Dam Mountain – Vancouver’s Premier Mountaineering Path
Located in North Vancouver, Dam Mountain Path is a scenic climbing route that provides lovely panoramic views of the encircling mountains and valleys. This moderately troublesome path spans roughly 8 kilometers, making it a superb different for outside fanatics on the lookout for a day hike journey. As you embark on this exhilarating journey, you may be captivated by the tranquil beauty of the old-growth forests, glowing streams, and an array of indigenous wildlife. Whether or not or not you are an expert hiker or a nature lover, Dam Mountain Path ensures an unforgettable experience throughout the coronary coronary heart of Vancouver’s breathtaking wilderness.
Dam Mountain is among the many hottest Grouse Mountain trails. Not solely is it accessible all through winter by the use of the Dam Mountain snowshoe route, nevertheless it’s equally almost pretty much as good in summer season too.
Dam Mountain serves as a gateway path to completely different superior hikes near Vancouver resembling Thunderbird Ridge, Crown Mountain, and Goat Moutain (the latter are closed all through winter due to the seasonal backcountry Lynn Headwaters closures).
Within the occasion you’re in search of to hike the Dam Mountain path on Grouse Mountain, proper right here’s your Vancouver climbing data! transit
AllTrails is my go-to climbing app for finding, planning, and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you could be assured you’re nonetheless on the right track, even with out cell signal.
The Dam Mountain Hike
Dam Mountain is among the many smaller peaks that’s merely accessible from Grouse Mountain. You get good views from the best and it could be hiked every in winter and summer season (and the shoulder seasons too!). Throughout the winter, Dam Mountain is called the Snowshoe Grind (assume Grouse Grind, solely snowy).
The way in which to get to the Dam Mountain trailhead
Within the occasion you’re climbing Dam Mountain throughout the winter, the only option is to take the Grouse gondola as a lot because the ski area after which hike from there (following the knowledge beneath). Alternatively, and in case you’re trying to find a good longer train, then you definately presumably can take the BCMC or one in all many alternative associated trails (like Flint and Feather) to the ski area pretty than the gondola.
The Grouse Grind closes over winter, nevertheless you presumably can hike up the Grind within the summertime sooner than doing Dam Mountain if you need.
You presumably can resolve the Grouse gondola using public transit since that is among the many best Vancouver hikes on transit.
Look at the latest information for the Grouse Skyride gondola, along with reserving, prices, and opening hours.
Mountaineering Dam Mountain, Vancouver
Arriving on the excessive of the Grouse Skyride, stroll within the route of the grizzly bear area (wave to Grinder and Coola!) after which transfer it, taking the gravel road (or indicators if in every single place is roofed in snow!) to the left of The Peak ski run and chairlift.
Observe the gravel road as a result of it wraps throughout the mountain.
The trail entails a little bit little bit of a sudden end and continues uphill on free gravel to your left. This path will get slim shortly and in addition you’ll attain a sign and a junction.
On the sign, head left to adjust to the Ridge Path as you begin to climb steeply within the route of Dam Mountain. Alternatively, you presumably can take the trail pointing within the route of the Alpine Path.
If taking the Ridge Path, points get steep pretty shortly. You’ll then transfer a picket helicopter pad in your correct. And, counting on the time of 12 months, it is attainable you may hear screams from people ziplining by the use of the forest!
Observe the trail to the left as soon as extra and once more into the bushes. You’ll come out to a sign and a few further steps onto a rocky outcrop that marks the summit of Dam Mountain.
Quite a lot of the views are obscured by bushes, nevertheless in case you’re climbing in summer season and would possibly safely climb up on the rocks, you’ll get only a few views nonetheless!
If you happen to want to hike Dam Mountain as a loop path, you presumably can take the other path you didn’t hike on the easiest way up. From the Ridge Path, you’ll need to seek for path markers on the opposite side of the rocky outcrop. You’ll be able to too merely adjust to the trail you took to return once more to the ski area.
Extending the hike to Dam Mountain
While you’ve reached Dam Mountain, you presumably can lengthen your hike to one in all many alternative good Grouse Mountain and Lynn Headwaters backcountry trails.
- Thunderbird Ridge
- Crown Mountain
- Goat Mountain
- Little Goat Mountain
- Grouse Mountain (the place the wind turbine is)
I hiked on to Thunderbird Ridge after which summited Grouse Mountain too. Three peaks on an after-work hike isn’t harmful!
Dam Mountain hike stats
- Distance: 5km
- Interval: 1.5-3 hours
- Drawback: Easy-Common
- Full Elevation Purchase: 260m (from Grouse ski area)
- Grouse Mountain path maps: winter | summer season
What to know sooner than you go
- Most interesting time for Dam Mountain: Good all 12 months spherical. Snowshoes/spikes used throughout the winter
- Snow: Snow sticks spherical up proper right here for a while. I hiked in mid June and there was nonetheless a great deal of snow! Be careful for postholing (legs punching by the use of the snow).
- Be journey good: Consider to respect the terrain, setting, and completely different prospects if you find yourself having enjoyable with the paths. Comply with the three Ts—journey planning, teaching, and taking the requirements AdventureSmart is an excellent helpful useful resource that can enable you to get educated sooner than heading out of doors
- Take bear spray, you’re climbing in bear nation! And keep in mind your bear safety concepts.
- Consider to go away no trace.
Remaining Updated on February 28, 2023 by Hannah
The Dam Mountain Path in Vancouver offers lovely views of the encircling mountains and forests. The trail is well-maintained and applicable for all expertise ranges. Hikers can get pleasure from beautiful environment and wildlife sightings alongside the easiest way. Moreover, the trail is unquestionably accessible and provides an necessary different for outside recreation and prepare in a peaceful and serene setting.
