Golden Ears Trail Hike in BC
Positioned in British Columbia, Canada, the Mt Golden Ears Path Hike affords adventurous explorers a possibility to immerse themselves within the breathtaking fantastic thing about the area. With its rugged terrain, lush forests, and panoramic views, this path is a must-visit vacation spot for nature fanatics and hikers alike. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or a newbie in search of a problem, the Mt Golden Ears Path Hike guarantees an unforgettable expertise crammed with beautiful vistas, numerous wildlife, and a way of accomplishment as you summit the majestic peak. So gear up and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey of pure magnificence and outside journey.
The Mt Golden Ears path which takes you to the summit of Mt Golden Ears in Golden Ears Provincial Park and Panorama Ridge in Golden Ears (to not be confused with Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Provincial Park) is one Vancouver hike that had been on my checklist for some time.
Mt Golden Ears sits in Golden Ears Provincial Park which is a fantastic park about an hour to the east of downtown Vancouver.
The Mt Golden Ears summit hike is thought for being strenuous however it’s undoubtedly rewarding with unimaginable views in direction of the tip.
Throughout our final summer season of dwelling in Canada, I lastly bought to tick this hike off my checklist and headed as much as Mt Golden Ears summit on a solo hike.
The Mt Golden Ears path is lengthy and has a bit of steep climbing and it’s solely on the ultimate strategy to Panorama Ridge that you just get views. In case you proceed from right here there’s a scramble which may be difficult for route discovering.
In case you’re seeking to do the Golden Ears path hike, right here’s every part you must know.
AllTrails is my go-to mountain climbing app for locating, planning and navigating whereas I’m out on the paths. With offline maps on AllTrails+, you may be assured you’re nonetheless heading in the right direction, even with out cellular sign.
The place is Golden Ears?
Mount Golden Ears is positioned in British Columbia, Canada, about an hour’s drive east of Vancouver. The mountain is positioned within the Golden Ears Provincial Park, which is located within the Coast Mountains of southwestern British Columbia, close to Maple Ridge.
It’s about 40 minutes away from Vancouver however that’s to the doorway gates and it’s best to permit one other 20-40 minutes driving by means of the park to get to wherever you intend on going.
Greatest time to hike the Mt Golden Ears Path
The perfect time to hike the Mount Golden Ears path in British Columbia will rely upon a number of elements, together with your private preferences and bodily situation, in addition to the climate and path situations.
Basically, the summer season months of June, July, and August are usually the most effective time to hike the path, because the climate is normally heat and dry, and the path is obvious of snow and ice.
You will need to take into account that the climate within the mountains may be unpredictable, and it may be colder and wetter at increased elevations, even through the summer season months.
It’s at all times a good suggestion to verify the climate forecast and be ready for a variety of situations, together with rain, wind, and chilly temperatures. Additionally it is vital to concentrate on your bodily limitations and to hike at a tempo that’s snug for you.
NEW 2023 UPDATE!
You will have a day move to entry common BC parks, Garibaldi (from June 14 – Oct 9), Joffre (Could 6 – Oct 9) and Golden Ears (June 14 – Sept 4). The passes are free and accessible from 7 am two days earlier than your go to. All particulars & info here.
Issues to learn about visiting Golden ears
Earlier than you head out to hike the Mt Golden Ears path, it’s best to keep in mind the next:
- Golden Ears Day Go: In the summertime months, you’ll want day-use move to entry Golden Ears These are free and may be reserved online as much as 2 days upfront of your go to.
- Entrance hours: Golden Eats has entrance gates. They open at 7 am and shut at 11 pm so you can not enter and go away the park outdoors of those occasions.
- Canines: Golden Ears Provincial Park is canine pleasant, however there are some sections you might want to hold your canine if it’s not used to steep climbs or scrambles.
- Golden Ears Tenting + tenting permits: You possibly can camp at Panorama Ridge on the tent pads. Tent pads are restricted and are on a first-come, first-served foundation. Reserve upfront right here.
