Course

(Please note for 2013: Because of a trail washout about 2km from the turn around at the Cypress Lookout parking lot, the option this year will be 46km Up and Down, and any custom distances as an out and back. The Up start is not available, not is the 25km Up or 25km Down option)

The XTC route has been designed for 25K "Up", 25K "Down", 25K "Out-and-Back", 50K "Up and Down" and "Roll Your Own" custom distance options... so there is a run distance to suit everyone!

While a lot of the course is quite well marked with Trans-Canada trail, Baden Powell and other trail signs, the XTC doesn't follow any particular trail for its entire length. Be sure to print out the appropriate course description ("Up" or "Down" or both) at the link below and bring it with you on event day in a plastic baggie to protect it. Better yet, train on the course, bring the map and the directions to make sure you don't get lost! For an overview map click here. You can find an elevation profile here. Please note, that you will not be able to navigate with just the map, you need the course descriptions (see below). Runners are assumed to be self-supporting, but we encourage friends and family to come out and crew. All Reference Points noted on the course description are accessible by car.

We really don't want you to get lost. Local trail gurus have gone over this course many times to make sure distances and descriptions are impeccable. Despite our best efforts, a landmark may have changed or our descriptions may not be crystal clear to you. Please give us your feedback so we can improve. Point out any errors to your Event Host at the finisher party and you get a free beer!

Please link to the appropriate course description below. (Those who want to roll their own distance, please use the "Up" description and plan to run out and back.)

Attachment	Size
XTC map.pdf	1.42 MB
XTC Skyline Elevation Profile.pdf	559.55 KB

XTC Up Course

If you are running the 50km distance, make sure you also print out the Down description. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on printer-friendly version to get a nice printout.

