Alpine enthusiasts, it’s time to lace up your boots and bike shoes because the Alpine Trail Network is officially open for the summer! 

Offering a summer backcountry experience like no other, this network of trails includes more than 40 kilometres of alpine hiking and mountain biking on Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain. 

Important things to remember

Dogs are not permitted on the Mount Sproatt and the Rainbow Mountain Alpine Trail Network to minimize potential conflict with wildlife and as the Rainbow hiking trail is within Whistler’s watershed, an important resource to protect.

E-bikes, commercial activity and special events are not permitted on these trails. This includes any trails above the Flank Trail (Lord of the Squirrels, Into the Mystic, With a Twist, On the Rocks, Happy Hour, Pot of Gold, LESS and Don’t Look Back). The reason for this is to support environmental considerations, user safety and grizzly bear management in the alpine. This decision is made with input from Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. (RSTBC), the Conservation Officer Service and the RMOW. 

Grizzly Bear Territory 

Please be aware that the Alpine Trail Network enters grizzly bear habitat. Trail users should be prepared for travelling in bear habitat by managing attractants and carrying bear spray.  If you encounter a bear, be prepared to change your plans for the day, including turning around to return another day. 

In the case of grizzly bear sightings, temporary trail closures may be required. This is part of our commitment to safety, respect of the valuable grizzly bear habitat and bear population recovery in our area. Grizzly bears are an important part of the British Columbia landscape. They are listed as a species of ‘Special Concern’ under federal legislation and ranked as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ provincially. 

For updates on trail closures, check out our Advisories webpage. 

Respect the Environment 

The Alpine Trail Network passes through the sensitive alpine vegetation. Please stick to the marked trails to avoid damaging the environment. Pack out all garbage, use outhouses, take only photos and leave no trace. 

Be prepared 

All trail users should have a high level of fitness and be prepared for a strenuous, day-long journey in a remote, alpine environment.

Remember to pack extra food, water and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions, and be prepared for self-rescue. Bikers should ensure their bikes are well-tuned and pack spare parts. 

There is signage and cell phone coverage along most of the trails. 

Current trail reports are available at Trailforks.   

The Alpine Ranger Program 

The Alpine Ranger program has rangers on-site seven days a week for the summer season. Rangers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining trails, providing public information, collecting data on wildlife and recreational users and communicating with RMOW staff and partners, including the Conservation Officer Service, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Whistler Search and Rescue and Provincial Biologists. 

Check out what a day in the life of an Alpine Ranger looks like on our Instagram Reel here.

More information on the Alpine Trail Network can be found here.