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What: 1654m. A very challenging climb that offers outstanding views to those who dare.
Where: The West Lion is located off the Howe Sound Crest Trail above Lions Bay, BC.
| Difficulty: |
5/5 |
The last bit to the peak is not for those who are apprehensive about heights! |
| Runnability: |
1/5 |
Popular HSCT section of trail offers a good warm-up. |
| Peak view: |
5/5
|
Clear views of surrounding peaks and islands of Howe Sound |
| Scenery: |
4/5 |
Old growth, second growth forests. Creeks. Beautiful alpine lakes. Great views. |
| Children: |
1/5 |
Only if you don't love them |
| Dogs: |
1/5 |
As above |
Route overview: The West Lion, and its neighbor the East Lion, are Vancouver landmarks. Both are located just off the Howe Sound Crest Trail (HCST). The closest trailhead is Lions Bay.
Trip distance: From Lions Bay, exit off #1, roughly 7.5 km.
Trip time: From Lions Bay, anticipate 2-4 hours. Add an hour or so if you have to park a long way from trailhead in Lions Bay. This assumes a moderate running pace and some contingency for getting lost.
Safety:
- Cellular coverage is poor to non-existent.
- GPS spotty under tree cover
- Firehall in Lions Bay.
- Recommend you bring your Baggers Companion
Name Origin: Called "The Sisters" by first nations peoples, the peaks were renamed The Lions in the 1890s by Judge John Hamilton Gray. Made official in 1924.
Headwaters for: Some small streams.
Getting there: From the south: Drive to the Lions Bay exit off Highway #1. Parking is a challenge. Best to drive to the trailhead and descend to where there is legal street parking. Warning: Locals don't like you being there and they ticket!
Route Details: The West Lion is just off the Howe Sound Crest Trail (HSCT). There are 3 popular routes to the West Lion. From the south (Cypress Park) or the north (Porteau Exit) on the HSCT or from Lions Bay. Note, while it looks appealing, the East Lion is located in the watershed and is a very technical climb for well-equipped experts only.
Lions Bay to West Lion (1.5 - 3 hours)
- park where you can. Trailhead is clearly marked with a map and small kiosk
- take gravel forest service road uphill approximately 3 km. Do not go left onto smaller trails into watershed
- HSCT to the Lions is popular and clearly marked. Most people are happy to enjoy the views from the lunch rocks below the final ascent
Cypress to West Lion (2.5 - 5 hours)
- from the Cypress Mountain parking lot, follow wide and well-marked HSCT around the ski lodge to Strachan Meadows
- trail narrows considerably and goes over Unnecessary and St. Mark's peaks
- ridge to West Lion is open and rocky, but trail well marked with flagging and rock cairns to lunch rocks
Porteau Exit to West Lion (3.5 - 6 hours)
- From the parking lot, go right and uphill on a gravel road past a yellow gate.
- Follow HSCT markers along well used trail. Consider bagging some of the other Bagger Challenge peaks that are on or near the trail
- from James Peak, follow the scrambly route along a ridge between East and West Lions. Drop down into the Capilano valley below the West Lion and cross a boulder field under the cliffs. Climb steeply up to the lunch rocks
Final Ascent of West Lion (1/4 - 1 hour)
- So near, yet so far away... the section between the lunch rocks and the peak of the West Lion should only be attempted by experienced baggers with solid climbing skills!
- climb down the ropes from lunch rocks to the razor ridge. Be sure to test the ropes!
- route to the peak is marked with painted red dots.
- the first 50m are the most challenging. Smooth rock. Narrow hand-holds and footholds. Precipitous drop to jagged rocks below. Work your way around to the east side of the peak
- steep climb up a narrow section with some roots as hand-holds, then a short scramble to the peak
- savor the view and be sure to get a peak shot next to the cairn
Neighboring peaks:
- Bagger Challenge peaks David Peak, James Peak, St. Marks Mountain and Unnecessary Mountain are relatively close. Several other Howe Sound peaks are baggable within same day by a strong runner
Submitted by: Ean Jackson and David Crerar
More information:
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