects of a past avalanche:
avalanche debris in slide chute Lillian Lake was a nice green colour where we took a rest break. Continuing up the trail towards Galatea Lakes we crossed the only spot there was any snow on the trail:
One short section on old avalanche runout Just before Lower Galatea Lake the trail branches off towards Guinn Pass, it is quite well constructed with a good grade:
Guinn Pass trail (built 2017) Along the slopes in sheltered spots there were lots of wildflowers, notably:
glacier lily
slope of glacier lilies & spring beauties Guinn Pass was rather windy and chilly:
at Guinn Pass: cool & windy We didn't stay long, although Peter made the sidetrip to the outlier above. We retreated back down the trail where the wind was not as strong to find a place amongst many ground squirrel holes for lunch:
hunkered down for lunch below Guinn Pass As we were finishing there was the start of a series of short-lived rain sprinkles that continued on and off during our return. But the clouds remained high and there were still good views of the surrounding peaks:
Lower Galatea Lake & The Tower Thanks to everybody who came out for a mighty fine day in the mountains:
most of the gang - pick out the suspect
Participants: Ron (coordinator/scribe/photos), Gary, Susan, Bill, Janice, John, Clifton, Jane, Ulrike (photos), Peter, Michael, Krystyna, welcome to new member Kat, Barbara & Anne.