Getting Ready for the Lions...



View of the Lions from Cypress Mtn.

 Well, the weather forecast looks great so it looks like we will be going ahead with our plans to climb the Lions on this coming Saturday! I am quite excited since the last time we did it the weather was horrible.

Here is a summary of the route I found online:

Trail Map

Distance: 15 km.
Elevation: 1525 m (5000’)
Elevation gain: 1280 m (4200’)
Time: 7 Hours

Starting from the yellow gate in Lions Bay, follow the wide gravel road and after 5 minutes of flat terrain, begin the ascent. A short distance up the trail, you reach a fork that heads off to Mount Harvey. Go right and continue along the wide gravel road as it travels through a series of switchbacks, gradually snaking its way uphill.

After 25-30 minutes of hiking, the trail reaches another junction. Again, go right and continue uphill as the trail begins to level. For the next 30 minutes, the trail remains relatively flat but don't get too comfortable with this terrain as the steepest sections are yet to come. The trail wraps around the mountainside and passes a couple of scenic waterfalls.

As the dirt trail becomes more and more rocky, watch for a junction on your right with a sign pointing to the Lions. Take this trail and walk down the narrow dirt trail towards Harvey Creek. After crossing the bridge at Harvey Creek, walk up the other side and after about 100 meters, the trail veers to the left to start the next uphill section.

Just a short distance after the trail begins to climb, there is a clearing which offers a viewpoint of Howe Sound and Bowen Island. Take a break and enjoy the view because the uphill section is difficult.

For the next hour or so, the trail climbs steadily through Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar forests, passing occasional rockslides that have occurred over thousands of years. Eventually, the trail emerges on a ridge from an opening in the trees and standing tall to your right is the breathtaking site of the West Lions.



View of Howe Sound



A more spectacular view awaits on a higher ridge above. Follow the trail to the right and walk towards the West Lions. Keep an eye out for the coloured markers to follow as the terrain gradually turns from trail into large boulders. As you continue your climb, take the occasional moment to stop and look back at the view of Howe Sound and the town of Lions Bay where you started your trek earlier in the day. The route over the boulders continues to climb and with each step seems to get steeper. The last section of the trail is the steepest, climbing up a short gully as you make a scramble to the top. Reaching a ridge, another small hill appears in front of you. Just a few more minutes up this section and you have reached another ridge that offers a full view of both Lions' peaks as well as the views of Howe Sound, Unnecessary Mountain, and Vancouver off to the left.



View of Capilano River Valley (taken from the summit of the West Lion)

Stay tuned for photos and commentary after we complete the hike!