Alpine Trail Network

Phase 1 Complete

The first phase of the Alpine Trail Network officially opened in August 2017 with:

• Into the Mystic (8.6 km)
• With a Twist (3 km)
• On the Rocks (3.6 km)
• Happy Hour (2.5 km)
• Lord of the Squirrels (6.9 km)

Into the Mystic, the primary ascending trail, starts at the 1,000 m elevation off Flank Trail. At the top of the trail it meets With a Twist, On the Rocks and Happy Hour, which climb and descend to provide 9 km of rolling terrain with endless views. After what seems like a full day and 1,200 m of climbing to the peak of Mount Sproatt, riders enter the epic intermediate single-track descent Lord of the Squirrels that eventually leads back to the start of Into the Mystic. Riding on the trails is anticipated to beginning in August 2018, pending snow melt and weather conditions. 

Riders should allow four to six hours to ascend and one to two hours to descend.

The network also includes the 13.8 km Skywalk hiking trail system that starts in Mountain View Drive in the Alpine Meadows neighbourhood and winds through spectacular forest along 19 Mile Creek with access to the east side of Rainbow Mountain. Skywalk offers several route options intended for full day hikes. These trails are not built for and cannot withstand mountain biking. Hikers should allow six hours round trip.

Upgrades to the Rainbow Lake Trail were also completed in 2014 and 2015.

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.

Environmental and safety considerations have been paramount in all trail planning. Work has been guided through consultation with biologists and provincial Recreation Site Officers. Trail rangers are stationed at the 21 Mile Watershed and Sproatt to help with alpine awareness, safety and maintenance.

Be Prepared

The extensive Alpine Trail network provides a backcountry experience that requires hikers and bikers to have a high level of fitness and be prepared for a day-long journey in remote, strenuous alpine.

Please ensure bikes are well-tuned and pack spare parts, food, water and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions. Be prepared for self-rescue. There is signage and cell phone coverage along most of the trail.

Future Developments

Construction of the Alpine Trail network is entering the fourth year of a five-year project.

Plans for 2018 include a variety of refinements:

• Building a descending trail to create a loop trail for Happy Hour
• Rebuilding a trail to Hanging Lake and campsite.
• Completing an emergency rescue route from the valley to the start of Into the Mystic
• Building trailhead locations at the Interpretive Forest parking lot and Mountain View cul-de-sac on Alpine Way.

To protect the environment and make sure people are well-prepared for a backcountry experience, information panels will be installed at trailheads: “Be Trail Smart”, “Backcountry Travel” and “You are in Wildlife Country.”

Designated Rest Stops will be built to keep people out of sensitive vegetation and outhouses will be installed in strategic locations.