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Wild Horizon 2025 #4: Blanca Lakes · Mon. Jul. 28th, 2025 - Wed. Jul. 30th, 2025
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Start: Monday, Jul. 28th, 6:00 am
End: Wednesday, Jul. 30th, 8:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting: Thursday, Jul. 24th, 8:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting location: Zoom
Description:
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Difficulty: Medium-Difficult
Dates: Monday, July 28, 2025- Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Total Distance: 22-25 km
Elevation: 1080-2117 m
Trailhead Access: 126 km of paved road + 15 km of FSR
Overview
The Blanca Lakes are a stunning series of alpine lakes nestled beneath Mount Blanca at an elevation of 1600-1800 meters in the northern Squamish Valley. The area offers breathtaking scenery, but the terrain is challenging. This hike combines a back-and-forth journey to reach the lakes with an exploration of the lakes on the second day and a relaxing third day to descend back to the trailhead. The lakes are surrounded by rugged landscapes, and the highest point, Blanca Peak, offers panoramic views but is accessible via a difficult, unmarked path.
Day 1: Trailhead to Lakeside Campsite
Trailhead Elevation: 1080m
Campsite Elevation: 1700m
Distance: 7.0 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Morning:
• Depart from the Mount Blanca and Blanca Lake Trailhead after parking your vehicle.
• Begin the hike along the well-marked trail, which steadily ascends through dense forest. The path gradually opens up, providing views of the surrounding mountains as you ascend.
Afternoon:
• Arrive at the lakeside campsite at around 1700 meters. Set up camp near one of the serene Blanca Lakes. The lake, surrounded by towering peaks, offers a tranquil and beautiful environment for camping.
Optional Side Hike:
• Blanca Peak (2117m): If you're feeling adventurous and have the energy, take a detour to summit Blanca Peak. The summit trail is challenging, with an unmarked, steep path. It’s a 2 km round-trip with an elevation gain of 417 meters. The panoramic view from the peak is worth the effort.
• After the hike, return to the lakeside campsite for a restful evening.
Day 2: Lakeside Exploration
Lakeside Elevation: 1700m
Distance: 10-15 km (loop)
Elevation Gain: Varied
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Medium-Difficult
Morning:
• After breakfast, begin the second day by exploring the Blanca Lakes region.
• The lakes are spread across the highland area, with no defined trails for the loop. Expect to navigate through natural terrain and enjoy stunning views of the crystal-clear waters surrounded by rugged peaks.
• The loop around the lakes will be about 10-15 km in distance, with an elevation gain of approximately 280 meters.
Afternoon:
• Complete the exploration of the Blanca Lakes, taking your time to capture the beauty of the area.
• Return to the lakeside campsite to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey. Enjoy the serene surroundings and perhaps relax by the lake or go for a short evening stroll.
Day 3: Return to Trailhead
Campsite Elevation: 1700m
Trailhead Elevation: 1080m
Distance: 7.0 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Morning:
• Pack up your campsite and begin the return journey to the trailhead.
• Retrace your steps along the well-marked trail, descending 620 meters back to the parking lot. The descent is relatively easy, with clear paths leading you back through the forest.
End of Hike:
• Arrive at the trailhead parking lot by late morning or early afternoon, completing the Blanca Lakes adventure.
Key Highlights
• Scenic Views: The Blanca Lakes, set against the backdrop of Blanca Peak, provide some of the most beautiful alpine scenery in the region.
• Challenging Terrain: The hike combines well-marked paths with sections requiring off-trail navigation, offering a satisfying mix of ease and challenge.
• Camping by the Lakes: Enjoy the unforgettable experience of camping near the pristine Blanca Lakes, surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes.
Preparation Tips
• Navigation: While the main trail is well-marked, parts of the second day's hike involve unmarked paths. Be sure to bring a detailed map, compass, or GPS device.
• Gear: A lightweight tent, comfortable hiking boots, water filter, and a reliable stove for cooking are essential. If bringing electronic devices, a solar power bank is recommended for recharging. Prepare for variable weather conditions at higher elevations.
• Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather. Check forecasts in advance and pack accordingly.
Route Maps
Click here for the full-resolution route map.
(The preview below may be compressed by the platform.)
Join Us
This Blanca Lakes journey combines the challenge of alpine hiking with the reward of stunning views and peaceful camping by the lakes. The extended 3-day plan offers a more leisurely pace, giving adventurers time to explore and enjoy the beauty of the area.
We’d love to bring as many adventurers as possible, but space will be limited by the number of available car seats. Priority will go first to those on the confirmed list, followed by those on the tentative list. Drivers are especially welcome — your contribution is essential, and you’ll always have top priority!
To help everyone share transportation costs fairly and transparently, I’ve created a simple Carpool Cost Calculator. Just enter trip distance, fuel price, and number of people — the spreadsheet will do the rest.
📥 Download Link:
Click here to download Carpool_Cost_Calculator.xlsx
Special Notes:
- I am not a certified guide. Each participant is fully responsible for their own safety, decisions, and well-being throughout the journey
- To improve clarity and flow, I used AI tools to assist with language editing — but all route planning, content, and ideas are entirely my own
Pre-Trip Meeting
Our pre-trip meeting will be held on Thursday, July24 at 8:00 PM (via Zoom).
Please refer to the signup page for the Zoom link. If you’re planning to join the trip but can’t attend the meeting, make sure to email me in advance.
References
Meteoblue: 7-Day Weather
AllTrails: Mount Blanca and Blanca Lake
Google Maps: Blanca Lakes Photo Sphere
Satellite Map:
Blanca Lakes in Summer:
Posted: 2025-04-16 01:25:16
Last modified: 2025-04-16 01:53:17