The trail starts out with a mild incline, just to get the blood pumping, and meanders amongst some of the only old growth cedars on the North Shore and a speckling of ponds. The last 1.5 km (depending on the route) takes you steadily uphill, a great reminder of how out of shape you let yourself get over the winter.
If you go up in the winter, expect typical snowy scenes; in summer the usual sub alpine wildflowers. It is a great hike to take out-of-towners on--not a killer workout, but with great payoffs. It feels like you can reach out and touch the Lions.
Directions:
From Vancouver, take Hwy 99 North, following signs to Cypress Mountain Ski Area. The trailhead is in the CROSS COUNTRY parking lot, not the downhill, like many of the Cypress hikes.
The snowshoe trail is clearly marked with orange poles. In the summer, follow the wide road straight up the hill, either staying on the ski runs or hopping over to the marked hiking trail. There are several paths up to the ridge, all well-signed.
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ByPosted By: theoneandonlychevy
- Sun Feb 10 00:38:39 EST 2013
Not Rated
Upsidegreat workout. much shorter than other options out there in the winter. Very well marked
Downsidein fresh powder, the steeper sections nearing the peak make it quite the slog. one step forward, two slides back!
CommentUnfortunately there was quite a bit of clouds as it was presently snowing on my trek up but I could tell that the view would be worth it otherwise, will definitely had to come back as it was very doable (only took 1.5 hours). it was well marked and busy which makes it safe to do if your out alone. Highly recommend :)
ByPosted By: trailrunner
- Sun Sep 04 22:13:52 EDT 2011
Upside Very good peak view unexpectedly. Great technical trailrunning practise flat trail. A couple of muddy sections.
Downside Crowd. Often there are many branch out paths and confusing, though majority of them will join back to main trail. Some signes are not present or not legible.
Comment -Starts from wide open gentle x-country ski terrain, then repeat under old growth looking woods, open rocks, pond areas to the peak. -Trail is mostly semi flat or low incline, very well defined and upto 2m wide often and has lots of roots and rocks. -There are many confusing branch outs majority of which eventually meet back. -Some signs are missing or not legible. If in doubt, follow towards the direction of the peak and higher elevation. -Surprisingly great views from the peak -Makes a good technical trailrun practice in flat rooty + rocky conditions.
Ran with somewhat slow pace; 32mins to peak from x-country parking area, down way 28mins. If you go fast, a round trip can be closer to 50mins. If you walk, would probably take 60-90mins each way.
ByPosted By: shanana29
- Thu Nov 12 20:08:05 EST 2009
Not Rated
QuestionI heard that Hollyburn was going to be closed from December 1, 2009 until the end of the Olympics.......................is this true???ANSWERS are in this forum: Olympics
ByPosted By: JenR
- Fri May 22 19:06:25 EDT 2009
UpsideA great distance to do in a couple of hours. You can knock this one out easily in the afternoon. The views at the top are spectacular. The last time I was up all of Vancouver was shrowded in clouds and all that could be seen was Mt.Baker protruding out of the cloud cover in the distance. Be sure to pack a snack for the top, and bring a little extra to share with the very cute and very friendly birds :)
DownsideThis trail is very popular so it gets very crowded at times.
CommentNext time I'm going to remember to bring a plastic bag with me, as the group behind us had much more fun descending tobogon style than we did on the steep sections.
ByPosted By: WesternWilson
- Mon Aug 13 12:08:35 EDT 2007
UpsideReally pretty area, lovely example of high alpine. Fantastic views from the top and a few nice peekaboo views along the trail. Great workout but not extreme, danger minimal. We took along our not very athletic 9 year old. Good trail for dogs, who technically are supposed to be on leash.
DownsideFlies. Wear a good repellant. Trails not particularly well marked.
CommentA great addition to our "get your fat ass off the couch" local trail list. This would be spectacular in winter...and although we were in the cloud cover today, the views cleared from time to time, showing how amazing it can be in the summer too! Hiking boots of some sort are really called for here, if for no other reason than the very steep, short section as you approach the summit. The trail, largely a spring runoff streambed, is full of rocks: a real ankle-turner most of the way, so wear at least sturdy trainers. Take water and snacks!
ByPosted By: mondohike
- Sat Dec 30 19:10:46 EST 2006
UpsideWhat an amazing trail. Up at the summit, through a mountain mirage it seems like you're actually higher than the Lions. And these snowbirds (thought they were grouses but apparently they're whiskey jacks) settle on your snow shoes and eat out of your hand. You can see the whole lower mainland as you slide down the mountain. Sweet!
DownsideSome steep slopes that can have you climbing on all four for a few seconds.
CommentExpect a lot of people. When we were up there it was like a swarm of bees.
ByPosted By: vpigeon
- Tue Nov 29 00:52:23 EST 2005
UpsideGood snowshoeing trails in winter, well marked, good variety of difficulty levels, with warming hut (fresh water and heated by a wood fire fireplace) and Hollyburn Lodge (food and hot drinks)
DownsideYou can co all the trails in a couple of visits to the mountain, so several more snowshoeing trails would be nice.