Fast Time	Up - Course Description	km
07:30	Reference Point - Griffin Gym – Start / Finish. Griffin Recreation Center is at 851 West Queens Road, North Vancouver. There's lots of free parking. Showers, a hot tub, steam room and gym are also available for a $5.00 drop-in fee. Run distances measured from the north sidewalk of Queens Road at Del Rio.
08:00	Start. Queens Road and Del Rio Drive	0.0
	1. Mosquito Creek. This section takes you straight up the side of a mountain from the city to the edge of civilization.
	- run north (toward mountains) to end of Del Rio then straight onto gravel trail. Stay straight on trail heading uphill. In about 500m, you'll notice a spillway on your right. Keep heading uphill with the rushing river on your right (Don't cross little yellow bridge!)
	- In about 1.5K, pass under wooden bridge (Montroyal Blvd.) Continue uphill with river to your right. Pass through 3 large boulders in the path. Gravel trail gets steeper. At end of gravel trail (2 big boulders and a pile of smaller ones) keep heading uphill on narrow rocky path with river to your right.
	- after 10m, path veers left and almost disappears. Zigzag up steep canyon wall. When you reach the road (Skyline Drive) turn right and continue uphill to parking area under power lines.
08:15	Reference Point – Skyline Drive. Parking lot.	2.9
	2. The Dogleg. This nasty out-and-back section gives you a chance to see everyone in the event. If weather permits, take in some spectacular panoramas of the city below and Mount Baker, Washington.
	- Go right and pass through orange metal gate. Continue steep uphill. Stay left on main road at rock "5053" address cairn and again near top when you pass a private driveway. Just after pavement ends, look for trail to the right marked Baden Powell. Take steep, rocky trail downhill to driveway and green-roofed shed
08:20	- just before shed, turn sharply left along dirt path. Pass above houses with green and orange metal roofs, then downhill. Cross bridge over Mosquito Creek.	3.8
	- on far side of bridge, follow wide dirt/gravel access road. Big green water tanks are on your left. At yellow gate, take small deeply-eroded path on left up steep embankment and stay right under power lines. Go underneath the tower of power, then right onto wide trail under power lines
	- follow wide trail under power lines as it snakes eastward toward the horizon. You will pass through a grey metal gate. Cross paved driveway (4350 St. Mary's Avenue) and continue on smaller trail directly opposite. Count three (3) towers from here!
08:30	- you will pass directly under a tower of power then head steeply downhill on narrow, rocky trail. If you are lucky, you will see Mt. Baker on the horizon. Pass a tower on your left and trail turns into a rocky creek bed. Partway down the hill, you will come to a tower on your right. There are 2 huge, old tree stumps directly opposite. Turn around here!.	6.5
	- follow trail under power lines back uphill, then cross over paved driveway and go through grey metal gate at 4350 St. Mary's Avenue. On a clear day, you can make out a thin straight line of a trail above the houses on the horizon. (The Crunch.)
08:40	- follow gravel trail under power lines back to canyon edge. Go underneath the tower of power and onto small, steep trail. (Do NOT follow Baden Powel trail marker!) Turn right at bottom and go through yellow gate and up gravel road. Big green water tanks will be on your right. Cross Mosquito Creek Bridge	9.2
	- go right, then left and uphill on rocky trail. Pass orange then green roofed houses on your left. At junction with driveway, turn immediately right and go up steep, rocky path. When trail opens into wide, overgrown gravel road, go left. Follow road downhill to 2 orange metal gates framing a parking area.
08:45	Reference Point – Skyline Drive. Parking lot.	10.1
	3. Grouse View. This fast section takes you under power lines to Grouse Mountain base station and downhill to Cleveland Dam
	- continue straight through parking area, past the orange metal gate and downhill under power lines. (Do NOT follow paved road!) You will pass over 2 small bridges above a dry dam
	- continue straight and under power lines. Pass through an orange metal gate into gravel parking area. Stay left along lower road next to fence and pass through a maintenance area. At yellow metal gate next to paved road, turn left	11.4
	- follow Nancy Green Way downhill through residential area facing traffic. You will pass Cleveland Park on your left near the bottom of the hill. Cross street when it is safe to do so and cross parking lot marked 'Cleveland Dam.'	12.6
09:00	Reference Point - Cleveland Dam. Fountain, washrooms and parking lot.	13.5
	4. The Capilano Loop. Get up close and intimate with a magnificent rainforest canyon.
	- take road to your left immediately after fountain and before information board. It will snake downhill and away from the dam. Pass a big concrete block building on your right. Stay on main road about 75m, then take first trail downhill to your right. (Note metal snorkel-shaped pipe opposite trail entrance.)
	- trail goes steeply downhill over wooden steps and through a grove of ancient old growth trees. You will pass over several small bridges. Just before the paved road, take trail right. When trail reaches traffic circle at fish hatchery, follow road to right then go straight onto trail between picnic gazebo and information board
