Arnica Lake and ridge above Trail hike on 22-Sep-2026

What a fabulous day in the mountains! Clear skies, mild temperature, great colours, lake and mountain views on a good trail with excellent company!

We arrived at the trailhead shortly after 9am and claimed 2 of the few remaining spots in the small parking lot - it was totally filled 10 minutes later.

It was about 9 degrees when we started, but our jackets came off about half an hour later when we began the steep climb up from Vista Lake to Arnica Lake. We took several short breaks on the way up at the various viewpoints, then a longer snack break when we reached Arnica Lake.

Morning at Vista Lake
Morning at Vista Lake

Some of group at one of many viewpoints on the ascent
Some of group at one of many viewpoints on the ascent

Arnica Lake
Arnica Lake

After our well deserved rest and replenishment, we carried on the last 1km and about 120m elevation to the ridge overlooking both the Twin Lakes on one side and Arnica Lake on the other where we had a extended lunch break in the warm sun. It was about 20 degrees when we got back to the cars around 3:15 after a very enjoyable day.

At turnoff to ridge
At turnoff to ridge

Twin Lakes from lunch ridge
Twin Lakes from lunch ridge

Colourful slope
Colourful slope

Relaxing lunch in the sun
Relaxing lunch in the sun

Thanks to Rosanne, Bill, Photini and Aldis for joining me Barb. Thanks to Aldis and Bill for some of the photos.

Group, minus photographer Bill, on ridge overlooking Arnica Lake
Group, minus photographer Bill, on ridge overlooking Arnica Lake

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