Hiking the Gargoyles & Columnar Peak in Garibaldi Park

This hike will be starting at Elfin Lakes. I already covered the hike to/from Elfin so read up on that if you like before returning here to continue. 

From Elfin Lakes you want to find the trailhead for Mamquam Lake trail. This is north of the smaller lake and to the west of the shelter. There’s a few trails in this area you could take to get there but if you have an offline map (strongly recommended) it should be easy to find. 

Following the Mamquam Lake trail this entire area is vast and open. When we hiked this it was a hot summer day and you inevitably arrive here around midday after hiking to Elfin Lakes, so definitely bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and even long sleeves. We were baking the entire time, it’s a bit desert like to be honest.

After descending around 50m on this trail you’ll start to climb gradually. After a total of around 1km the trail will split from the Mamquam Lake trail, heading off to the left. As far as I know this trail is not named, nor signposted, so make sure you are following some sort of map!

The trail now follows a deep carve in the surface of the hill which makes for some awkward footing. The gradient starts off moderate but rises gradually the more you ascend. You’ll cross a couple of streams and eventually the trail becomes much more rocky and sandy. Combined with the now steeper terrain the end of the ascent to the saddle becomes positively draining, especially if it’s as hot as when we went. 

Thankfully it’s not too long though and after an ever steepening grind that might at times require the use of hands, you’ll gain the saddle between the two peaks and have exceptional views of Diamond Head and Atwell Peak. Now you have a decision to make, Columnar Peak first or the Gargoyles? I tackled Columnar Peak, which is the less impressive of the two, while my hiking buddies went up the Gargoyles. 

The ascent up Columnar is gradual and the direction is obvious. That being said there is no clear trail and you will be hugging a fairly steep drop to your right, with a tree line to your left. Working your way along this ridge is a little tricky and at times you will need to go into the trees to avoid the steep drop, before popping back out when it’s safe again. Overall it’s not very difficult as the ascent is only around 80m. Once at the top of Columnar Peak you get nice views of Atwell Peak, as well the Gargoyles, to the north east. You also get westerly views, though these are much the same as the views you’ve had throughout Elfin Lakes. 

After you’ve finished up at Columnar Peak head back the way you came to the saddle. Now it’s time to tackle the Gargoyles, which I was warned by my now descending friends was quite the climb. Immediately you’ll be hitting a very steep slope, which, combined with the sandy terrain made for a slippery ascent, requiring the use of hands to maintain balance but not to climb. This is a very steep but short section that will leave you breathing heavily. Once at the top you are blessed with exceptional views of the Gargoyles themselves, as well an incredible ridge line walk to the east with breathtaking views. The view of Atwell Peak only gets better, now with a little tarn below to add to the occasion. If you’re feeling adventurous, work your way to the end of the ridgeline for some amazing photo opportunities. Hopefully you have a friend to snap you doing this ridgeline as it’s a great spot. 

Once you’ve finished up, descend back down to the saddle, being careful not to slip and slide all the way down. This is pretty tricky to descend without falling so take your time. At the saddle it’s simply heading back the way you came, down the steep trail towards Elfin Lakes. If you’ve done this as a day trip from Diamond Head parking lot you’ve got a long walk back to the car now so it might be worth a dip in the lake before your return journey!