	- keep river on your right as you go down the canyon. Pass picnic gazebo. Go up and down wooden bridge ramp. (Do NOT cross river!) Go right and on trail next to river. Pass Cable Pool lookout. Continue uphill and close to canyon edge on Coho Loop trail.
	- at "T" intersection (Pipeline Trail), turn right and steeply downhill over Pipeline Bridge and across river. If you fear heights, don't look down!
	- stay right at small stone wall and go over little footbridge. River is now on your right as you make your way back up the canyon. Stay on main trail past bridge. (Do NOT cross bridge to fish hatchery!) At next intersection, go left and uphill on steep, narrow switchback. (Giant Fir trail.) Note 2 huge Douglas firs at top.
	- take small trail on right (don't drop down to gravel trail). 500 year old Grandpa Capilano is behind the cedar fence in front of you. Be sure to give him your regards, as he brings good luck! Trail goes up steep set of wooden stairs. At the top, go right onto wide gravel road. You are now on the Trans-Canada Trail (TCT) .
09:15	- with canyon on your right, continue uphill on road until clearing just before Cleveland Dam. Turn left and uphill on wide gravel access road. Stay on this road until it ends at a high fence. Go left and follow trail to paved road	17.5
	- at pavement (Glenmore Drive), go left and cross when it safe to do so. The trail continues on your right after about 60m
	5. The Crunch. Viewed from the air, the course from here to the Picnic Area traces a straight line across Cypress Mountain under or near the telephone lines. This relatively short, but steep section takes you straight uphill along the Trans Canada/Baden Powell trail. Pass through back yards in the British Properties area of West Vancouver then leave civilization behind.
	- cross a little bridge and a flat section, then head uphill with a park on your right. Carefully cross Glenmore Drive. (Note bus shelter and telephone on right.)
	- climb a steep bit. Carefully cross St. Giles Road (near Barnham Road).
	- Take steep stairs in front of you. Carefully cross Greenwood Road (at St. Andrews). Continue straight ahead and up.
09:30	Reference Point - Millstream Road. Street parking. Millstream Road at Craigmohr Drive. Last place to meet your support crew until you reach the Picnic Area. You will recognize this spot by the green metal gate on driveway leading to a small power station.	18.2
	- continue uphill on steep, narrow trail under telephone lines. At top of wooden steps, trail will veer right into the forest. At first trail intersection, go left over the little bridge and head back toward telephone lines. Cross swampy area on corduroy then a little wooden bridge over Hadden Creek.
	- At "T" junction with wide, rocky trail (Brothers Creek Fire Road), turn right and uphill. At next trail intersection under telephone lines, go left and uphill. At clearing on the lower side of the lines, turn right.
	6. Canyon Crawl. Welcome to just about every size and quality of trail you can imagine...with a net uphill grade. While the steepest climb is behind you, you will continue uphill for the most part crossing many bridges over many canyons.
	- cross several small canyons and many bridges of varying sizes and states of repair.
09:45	- stay straight at sign for Incline Railway trail. Note Viewpoint #10 as you approach Brother's Canyon. At Brothers Canyon, drop steeply down canyon edge. As you cross Brother's Creek, check out the waterfall!	19.9
	- At top of canyon, go right and uphill into the woods. At junction with Brothers Creek trail, stay straight. Cross a long stretch of corduroy just before reaching the telephone lines
09:50	- trail drops into a fairly wide fire road. Turn right and uphill back to telephone lines where you come to an opening at edge of Lawson Canyon. Immediately as you head back into the forest, you will see a trail fork with the Baden Powell trail going steeply uphill and the Skyline Trail going left. Go left onto Skyline Trail. There is a steep downhill section into the canyon and an old bridge	20.3
	- as you come out of the canyon, enter a nasty section of roots, rocks and mud. Beware the slippery old corduroy just before you get back to the telephone lines.
	- follow rough single track trail under the lines. Expect wet shoes if it has rained recently. Pass first by Lower Brewis trail, then further up, Upper Brewis as you continue under telephone lines. Cross a deep canyon
	- enjoy a nice stretch of trail in the woods. Look for remnants of an old forest fire. Cross canyon with 2 bridges	22.5
	- in next stretch of forest, trail goes around a huge overturned stump then over tiny bridge with 3 slats before regaining the telephone lines. Drop down into small canyon	22.7
	- regain telephone lines a while, then cross canyon with 2 bridges.
	- back to telephone lines, then a shallow canyon with a new bridge.
10:05	- back to telephone lines and single-track. The trail widens and improves markedly. Crank it up. The Picnic Area isn't far!	23.3
	- at the large Cypress Provincial Park sign, turn left onto the gravel driveway. Go clockwise around the circular driveway. Carin is next to information board.
10:15	Reference Point - Picnic Area. The Rotary Bluff cairn.	25.0