- Fires: Campfires are usually not allowed in Golden Ears’ backcountry
- Cellphone sign: There are a number of small patches of cellphone sign alongside the hike however can’t be relied on. If mountain climbing solo it’s best to have a satellite tv for pc machine. I exploit my Garmin InReach mini.
- Parking: Parking in Golden Ears is proscribed. The path begins on the West Canyon Parking Lot which fills up rapidly as soon as the park gates have opened.
- Respect the setting: Observe Go away No Hint rules and decrease your influence on the setting by staying on the marked path and leaving no hint of your presence.
- Pack bear spray: There are bears in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Make noise and at all times carry bear spray. Learn this put up for bear security info.
Tips on how to get to the Mt Golden Ears Trailhead
The path to the Golden Ears summit begins from the West Canyon car parking zone.
From Vancouver, head in direction of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge after which flip onto Dewdney Trunk Street.
Observe the indicators to Golden Ears Provincial Park, cross over Golden Ears Bridge and drive by means of the doorway gates to the park.
Keep on the Golde Ears Parkway till the highway turns into a mud highway and maintain a lookout for the West Canyon Parking Lot in your left.
Drive a brief distance up hill and park within the gravel car parking zone right here.
Climbing Mt Golden Ears Path
From the Golden Ears trailhead (above), the path is flat and simple for a number of kilometres. In direction of the left of the car parking zone (as you entered) there are pit bathrooms and an indication marking the West Canyon/Golden Ears trails.
Observe these indicators are you move a inexperienced silo in your proper and proceed strolling alongside the West Canyon Path by means of the forest.
There are some bridges on this early part of the hike and also you’ll come to a fork within the path. The righthand fork goes to the Decrease Falls Path and the left to the Golden Ears Path.
As you proceed deeper into the forest, the trail will get steeper and rockier, taking you over uncovered tree rocks and bigger rocks.
Quickly you’ll come out to the Gold Creek Lookout the place you may get spectacular views of the river beneath you.
As you proceed alongside the path, you’ll move extra giant boulders, and stroll over small bridges.
Ultimately, you come out to the Alder Flats campsite. This backcountry campsite in Golden Ears is common with folks breaking apart the hike to the Golden Ears summit.
As you stroll previous the campsite, there’s an indication pointing to Golden Ears and at this level, the path will get steeper and rockier on a reasonably huge path by means of the forest.
Quickly you’ll come out to a clearing. Right here there are some nice views, however you must take note of the place the following path is, because it’s not instantly apparent.
Take the trail to your proper that climbs steeply uphill utilizing a picket staircase. Ignore the trail straight forward that goes by means of the timber.
The staircase is steep and an indication of the even steeper path that’s to return from right here on in.
Keep targeted on following the markers as it may be simple to lose the path in some areas. Many of the markers are orange however you’ll spot the occasional pink and yellow markers as properly.
The path right here is much less rocky, however there are many tree roots which may be slippery after moist climate. There are additionally some sections the place you’ll must climb up over some rocks.
Ultimately, you’ll come out of the tree line and begin to get some views of Golden Ears summit, the emergency shelter and tent pads.
The trail winds round barely feeling as if you’re getting additional away – maintain searching for path markers and verify your GPS navigation apps because it’s simple to lose the path.
You’ll come out to the highest of a giant picket ladder towards a rock. Climb down the ladder and proceed over the rock subject earlier than arriving on the emergency shelter and the tent pads at Panorama Ridge in Golden Ears.
You get lovely views right here of the encompassing mountains and waters.
Although the summit stays additional up, most hikers cease at this space by the emergency shelter.
The following a part of the hike includes scrambling and it may be exhausting to navigate.
Since I used to be mountain climbing solo, I made a decision to name it a day at this level.
Be sure to go away sufficient time to get again down the path and to your automobile earlier than the gates are closed.
