Hiking Project Logo

A challenging route from the Cleveland Dam rising to the amazing views of Hollyburn Peak.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

14.9

Miles

23.9

KM

Out and Back

4,311' 1,314 m

High

519' 158 m

Low

3,804' 1,159 m

Up

3,805' 1,160 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Hollyburn is only accessible with snowshoes most seasons from November to April/May

Overview

The trail climbs through a number of different types of terrain. To start, the Baden Powell Trail passes through the British Properties climbing quickly behind the houses. The lower forest section is rugged terrain, lots of roots and water crossings. Once you reach Hollyburn Lodge, the trail becomes more open and alpine. The views from the top of Hollyburn are quite spectacular.

Description

The trail described here starts at the Cleveland Dam where there is plenty of parking. For the first four kilometres or so follow the Baden Powell Trail signs as the trail climbs through the British Properties, crossing roads and following the power line right of way between houses. There are three sets of steps through the residential area followed by street crossings, at the top of these climbs you enter Lower Hollyburn. At points, the trail signs will alternate between TCT (Trans Canada Trail) and BP (Baden Powell) at this point both are the same.

After you hit the tree line, the trail proceeds for another two kilometres. You'll cross two Fire Roads, at both continue to go uphill, and reenter the forest on the Baden Powell Trail West Vancouver. At about the four kilometre mark you'll see a turnoff for the Brothers Creek Trail. While you can continue up Baden-Powell, this trail is a worthwhile trip as it takes an alternate climbing route and is more scenic.

Climb the Brothers Creek Trail for about 2 kilometres, and right before the bridge take the left turn up the Blue Gentian Lake Trail. This trail will take you across a few creeks and around Blue Gentian Lake before returning you to the Baden Powell Trail. Climb the Baden Powell trail passing through a few clearings and you'll find yourself at the lower reaches of the cross country skiing area. Follow the Baden Powell trail past Hollyburn Lodge and the Cross Country Ski Chalet into the alpine area.

About two kilometres further along the trail, the Hollyburn Peak Trail branches off to the right. The trail is a climb, at times steep, for 2 kilometres up to the peak. Enjoy the views, and then return to your car by following the Baden Powell Trail West Vancouver for the full descent.

In total, this hike is about 3850' or 1300 metres of elevation gain. If you don't want to complete the descent, either take Baden Powell trail west from the Hollyburn Peak turnoff to reach the downhill skiing lot, or return to Hollyburn Lodge and follow the signs from there to return to the Cross Country skiing parking lot.

History & Background

As you climb through the forests on Hollyburn keep an eye out for the cabins in the trees. These cabins are privately owned (there are about 100 remaining) and were the original ski cabins in the area built by Vancouver families in the 1930s. The cabins are very rustic, with no power, running water or sanitation, but are used quite extensively in all seasons.

Contacts

Shared By:

Paul Hiom

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#3

in North Shore

#4208

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in North Shore

#4,208

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,362 Since May 26, 2015
Very Difficult Very Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
50%
50%

Photos

The Cleveland Dam Spillway
May 9, 2015 near West Va…, BC
Start / finish location overlooking Capilano Lake with the Lions in the background
May 9, 2015 near West Va…, BC
Brothers Creek Bridge at the intersection of the Fire Road and the Brothers Creek Trail
May 16, 2015 near West Va…, BC
Lower waterfall on Brothers Creek
May 16, 2015 near West Va…, BC
Twin waterfalls on Brothers Creek
May 16, 2015 near West Va…, BC
Dogs at Blue Gentian Lake in the fog
May 26, 2015 near West Va…, BC

0 Comments

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.