XTC Down Course

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on printer-friendly version to get a nice printout. If you are running the 50km distance, make sure you also print out the Up description.

Fast Time	Down - Course Description	km
07:30	Reference Point - Picnic Area - Start / Midpoint / Finish The Quarry picnic area is located on your right-hand side, just after the 9k switchback on Cypress Bowl Road. There are parking spaces for about 30 cars, 2 outhouses, 11 picnic tables and an awesome view on a clear day. Note pay parking. Run distances measured from the bronze "Rotary Bluff" plaque next to the information board in the middle of the parking loop.
08:00	Start. The Rotary Bluff cairn.	0.0
	1. Canyon Crawl. Welcome to just about every size and quality of trail you can imagine. You will be running downhill on the TransCanada Trail (TCT) for the most part, crossing many bridges and canyons
	- go clockwise around parking loop toward paved road. At yellow gate and Trans Canada Trail sign, turn right and under the telephone lines
08:10	- follow a wide, fairly smooth, undulating section of fire road. The trail will go uphill into the woods on the left at the edge of a canyon	1.7
	- nice section of trail in the woods with soft footing. Drop down into a shallow canyon with a bridge
	- climb out of canyon and regain the power lines. Single track trail is rough and will be wet if there has been rain in the past week. Watch for slippery rocks and wood!
08:15	- as you near the next canyon, note the little wooden cross-shaped trail marker (Forks Trail) on your left. Go past it and then left and uphill before the canyon. (If you are heading downhill away from the telephone lines, go back!)	2.5
	- duck into the forest then drop down to a new bridge over a small creek
	- go back to telephone lines and downhill, then into woods and over double bridge	2.9
	- return to telephone lines, traverse a section of woods then cross a bridge
08:20	- duck in an out of the woods. Cross a tiny bridge, then dodge around a huge, overturned stump. Pass through a deep canyon with 2 old bridges	3.5
	- nice section of trail through an area where it looks like there was a fire a long time ago. Drop down into a deep canyon with an old, mossy bridge.	3.7
	- return to telephone lines. Continue past Upper Brewis Trail on your left, then further down trail, continue straight under telephone lines past Lower Brewis on your right. There's a short, nasty bit of slippery wooden corduroy, then take go into the woods on a muddy, rooty and rocky bit of trail that ends at a steep canyon with a bridge
08:25	- there will be a "T" intersection at the top of the canyon with a sign indicating Baden Powell Trail. Go right	4.7
	- follow wide rocky road downhill and away from canyon for about 90m. (Caution! Don't miss this turn!) Turn left onto TCT/Baden Powell Trail
	- trail comes back to telephone lines, then enters the woods to the left. At junction with Brothers Creek trail, stay right and downhill. Drop down steep stairs, cross Brothers Creek bridge. Check out the falls!	5.1
	- very steep climb out of Brothers Canyon. At the top, note Viewpoint #10 marker on the rights. Cross a small bridge. Pass junction with Incline Railway Trail then cross small canyon with a bridge
	- cross several small bridges, some over creeks and some over little gullies in the woods
	2. The Crunch. This relatively short, but steep section takes you straight downhill along the Trans Canada/ Baden Powell trail. Pass through back yards in the British Properties area of West Vancouver. If you are not under telephone lines, you are off course!
	- at junction with Brothers Creek fire road, go right and downhill. Go left onto little bridge at Hadden Creek, over some corduroy under telephone lines and back into woods.
	- cross small bridge and stay right and downhill
	- descend steep section of narrow trail and stair steps under lines as you drop down to road
08:35	Reference Point - Millstream Road – Street parking. Green metal gate at Millstream Road (and Craigmohr Drive.) Cross street carefully and continue downhill under telephone lines.	6.8
	- carefully cross Greenwood Road (at St. Andrews). Continue straight ahead and down.
	- carefully cross St. Giles Road (near Barnham Road). Continue straight ahead and down.
	- carefully cross Glenmore Drive. Note bus shelter and telephone to left of trail entrance. Drop down and cross a little bridge
	- at pavement (Glenmore Drive), go left and cross when it safe to do so. (Don't go straight onto trail opposite!)
	3. The Capilano Loop. Get up close and intimate with a magnificent rainforest canyon.
08:45	- the trail continues in about 60m at a gravel driveway on your right. Note cedar hedge and wooden retaining wall.	7.5
	- run next to tall metal fence (GVRD watershed). At the large dirt road, go right and follow it downhill. You will reach a clearing before the dam where several roads converge. Take the wide road at the edge of the canyon downhill to your right.
	- continue downhill a good way with canyon to your left. Turn left onto Giant Fir trail. There is a steep staircase. Pass Grandpa Capilano, a 500-year old tree behind the cedar fence