The return journey may be exhausting in your knees so take additional care to not slip or fall. The return journey follows the route you took up right here.
Stats for the Golden Ears Summit path
- Distance: 24 km
- Period: 8 hours (quick) – 14 hours
- Problem: Strenuous – lengthy, steep and a few scrambling
- Elevation acquire: 1,500 m
What to pack for mountain climbing the mt Golden Ears path close to Vancouver
What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re mountain climbing in.
- Try my day hike packing checklist right here.
- In case you’re mountain climbing in summer season it’s best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every part within the 10 necessities for mountain climbing checklist.
- Right here is what to put on mountain climbing in sizzling climate
- Try this put up on the most effective leggings for mountain climbing or what to put on mountain climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- In case you’re mountain climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s quite a lot of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally crucial in addition to a good backpack to maintain every part in.
- You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountain climbing!
- Planning a mountain climbing date? Try what to put on on a mountain climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
Golden Ears tenting
There are two backcountry campsites alongside the path to Golden Ears path, together with at Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge.
These are each backcountry campsites and have restricted amenities.
You should pre-purchase a Backcountry Tenting Allow by means of BC Parks.
Campfires are usually not allowed at both web site.
Notice: Tenting is NOT allowed within the emergency shelter. This construction is for emergency functions solely.
What to pack for this hike is determined by what season you’re mountain climbing in.
- Try my day hike packing checklist right here.
- In case you’re mountain climbing in summer season it’s best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every part within the 10 necessities for mountain climbing checklist.
- Right here is what to put on mountain climbing in sizzling climate
- Try this put up on the most effective leggings for mountain climbing or what to put on mountain climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- In case you’re mountain climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s quite a lot of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally crucial in addition to a good backpack to maintain every part in.
- You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountain climbing!
- Planning a mountain climbing date? Try what to put on on a mountain climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
Different Golden Ears trails to discover
Mount Golden Ears is positioned within the Golden Ears Provincial Park, which is residence to various lovely mountain climbing trails that provide quite a lot of challenges and experiences.
Whether or not you’re in search of a difficult summit climb or a leisurely stroll by means of the forest, there’s a hike within the park that’s best for you.
Listed here are another good hikes within the park:
- Alouette Mountain: This hike affords beautiful views of the encompassing mountains and valleys. The hike to the summit of Alouette Mountain is reasonable in issue and takes about 4-6 hours to finish.
- West Canyon Path: This path is a good possibility for hikers who need to expertise the fantastic thing about the park with out tackling a difficult summit climb. The West Canyon Path follows a mild grade by means of the forest and affords beautiful views of the encompassing mountains and valleys.
- Decrease Falls Path: This brief, simple path takes you to a fantastic waterfall positioned within the park. The Decrease Falls Path is a superb possibility for households or hikers who need to get pleasure from a extra leisurely hike.
- Alouette Lake Path: The Alouette Lake Path is a fantastic loop path that takes you round Alouette Lake, which is positioned close to the trailhead for the Mount Golden Ears hike. The path is about an 8 km spherical journey and is comparatively flat, making it a very good possibility for hikers of all talent ranges.
Final Up to date on March 9, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month highway journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years dwelling in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in lively journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover mountain climbing, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all types of lively journey guides to can help you see a vacation spot in an adventurous approach.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the following 12 months ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
The Mt Golden Ears Path Hike in BC is a difficult and rewarding journey for avid hikers. With a complete size of 24 kilometers and an elevation acquire of 1,518 meters, it affords beautiful views of the encompassing mountains and valleys. The path is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for knowledgeable hikers. Nonetheless, it requires correct preparation, together with ample gear and bodily health, as a consequence of its steep and rocky terrain. General, the Mt Golden Ears Path Hike is a must-visit vacation spot for outside fanatics in search of an exciting and memorable expertise within the lovely landscapes of British Columbia.
