Mamquam Lake Trail

Mamquam Lake Trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park above Squamish is a serious mission, not a casual day stroll. At 41.4 km out-and-back with about 1,875 m of gain and a high point around 1,600 m, it’s an extreme endurance hike that usually pushes people close to 14 hours. Most hikers break it into an overnight or even two nights, using Elfin Lakes or Rampart Ponds as camps to make the grind more manageable.

The route starts on the familiar Elfin Lakes trail, then keeps going and going as you roll past alpine meadows, volcanic ridges, and finally down toward the deep blue of Mamquam Lake. The grade is mostly reasonable rather than brutally steep, but the distance, constant little ups and downs, and long stretches of sun exposure are what wear people down. Views open up early and often, with big Coast Mountain peaks and classic Garibaldi scenery that just keeps expanding the farther you commit.

Recent hikers report the trail as long, hot, and exposed on sunny days, with bugs annoying but not unbearable and a key water crossing that’s usually below the knee if you pick the right line; poles help a lot, and the safest spot is farther south before the creek drops away. Bears are commonly seen around Elfin Lakes, so keep food locked up and stay alert. For Mamquam Lake Trail, plan for an early start, strong legs, and solid navigation, treat it as a backpacking trip rather than a day hike, and remember that from late fall to early spring, the access road above Squamish often requires winter tires and chains by law.