	- go left at first trail after Grandpa Capilano. (Not down stairs to gravel path!) Pass by 2 huge old growth trees then drop down on steep, narrow switchback to a large trail. Go right and follow trail next to canyon wall with river to your left. Pass bridge. (Do not cross to fish hatchery!) Cross small footbridge then stay left. Take pipeline bridge over Capilano River.
	- 10m up from the far side of bridge, turn left onto Coho Loop trail. There will be a clearing in the trail with a big section of a tree. Stay right and uphill. Go up some stairs. Stay close to the canyon edge as you pass by Cable Pool lookout and bridge. (Don't cross bridge!)
	- go up, then down bridge ramp. Go straight passing picnic gazebo on your right to paved road at Capilano fish hatchery
	- cross the paved road as if you were going to the fish hatchery. Rejoin trail that starts with a small bridge. In about 10m, turn left and uphill onto a wider trail with lots of wooden steps through mossy trees. At the wide dirt road, turn left. (Note metal snorkel opposite.)
	- follow this road uphill. Pass a large concrete block structure on your left. Continue uphill and to the right when you see Cleveland Dam.
09:00	Reference Point - Cleveland Dam. Fountain, washrooms and parking lot.	11.5
	4. Grouse View. This section takes you uphill from Cleveland Dam to the base of Grouse Mountain then uphill under power lines to Skyline Drive
09:10	- take stairs opposite fountain. Cut through parking lot and run uphill on Nancy Greene Way facing traffic. It's a miserable climb on pavement through a residential area. Just after the Grouse Mountain sign, turn right at yellow gate leading to maintenance yard	12.8
	- continue next to fence. Go through the orange metal gate and take wide gravel trail under power lines. You will cross 2 bridges over a dry dam. Continue uphill under power lines	14:0
09:20	Reference Point – Skyline Drive. Parking lot.	14.9
	5. The Dogleg. This nasty out-and-back section gives you a chance to others in the race. If weather permits, take in some spectacular panoramas of the city below and Mount Baker, Washington.
	- go through yellow metal gate at parking area. Keep uphill through another orange gate.
	- stay left on main road at rock "5053" address cairn and again near top when you pass a private driveway. Just after pavement ends, look for trail to the right marked Baden Powell. Take steep, rocky trail downhill to driveway and green-roofed shed
09:25	- just before shed, turn sharply left along dirt path. Pass above houses with green and orange metal roofs, then downhill. Cross bridge over Mosquito Creek.	15.8
	- on far side of bridge, follow wide dirt/gravel access road. Big green water tanks are on your left. At yellow gate, take small deeply-eroded path on left up steep embankment and stay right under power lines. Go underneath the tower of power, then right onto wide trail under power lines
	- follow wide trail under power lines as it snakes eastward toward the horizon. You will pass through a grey metal gate. Cross paved driveway (4350 St. Mary's Avenue) and continue on smaller trail directly opposite. Start counting three (3) towers here!
09:35	- you will pass directly under a tower of power then head steeply downhill on narrow, rocky trail. If you are lucky, you will see Mt. Baker on the horizon. Pass a tower on your left and trail turns into a rocky creek bed. Partway down the hill, you will come to a tower on your right. There are 2 huge, old tree stumps directly opposite. Turn around here!	18.5
	- follow trail under power lines back uphill, then cross over paved driveway and go through grey metal gate at 4350 St. Mary's Avenue. On a clear day, you can make out a thin straight line of a trail above the houses on the horizon. (The Crunch.)
09:45	- follow gravel trail under power lines back to canyon edge. Go underneath the tower of power and onto small, steep trail. (Do NOT follow Baden Powel trail marker!) Turn right at bottom and go through yellow gate and up gravel road. Big green water tanks will be on your right. Cross Mosquito Creek Bridge	21.2
	- go right, then left and uphill on rocky trail. Pass orange then green roofed houses on your left. At junction with driveway, turn immediately right and go up steep, rocky path. When trail opens into wide, overgrown gravel road, go left. Follow road downhill to 2 orange metal gates framing a parking area.
09:50	Reference Point – Skyline Drive. Parking lot.	22.1
	6. Mosquito Creek. This section takes you straight down the side of a mountain from the edge of civilization into the city
	- Go sharply left and descend paved Skyline Drive. As the road curves right after 100m, take the small trail to your left
	- take steep, nasty trail down to river then go right and downhill with river to your left. Gravel trail widens as you gain speed. Pass under the bridge at Montroyal Boulevard. You're almost there!
	- follow trail downhill to a footbridge and dam to your left. Go slightly right then downhill keeping spillway to your left.
	- Stay left at next trail junction following trail downhill through woods. Go over a small bridge. Trail opens into Del Rio Drive. Finish at end of street (Queens Avenue.)
10:00	Reference Point - Griffin Gym. Queens Road and Del Rio Drive	25.0