Alpine Trail Network | Resort Municipality of Whistler

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Alpine updates

The alpine trail network is currently closed for hiking and biking during winter months from November to May. For current winter travel and avalanche conditions, check Avalanche Canada and AdventureSmart.

Alpine trail networks

Mount Sproatt trails (hiking and biking)

These trails are primarily for mountain biking but are also used for hiking and trail running.

E-bikes and dogs are not permitted above Flank Trail. You can also download a brochure.

Into the Mystic is the primary ascending trail on Mount Sproatt, starting at 985 metres in elevation. The trail climbs 8.6 km to 1,650 m where there is an emergency cabin at the junction of With a Twist and On the Rocks trails.
With a Twist (3.3 km) and Pot of Gold (3.7 km, only accessible from With a Twist) are out and back trail options.
On the Rocks continues west through the Alpine, linking up to Rush Hour (996 metres), Happy Hour (2.5 km) and Last Call (1.7 km) options, or the Lord of the Squirrels/Chipmunk Rebellion descend back to the Flank Trail (4.7 km). Download the maps (PDF) or visit Trailforks.com for more details.
LESS is a lower elevation option connecting Into the Mystic to the Lord of the Squirrels descent.
Riders should allow at least 2-3 hours to reach the top of Into the Mystic and another 2-3 hours to descend. If you are doing optional additional trails, allow more time.
Cyclists should bring ample water and food, tools and tubes to fix breakdowns, lights in the event they have to walk down or are delayed by a mechanical issue, and other emergency supplies.
The Sproatt Ranger Cabin at the top of Into The Mystic is available as a shelter while rangers are on duty during the day. It was a joint effort that included B.C. Parks and the B.C. Mountaineering Club.

Mount Sproatt Trail Map (PDF)

Rainbow Mountain trails (hiking only)

These trails are for hiking and trail running only.

Bikes/e-bikes of any kind are not permitted.
Dogs are not permitted.

Rainbow Falls Loop Trail

The Rainbow Falls Loop trail starts and finishes at the Alta Lake Road trailhead. There is a small parking area, wayfinding signage and a pit toilet. The loop is 2.1 km, crossing 21 Mile Creek Bridge at the mid-point.

Rainbow Lake Trail

This route follows the Rainbow Falls Loop to the Alpine with a 16 km loop to Rainbow Lake and Whistler’s municipal water supply area.

The elevation gain is 850 metres. Hikers should give themselves a minimum of 6 hours for the round trip.
Because the area is critical to Whistler’s water supply, dogs and bikes are not permitted. Please also use designated washroom facilities.
Swimming is not permitted in Rainbow Lake.
Camping is also not permitted at Rainbow Lake, but there are campsites 2.2 km further along the trail at Hanging Lake.
Hikers should ensure that they are on the southwest side of Rainbow Creek and the bridge. There is another section of primarily mountain bike trail that ascends the northeast side called the Rainbow-Flank North or 27 Switchbacks that eventually leads to Alpine Meadows subdivision.
The trail ventures into known grizzly bear territory, as well as black bear and cougar territory. Please be AdventureSmart.

Rainbow Lake and the 21 Mile Creek area are critical to Whistler’s water supply. To protect this resource, please:

Respect all signage and restrictions in the water supply area.
No bikes, pets or snowmobiles are permitted. Hiking and backcountry skiing only.
There is no fishing, camping or washroom activities in the watershed.
21 Mile Creek Watershed: Source Water Protection Plan

Rainbow Falls Loop and Rainbow Lake Trail Map (PDF)

Skywalk Trail

The 13.8 km Skywalk Trail is a hiking only route that starts off the Alpine Flank Trail where it crosses 19 Mile Creek at 1100 metres of elevation. There are multiple ways to access this trail network (see map), but the most common is to take the trail from the end of Mountain View Drive, heading up from the bottom of Howler to Lower 19 Mile Creek.

Please note that there is no parking on Mountain View Drive or Valley Drive, or any end-of-trip facilities. Consider parking at Meadow Park (off Camino Drive) where there is a full washroom and other facilities.
Dogs are not permitted.
Bikes/e-bikes are not permitted.
Bring a map as the area offers several detours and options, including access to Iceberg Lake and Screaming Cat Lake trails.
The trail ventures into known grizzly bear territory, as well as black bear and cougar territory. Please be AdventureSmart.

Skywalk Trail Map (PDF)

Other alpine trails

Whistler provides alpine access to several areas and networks outside of municipal lands. Please consult a trail program such as Trailforks for an overview of access points and trails.

Note: Some trails, like the Cheakamus Lake, Helm Creek, Singing Pass Trail/Burnt Stew Trail network are within Garibaldi Provincial Park and may not allow any bikes or dogs. Always know before you go.

The most up-to-date maps and information on trail openings and conditions can be found on Trailforks – Whistler .

Alpine Ranger Program

Since 2017, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has operated an Alpine Trail Ranger Program, seven days a week through the summer season. Duties include trail monitoring and maintenance, providing information to the public, conducting surveys and collecting data on wildlife and recreational users, enforcing safe use of the trails and alpine areas, and communicating their findings to partners.

Partners include RMOW staff, the Conservation Officer Service, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Whistler Search and Rescue and provincial biologists.

Be AdventureSmart

Whistler’s alpine can be a dangerous place with technical terrain, unmarked cliffs, sudden storms and changes of temperatures, and all kinds of wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears and cougars.

For more, visit our AdventureSmart page.