We are pretty lucky to live in the mountains. Many people dream of waking up to snow-capped mountains and having open-ended access to vast wilderness. Being able to hike to stunning vistas whenever you want seems like heaven, but the truth is that it is not always as simple as waking up and picking a trail to hike that day.
Many trails have a specific window when they are safely accessible. Some routes are only available on skis in the winter or with the help of sleds. Some summer hikes require the snow to melt before they can safely be travelled, while others rely on the roads becoming firm and dry enough to be drivable.
Finding the right time to do the right trail can feel like a game of chess while trying to navigate all your other summer plans.
Last week, I felt like I had finally executed a checkmate. I went on an absolutely perfect hike to Gorman Lake.
All spring, I had been waiting and checking trails, looking through Facebook and asking around to find out if Gorman Lake was hikeable yet. I had heard from plenty of people who had tried and failed to make it to the lake after hitting patches of snow, while others could not even make it up the road.
The snow can stick around on the trail until late July, depending on the year, so when it feels like summer has arrived in Golden, that does not necessarily mean every alpine trail is ready to go.
But as they say, good things come to those who wait, and waiting until later in the summer to head up to Gorman Lake has the sweet taste of delayed gratification.
For those who have not hiked this trail, let me break it down for you. Gorman Lake Trail is a scenic 5.8-kilometre out-and-back alpine hike. Access to the trail is only about 35 minutes outside of town, down the Dogtooth Forest Service Road.
The trail itself is relatively short, with about 300 metres of elevation gain. It took me about an hour and a half to reach the lake and around an hour to come back down, depending on how quickly you are moving. But what really slows you down is the strong desire you will have to stay at the lake once you get there.
The hike brings you through a stunning forest filled with wildflowers and creeks before reaching a rocky section at the foot of a large moraine. This was the one part of the hike where I would take extra care, especially if you have bad ankles or are less comfortable on uneven terrain. From there, you pass through a meadow with a small waterfall and over a ridge before finally reaching the lake.
And the lake is worth the wait.
Gorman Lake is a stunning glacial blue, with a water temperature to match. There are picnic tables and beautiful patches of grass to lay out beside the lake, as well as a canoe that is free to use if you want to take a quick paddle around the water (at your own risk).
It is simply stunning, something straight out of a postcard. It is the kind of view that, no matter how many times you see it, still manages to blow you away.
The trail was quiet when I headed up, as it often is compared to some of the busier trails in Banff. But if you want my tip for getting some alone time up there, head up earlier in the day. I got going on the trail around 10 a.m. and saw nobody on the way up, while passing about five groups on the way back down.
While we are on the topic of tips for this trail, I would be remiss if I did not mention that a high-clearance vehicle is a must, and four-wheel drive is even better. The trip up the mountain road is a rough one. It is doable if you are up for a bit of adventure, but having the right vehicle makes the journey much safer and more comfortable. A bush road radio is also highly recommended, since it is an active logging area.
Another essential is bear spray. Both black bears and grizzly bears are known to frequent the area, so make sure you have bear spray with you and, more importantly, keep it somewhere accessible. It does little good buried at the bottom of your backpack if you need it quickly.
There is something satisfying about catching a trail in that perfect window, when the snow has finally disappeared, the roads are passable and the lake is still surrounded by summer. Gorman Lake feels like one of those places that rewards a little patience.
So Golden, now is the time. Our sweet summer is fleeting.
Dust off those hiking boots and make the trip to Gorman Lake before the season slips away. Experience this tucked-away paradise and one of the many wonders that make this beautiful place we call home so special.
To learn more about the Gorman lake trail or to find other hikes in the Golden area visit Goldenhikes.ca.
Note: Hikers are reminded that there is currently a fire ban in this part of BC, and restrictions are in place for the back country so please use caution when venturing into these areas.
