Trails

Diamond Head Alpine Trail

Difficulty Level: Physically difficult (with a physically 'very difficult' option)/ Technically moderate.

Season: Mid-June through September.

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Synopsis: If you are riding in Sea To Sky country anytime during the summer, it would be a mistake to miss this, the only trail open to bikes in Garibaldi Provincial Park that takes riders into the high alpine meadows. An out-and-back ride, this trail follows an old jeep road and features stunning vistas of jagged peaks, hanging glaciers, Howe Sound, and acres of wildflowers. Ride from the parking lot for about 2500 vertical feet of climbing, or for a 'very difficult' option, ride from the valley floor for a full 5800 vertical foot climb (and descent, of course)!

This can be a very busy trail during the summer months, so try not to irritate too many hikers. Keep the descent speeds sane, and try to avoid riding on weekends.

Trailhead Access: From downtown Squamish, head north on Highway 99 for about 4 km to the Mamquam Road. Look for the blue and white 'Garibaldi Provincial Park' sign reading, "Diamond Head 16 km". Turn right and follow this road as it runs past the golf course and becomes hardpacked dirt for the 16 km climb to the parking lot. The road is well marked with Provincial Park signs.

If you are driving in from Whistler, turn left off the highway at the second traffic lights (about 53 km south of town) on to the MamquamRd. and proceed as above.

For the 'very difficult' option, park in the valley and ride the entire 16 km climb to the parking lot.

The Ride: If you rode from the valley, you have already been riding for an hour and a half; time to stop, eat and enjoy the sights. If you are like most, the ride begins at the parking lot beside the info board, which provides recent bear warnings, trail status, and rules for bikers.

From the lot the trail switchbacks up through old growth forest that steadily thins as you approach the treeline. Soon you will reach the Red Heather Hut, located at the treeline on the edge of the meadows; from here the trail climbs into the alpine areas of Round Mountain. In this area it is very important to stay on the main trail; it is tempting to ride off into the meadows on what may appear to be side trails, but the meadows are very fragil e and can be damaged easily (they are currently undergoing extensive renovation efforts ) .

As the trail reaches its crest on the flank of Round Mt. you are presented with a stunning panorama of interior of Garibaldi Provincial Park, and from this point the trail continues for about five or six km to the Elfin Lakes Hut along the ridge ahead of you. Though the trail looses altitude as it approaches the lakes, necessitating a climb on the return ride, it is well worth the effort, for with every corner new vistas open that will stop you in your tracks. The legal bike route ends at the Elfin Lakes Hut; from here hiking trails and old jeep roads extend into the park's interior.

After spending some time lounging at the lakes it will be time to retrace your route. First comes the climb back to the crest of Round Mt., which consists of a series of steps and not one sustained hill. From the trail crest the downhill is long and continuous, and though the 'need for speed' can be overwhelming, try and remember that this is a multi-use trail, and we want it to stay that way. In other words, don't piss off the hikers! Use your judgment; mid-week in September obviously isn't as busy as a weekend in July. If you rode from the valley, remember that the access road is heavily traveled.

If you rode from the valley you now have the option of a singletrack descent to the valley. At the last switchback below the parking lot, look for an old road that climbs up from the main road. This will lead you to the PowerSmart trail, which will bring you back to the valley.