Trailhead Kiosk
The sign describes a lot different hikes and activities in the area. We are embarking on the “43 km Elbow Loop” mentioned on the sign.
Peaches and I start our hike.
We left the Little Elbow West Trailhead around 9 am on Tuesday June 27. The trail was wide and easy to start.
As we hiked, we started to see new mountains coming into view. The trail climbed but not too steeply. We gained our elevation gradually.
Mount Remus ascent route
Our trail took us past Mount Remus. We met five people heading up to climb it. They were out for the day.
Their route went up the tree gully in the middle of the photo, then angled up and right along orange coloured gravel to reach the large orange area near the top. Then left to the summit.
Along the Little Elbow River, Mount Remus in the background
Here Peaches and I stopped for a first lunch break and to get some water. I treated all my water with Pristine tablets that gave the water a mild chlorine flavour. Not pleasant. Adding juice crystals helped.
We ended up stopping for multiple food breaks each day. I found it easier to eat small amounts many times during the day rather than one large lunch. It can be difficult to get food in on these long trips. On this day, I was impatient to get the miles done and curious to see the trail ahead.
Another new mountain in the distance
We hiked past Mount Remus. I believe this is where Mount Romulus started coming into view. The campground we were heading to for the night was along the base of Mount Romulus.
A sign indicating the turn-off to the Mount Romulus backcountry campground
Our first day of hiking ended here.
Tent site at Romulus Backcountry Campground
Arriving at Romulus in the early afternoon, after our first day of hiking, Peaches and I found 10 tent sites like this one. Only two were taken at that time. I chose this one. It was apart from the others and the shortest walk to the outhouse and cooking area.
Here Peaches and I set up our tent. It was fairly level and the gravel kept it pretty dry during the rain storms that came through that afternoon.
A picnic table near the river at Romulus campground.
Peaches and I sat here for a second lunch break after we got the tent set up. We only managed to eat and relax for a short time before the rain started and we were forced into the tent.
Good thing I brought a book. I read almost the entire novel “The Catcher in the Rye” during this three day trip.
Axe and firewood, tarped to keep it dry
Peaches investigated the firewood pile. I think a chipmunk was hiding there.
One of two communal firepit and picnic table areas at the Romulus campground.
Here I cooked and ate my dinner after my first day of hiking and my breakfast the next morning.
There are food lockers nearby to store your food away from critters. You do not have to hang your food.
This was a shared space and the site of some excellent campfire conversation with other campers during dinner on my first night.
Learn more about my trip
Including what I packed, what I ate and how the next two days of hiking went.
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