The Lions are two very familiar peaks that can be seen from Vancouver. I have hiked most of the mountains in the immediate Vancouver area but the Lions always looked down on me with a smug look. Every time I looked to the North Shore I could see the twin peaks and I knew I had to get up there one day. On August 18th, five of us decided to make the trek and I was the only Lions virgin in the group.

The trail starts in Lions Bay and is a 16km round trip journey. The elevation gain is 1280m (4200′) with some very steep sections you will feel in your legs. This is a strenuous hike and of the hikes I have completed may be second only to Black Tusk in terms of effort.  I would not bring your dog on this trail, there are sections that would not be easy for your four-legged friend and there are some very steep cliffs.  The hike took us about 3.5 hours in each direction, with a one hour break at the top to enjoy the view, eat lunch, and take photos.  For more detail on the trail feel free to check out these links (some include updates on conditions): Vancouver Trails, Club Tread, Trail Peak, Live Trails.

Some photos from the hike.  First, the motley crew ventures out at the start of the day.  The trail is fairly flat and everyone is feeling good.

Things begin to get steeper, everyone is still having a good time and chatting.

 

One of the only waterfalls along the route. Not much rain in the area lately and the snow pack is almost gone so it’s really just a trickle at this point. Harvey Creek is much bigger with pools large enough for a dip. There is a well built bridge over this creek so you will certainly know when you are there.

 

The trail takes a sharp turn up and chatting turns into cursing.

 

Coming out of the trees, you are finally rewarded with stunning views of Howe Sound.

 

 

The Lions are still looming, a long way to go.

 

The group taking a breather after a few hours of hard climbing.

 

Back on the trail, hiking turns into scrambling.

 

And now with snow :)

 

Near the top of the rock scramble, views are still great and a good motivator.

 

After a few more tricky sections, you finally reach the ridge and see a full view of the Lions before you.

 

It was a bit hazy, but the view from the top was truly spectacular. Hard to beat and makes the 3.5 hour climb completely worth it.

 

 

 

 

You need to be careful with your footing on the ridge, there are very steep cliffs on both sides. One misstep and you won’t be around to tell anyone about it.

 

 

 

 

Up close and personal with the West Lion.

 

The West Lion towering over Scott and Jason.

 

 

It is possible to climb to the top of the West Lion, but only for those with some experience with this type of activity should even attempt it. It is a high consequence climb with no room for error. If you decide to do it, you need to descend down a small cliff (a rope is provided). People here are waiting to climb down.

 

Once on the West Lion, find the best route up. You can see how steep it is in the photos below.

 

 

 

The hike is popular in the late summer, especially on a nice day. We didn’t see many people on the trail, but there were a few at the top.

 

Of course, some things didn’t have to climb to the top. Cheater :)

 

I can imagine life at the top is not easy for any plants or animals that choose to live here.

 

 

 

Vancouver feels very far away when you are up here.

 

On the way down, your knees will take a serious beating. The trail through the forest and the gravel road seem to stretch on forever. At the end of the day though, it’s an amazing climb and worth the effort for anyone who wants to make the journey.