CommentSnowshoed 8 kms on Sunday Nov 27, 2005. Looking forward to more snow. See GPS track for the trails followed. Get a map of the trails when you buy your ticket. Don't forget to sign in and out. Went up the provincial park trail towards Hollyburn Peak, turned right to meet trail # 19 (see GPS track) and then roamed the various trails.
ByPosted By: dogbreathcanada
- Thu Jun 09 23:17:52 EDT 2005
UpsideIt's a great hike through varying forests. I hear the views are great.
DownsideMuddy early summer. Bugs. The last stretch is a hands/feet scramble and can be dangerous when wet.
CommentWas cloudy when we went, so no views. But the hike itself was enjoyable if wet. Will hike this again soon.
ByPosted By: dogbreathcanada
- Thu Jun 09 23:17:41 EDT 2005
Not Rated
UpsideIt's a great hike through varying forests. I hear the views are great.
DownsideMuddy early summer. Bugs. The last stretch is a hands/feet scramble and can be dangerous when wet.
CommentWas cloudy when we went, so no views. But the hike itself was enjoyable if wet. Will hike this again soon.
ByPosted By: Kmarshall
- Sat Sep 25 21:04:57 EDT 2004
UpsideUnbelievable views wow I can not belive that we live here can you ?? Amazing hike great scenery fresh mountian air. Unreal scenery. SPECTACULAR 360 degree view of the most amazing mountains that you will ever see. Whisky Jacks landing on your hand. Unreal. It a must do.
DownsideCan be steep in some places. A bit crowded on weekends weekday is great to do it though. Again is there really a downside. It is a must do.
CommentTook the dogs. Had a blast. Be prepared. Hiking poles saved my legs. Awesome hike. Took lots of pics. I can not believe that we live here. Go in the summer around the middle of August. Sept is great too. GO for it.
ByPosted By: chillinvan
- Mon Jul 05 11:49:24 EDT 2004
UpsideThe views at the summit of Hollyburn Peak are just fabulous. Try to go on a completely clear day. Otherwise, clouds tend to hover around the peaks of the surrounding mountains.
DownsideThe last push to the summit is pretty steep. There are some parts where you're practically climbing on hands and knees because of the huge rocks and gnarled roots everywhere. Getting back down that part is almost as difficult as getting up it.
CommentI hiked this trail on July 4 and even then there were still a few patches of snow at the very top and there were some pretty muddy spots farther down. Probably shouldn't be attempted before July.
ByPosted By: Jobedan
- Sat Jun 26 20:35:25 EDT 2004
UpsideReally great view from the top of the mountain. the scenery along the way is really nice to look at, especially the ice ponds.
Downsideif you go in the early summer it is pretty muddy and also slippery. In addition, watch where you step on the snow because it gives way and then your feet are in the glacial creeks.
CommentA great alternative to going up the grind or the BCMC. the scenery is more akin to what you see at the top of the BCMC.
ByPosted By: taiyo
- Fri Jan 09 15:44:23 EST 2004
UpsideKiller view from top and super easy to get to from vancouver.
DownsideCan be a little busy and the powers that be on the Mountain encourage you to pay $6 just to walk on there piece of land -- :(
CommentI wouldn't worry about gettin a snowshow pass from the resort -- just go for it. Super nice when there's heaps of snow --- doggies love it!!!
ByPosted By: hobbit
- Mon Jul 28 03:03:19 EDT 2003
UpsideVery interesting hike. I enjoyed going through the muddy patches.
DownsideDead pond on the top is habitat to many insects. I didn't stay too long on the viewpoint.
ByPosted By: jeannette
- Mon Jul 07 23:57:38 EDT 2003
UpsideAwexome 360° views up on top, easily doable if you get a somewhat later start. This is a fairly easy trail, but with just enough variety and incline so that it is still interesting enough.
DownsidePlenty of people up on top. But who am I to complain about the crowds, since I also went there on a perfectly sunny, warm Sunday afternoon?
ByPosted By: tanyah
- Mon Jul 07 18:47:17 EDT 2003
UpsideEasy to find and well marked (as long as you start from the cross-country parking lot). Incredible view on a CLEAR day.
DownsideDon't do this before July 1. We went up June 21st and there was snow and plenty of mud. Went again July 6th - clear of snow and very little mud.
CommentThis was a great hike, good trail, fabulous views. Not super busy either.
ByPosted By: trishkaka
- Sun Jun 08 21:54:26 EDT 2003
UpsideGreat view from the top. Most of the trail is under the trees so it doesn't get too hot in the summer.
DownsideIt seems a LOT longer than 4km in the snow. If you take the Baden Powell from the downhill parking lot, the first part is a tad boring.
CommentIt was worth the hike but go later in the season. I went early June and spent half the time in the snow. I have nothing against wet feet but it takes a lot longer that way.
Posted By: theoneandonlychevy
Posted By: trailrunner
Posted By: shanana29
Posted By: WesternWilson
Posted By: mondohike
