A Trail Running Overnight Trip
A heard of happy trail runners, from left to right: Emma, Claire, Lorna, Myself, Liz and Sara
To take my mind off the heavy breathing, I looked up from the dusty trail two feet in front of me to catch the ridge line. A brilliant string of colours, lycra and bobbing ponytails. I instantly started smiling. A big ear to ear grin. I watched ten adventurous women traversing across the boulders and shrubs of Whistler’s high alpine terrain. In the moment, I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed by how wildly luck I am to have found this many like-minded friends to take on this wild adventure. And then I’m jolted back into the moment as I feel my heart rate peak. We we’re already over the Flute Summit.
Last summer, I devised the plan to combine two magical adventures: alpine trail running and a backcountry overnight trip. The perfect spot? Garibaldi Provincial Park’s Kee’s and Claire Hut, in Whistler backcountry. It was an experiment. But I’d call it a resounding success!
The route
Most of us uploaded Whistler Village Gondola and started our run from the Roundhouse Lodge:
To add some variety, I opted to run back down Singing Pass:
What we packed
We had to think light and take only the essentials as running gets cumbersome and a bit awkward with a big pack. I opted for:
a larger running vest (a few of us purchased Salomon 12L packs, like this one)
Emergency blanket
Sleeping bag liner (the hut provided mats and the summer weather meant we could get away with layering and a “silkie” liner.
Merino thermal bottom and top (I used what I normally layer under my ski suit)
Extra sports bra and underwear
Patagonia Houdini packable rain jacket
Meals
trail snacks
Travel toothpaste and toothbrush head
Headlamp
Hat with brim
Lightweight down vest
Neck tube
Hydration bottles + bladder
Sunglasses
The beautiful, well marked Musical Bumps route to Kee’s and Claire hut at Russet Lake
Food + Drink
We opted to leave mid-day, right after lunch, to save us packing a third meal. The length of the run meant that we could comfortably arrive in time for dinner. The next morning we made breakfast and then arrived in the village around lunch time. Worked well!
For meals we brought a freezedried dinner and breakfast from Mountain Meals. Given my voracious appetite in the backcountry, I was surprised to find that I couldn’t finish either meal. Best advice would be to split the meals with a friend and save the wieght of carrying two. I had the Green Thai Curry for dinner and a Ruby Bowl for breakfast. Both were delish!
I carried Skratch Energy Chews (my go-to) and mixed nuts for on trail
I used LMNT for electrolyte drinks
I had a lovely cup of Instant coffee from Forecast
Liz was kind enough to bring a bit of milk as a treat for coffee
Emma and I sharing a good belly laugh at sunset
Options for Everyone
Accessing the hut can be done by either uploading from Whistler Village Gondola or running up Singing Pass. The Whistler Village Gondola route is more scenic but less elevation gain (for those looking to bag a bigger mission). We did encounter a slow rolling thunderstorm that kept us moving fast. Another reason to potentially opt for Singing Pass on the way out to the hut.
Once at the hut we found a summer access route up Whirlwind Peak. Parts of this were a scramble and others a well established trail. This was an absolute highlight. If you have the energy - go get it! If not, a swim in Russet lake is another fabulous way to pass the time until bedtime at the hut.
Leaving the next morning I opted for Singing Pass because it’s so nice and runable. Lots of downhill! If you were looking for something a bit easier on the quads, returning via the Musical Bumps is a lovely option. Lots of elevation change but very scenic with options to extend up to Whistler’s Peak or return on the more direct route through Harmony Bowl.
Climbing up Whirlwind Peak
This hut is fancy
Not every hut is created equal. The Kee’s and Claire hut is practically a lodge. It’s constructed to a Passive House standard. The bunk rooms offer sleeping pads. The kitchen is stocked with pans, utensils, water pots and stoves. The lounge area has comfy seating and equipment for recovery including yoga mats and foam rollers. We were luck enough to have some talented yoga and fitness instructors in the group to lead some much needed recovery sessions.
Sore bodies after a big run
I high encourage anyone looking for a bigger trail running mission to take on this “flash packing” style adventure. Make sure to check the weather and for any backcountry advisories before you go. This Spearhead hut books out on a 60 day rolling basis so check in advance. Consider going mid-week or avoiding a holiday weekends for maximum fun.
