Trails

Green Lake Loop

Difficulty Level : Physically difficult/ Technically moderate.

Season : Mid-April through October.

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Synopsis : This ride begins with a 10 km spin on the highway before crossing the Green River and returning to Whistler Village on a series of old logging roads, hydro access roads and a brief section along the railway track. Besides great views of Green Lake and the Rainbow Glacier, this trail provides an opportunity to ride a single-track loop through the ghost town of Parkhurst, on the shore of Green Lake.

Trailhead Access : From the Village, turn right (north) on Highway 99 and begi n the approximately 10 km road ride to the trailhead. This will take you past Green Lake and Emerald Estates, then past the heli-port and the municipal boundary. At the bottom of a long downhill, where the road and the Green River run parallel briefly, look for a road that branches right from the highway, over the railway tracks into a small parking lot (it's clearly marked by a blue and white Garibaldi Provincial Park access sign reading "Wedgemont").

The Ride : After turning right off of the highway, ride through the parking lot and over the bridge that crosses the Green River. Here the road forks, the left fork leading to the Wedgemont hiking trail (not ridable), and the right fork heading back towards Whistler. Turn right and ride the first of the steep hills that characterize the Green Lake trail. After cresting this first hill the road drops down into a large open area that is the eroded remains of an old gravel pit. Continue along the road until you encounter a small creek that has washed out the road. Normally you can ride right through this creek with little problem, though when swollen with spring snow melt you should be prepared to get a bit wet.

After crossing the creek, bear to the right, off the main road, and ride towards the railway tracks. When you reach the tracks, turn left and follow them over the bridge (carefully!) and continue beside the tracks for about 200 meters until you see a single-track heading off into the forest on your left. Ride straight up this trail, which quickly widens, and soon you will come to a spot where the trail has been washed out. Ride down into the washout, keep to the right and shortly you will see the road climbing up to your right, under the power lines. From here the road begins a long, sandy climb, crests, and then a short descent leads to a flat section. Ride across the flats, and when the trail begins to climb again, look to the right for a well worn single-track that leads into the forest. This is the Parkhurst trail.

The Parkhurst trail is a short loop that branches off the main trail, and it is well worth exploring. After leaving the main trail, the Parkhurst trail drops down a steep rocky hill, crosses a small creek and then splits right and left. Take either fork, as the trail simply loops back to this point, and soon you will come upon the ghost town of Parkhurst. This small logging operation has been abandoned since the 1930's, though in recent years a few hardy individuals have fixed up some of the buildings. These folks appreciate their privacy, so please treat them with respect. When you have finished exploring Parkhurst, return to the main Green Lake trail by retracing your steps up the rocky trail you entered on.

When you have rejoined the Green Lake trail, turn right and resume the ride towards Whistler. From here the trail is fairly straight forward, climbing and descending (but mostly climbing) until you find yourself high above Green Lake, looking down on Emerald Estates. High above the lake the ice of the Rainbow Glacier can also be seen. Eventually the trail begins its final, rocky descent, which ends at an intersection of trails. To the right, the Valley Trail heads north through the Nicklaus North Golf Course ; to the left, several trails head into the labyrinth of the Lost Lake Trails. The Lost Lake Trails return to Whistler Village, and are fairly well marked. Try the road marked Hydro Hill, it will eventually join other trails that lead to Lost Lake, where you can enjoy a well earned swim before following the main trail back to town, completing the Green Lake Loop.

Riding Time : On a non-stop training ride, skipping the Parkhurst option, this ride can be done in about an hour. If you plan to explore the ghost town and see some sights, plan on two to three hours.