Access to fresh water is rarely a concern on the GDT but you should still boil, treat or filter all water before drinking. A minimum of two litres of water storage capacity is recommended. There are some high elevation sections of trail, particularly on ridge crests, where water may be scarce late in the season, so fill up water bottles whenever possible. Plan for enough water to accommodate additional requirements due to heat, cold, altitude, exertion, or emergency. Always consult your map or guidebook for distances between available water sources.
Jutland Creek to West Castle Road via La Coulotte Ridge – 14.5 km. This is one of the most difficult and longest waterless sections of the GDT, and can take all day for even the most experienced hikers, so loading up with extra water is mandatory. The Barnaby Ridge alternate route beginning at La Coulotte Peak is also very difficult and waterless for most of its 24 km.
Lynx Creek to Creek Gully via Willoughby Ridge – 13 km. Hiking through the old burned forest along Willoughby Ridge on a hot day will leave you parched.
Allison Creek to Window Mountain Lake via the High Rock Trail – 16 km. The seasonal water sources on this section usually run dry by mid-July. While the trail here isn’t particularly difficult, much of it is above treeline, exposing hikers to the hot sun without reliable water sources.
Hidden Creek to Cache Creek – 10 km. A relatively long waterless stretch up and over a ridge crest without much shade.
Og Lake to Citadel Pass – 13 km. The Valley of the Rocks is a notoriously dry (but beautiful) section of trail. Hikers can detour to Porcupine campground for water if necessary.