Helen & Catherine Lake Moderate Pace( 14 km return)

Slow and Steady Hikers
HIKE is currently open; but there may be closures due to bear activities and fish restoration activities; plan B TBD
**The Parking lot is quite small,** 20 cars maximum, hence the intent is to start earlier.
Carpooling: At your discretion; I shall meet you at the trailhead.
DESCRIPTION: At 1965 m elevation, we start from the parking lot. Entering the forest, we follow a well-marked trail for roughly 4.5km, with lovely flowers accompanying us and a few apology of creeks. As we emerge from the trees, we get some stupendous views, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, meandering Bow River and Dolomite Peak.

Crossing Helen Creek, the route arrives at Helen Lake at 5.7 km, at an elevation 2398 m. After a quick snack break, we hike to the 6.8 km (at 2597m) mark, the highest point of the day for a lovely view of the Catherine lake and then take the lunch break l shall not use words like ethereal, verdant, & pristine, to describe the milieu, but leave you to be the judge.

**The geology** of the Helen Lake area, is a classic showcase of Cambrian-era marine sedimentation and mountain building. It features 500-million-year-old fossilized reefs, steep mountain folds(evident at the Cirque Peak) , and more recent glacial landforms. The rocks are carbonate rocks (limestone and dolostone) that were laid down in shallow Cambrian seas. Continental “redbeds” (red-colored siltstones and sandstones) are present. The red color is due to a coat of iron ore. Stromatolite means “layered rock”. They are not formed by a single plant or animal. Instead, they are created by colonies of blue-green algae.
INFO
http://www.hikingwalking.com/destinations/ab/ab_rockies/banff/helen_dolomite/helen_dolomite_detail

https://www.myhikingjournal.com/single-post/2016/07/20/day-hike-helen-lakedolomite-pass

Participation is not first come first served and is at the discretion of the organizer. Attendees will be selected based on their suitability to fit with the group, however, please note that I am unable to accommodate everyone. If you have not hiked with me before, I may contact you for additional information.

Carpooling: Discretionary( COVID free, no out of province travel in last 15 days; diagonal seating, one in each row and wearing masks) . Please contact attendees offline. Carpooling $ 25/pax for sedan cars; $ 30/pax for SUVs. Please share Park pass cost.

WAIVER: You MUST read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver prior to arriving: http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/
You shall bring a piece of paper with your emergency contact name and phone number , clearly indicating that u have read the waiver; please sign this paper.

https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/29678414/Slow_and_Steady_-_FAQ/

CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct. https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/19453923/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/

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 conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you’re physically fit to do this hike with the group.