Description

The plan is to start at the Whyte Lake trailhead in West Van and hike up to the Eagle bluffs and descend via Black Mountain to the Cypress resort parking lot. The hike has about 1150 m elevation gain and a few steep sections on the way up, but only ~400 m descent. Total distance approximately 12 km, and estimated duration of 5 hours total (can be more if people enjoy the views).

This is a north shore hike with no major difficulties other than some steep and short rocky sections which locally may involve grabbing on to trees or rocks. However, participants should be fit enough to handle the elevation gain and distance indicated above.

For this plan to work we will need to leave a vehicle up top. Participant numbers will be dependent on vehicle logistics (say up to 5 people and two vehicles, 10 people 4 vehicles).

Unless mutually agreed by email the day before, we will meet at St David’s Church, West Van in the morning to sort out logistics and go from there.

It is summer so hazards may include, wildlife encounters, dehydration, moderate sun exposure. Of course trips, slips and falls are always possible (bring appropriate footwear)

Bring water, snacks, appropriate clothing (at the top temperatures can be 10 degrees cooler than at the trailhead, at the time of posting this trip I cannot guarantee that there will be no rain).