Three Lakes Valley via Chester Lake – (T3) – LAST MINUTE!!

Slow and Steady Hikers
We did this last year, but we were way too late for larch season. I’m hoping this year we are on time.

Chester Lake is nestled among towering peaks on the uncrowded side of Kananaskis – the Smith-Dorrien Road. The first third of the trail is the steepest, with nice views back through Burstall Pass . Soon, however, the trail opens into a small clearing, and the rest is easy going. A short distance further you will enter a large meadow, with Chester Lake at the far end, through the trees. We will continue through to Elephant Rocks and then the second lake. Dep[ending on the group, we will continue on to the third lake before returning the way we came.

It is a requirement to read the following trip posting very carefully and to make the proper and responsible preparations for it. Failure to do so, will result in participant not allowed on this trip. A waiting list has automatically been created to determine this trip’s suitability for you as a potential participant. You must meet all the pre-requisites to be eligible to attend this trip. If the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it, otherwise, you will remain on the waiting list.

**This trip is weather dependent, so please check the website the morning of the hike to make sure the trip has not been cancelled.**

**TRAIL DESCRIPTION:**
https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/chester-lake-hike-kananaskis-country/ https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/kananaskis-smith-dorrien/chester-lake/

**Weather Report:**
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Chester/forecasts/3054

Event Type: Relaxed
Distance: 13km
Elevation Gain: 650m
Time: 4-6 hrs. trail plus 2hrs driving one way from Calgary
Difficulty – (T3)- See **[Trail rating](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EwslsRqLvFp-6anYK_pw_YNLrr94qklcbyZXsv87qs0/edit)** for description of the trail rating system Slow and Steady uses.

**RESTRICTIONS**: No dogs, no children, no guests.

**REQUIRED GEAR & SUPPLIES:**
· backpack
· hiking boots
· bear spray ** **mandatory**
. toque
. headlamp
· personal first aid kit
. hand/toe warmers
· snacks
. water (2l)
· appropriate clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
. warm layers . gloves/mittens
· personal first aid kit
· plastic bag for your wet/muddy stuff
. sense of humour **Mandatory

**SUGGESTED GEAR:**
· gaiters
· poles
· balaclava
· change of clothes
. sense of adventure

**CARPOOLING:** Meet at Shouldice Park & Ride (south of the power station), for 7:00 a.m. Please be considerate of your driver’s vehicle and bring a change of shoes and bag for dirty footwear. Suggested carpool fee contribution is $25 **[Gas Fees by Area and Price](https://docs.google.com/document/d/124qrzTgy-XY_zMT0ilo8HcCG7h5NEufrpQib-4BN3V4/edit))**. Carpool etiquette: **[Carpool etiquette](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hV2sjH6XsCaeraUYZcbzbr0uly5e-JPrtrCIhFgG5PU/edit)**

**CODE OF CONDUCT**: Please familiarize yourself with the group’s code of conduct: **[Slow and Steady Code of Conduct](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k2Zyj4O6tHRGSIMQQ3bH2PbH_u9v65bQN-DOA9SzZCc/edit)**

**CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC WAIVER**: You must complete the electronic waiver before you are allowed to go on this hike. The waiver is located at ————-

**DISCLAIMER**: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip. You must ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you’re physically fit to do this hike with the group.