Whistler Lifesaving Trail
A nice trail to Whistler Peak from the communication tower on its western flank
Statistics
Gate at valley level now locked
| Total Distance: |
10.0 km (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
2 hours |
| Average Grade: |
14.4% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Gain:
|
720 m |
| Start Elevation: |
680 m |
| Max Elevation: |
1400 m |
|
Original Trail
| Total Distance: |
7.0 km (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
5 hours |
| Average Grade: |
22.3% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Gain:
|
781 m |
| Start Elevation: |
1400 m |
| Max Elevation: |
2181 m |
|
Directions
(Note that recently, the RMOW began locking a new yellow gate at the valley bottom start of the access road: this now means a mountain bike is the best method to access the original trailhead, but a local group is currently trying to reactivate status [there is some question regarding the RMOW's legal ability to deny access, as they have not sought permission from Rec BC])If the gate should be open, this trail requires a HC 4x4 drive to the communication tower at 1400m. The road is very bushy and will scratch your paint (Aug 2007). To find the start of the road turn right at Function Juntion traffic light, then immediately left into a parking lot. The road begins at the end of the parking lot. Stay on the obvious road all the way to the Comm tower. The start of the trail is on the left side of the road about 100m before the comm tower. We initially made an error and took the left trail about 20m before the tower, which is the "Babylon by Bike" trail.
Details
Once on the trail it is a gentle walk through the old growth forest on excellent trail packed down by bikes. There was one blowdown right at the start. After about 45 minutes it opens up a bit and there is a scree slope to your left, this is when the trail gets a bit steeper. At about 1h15min you reach a bluff with excellent views, at this point you can see the top of Whistler. The trail continues on, often connecting with the Hwy 86 ski run and now crossing the "Top of the Mountain" mtb trail. The trail does cross the new High Note trail coming down from the peak.
Photographs
GPS Waypoints
| Trailhead |
N50.05920 W123.00407 |
10U 499709 5545213 |
| Bluff with views |
N50.05702 W122.97628 |
10U 501698 5544971 |
| High Note Trail crosses ski run and heads east |
N50.05717 W122.96553 |
10U 502467 5544988 |
| Top of Whistler Mountain |
N50.05907 W122.95765 |
10U 503031 5545199 |