Goldens Ears Peak
- Kaitlin
- Aug 5, 2021
- 2 min read
August 5, 2021
Distance: 24km round-trip
Elevation gain: 1695m
Time required: 10-12 hours
Golden Ears is one of the most iconic and stunning peaks on the south coast. At 1716m, it is the highest peak in the whole Lower Mainland and North Shore (second only to Brunswick Mountain on the North Shore which is 72m higher).
In the summer, you need to reserve a day pass to access all parking lots at Golden Ears Provincial Park, including the West Canyon parking lot which is where this hike starts.
The journey starts on the West Canyon trail. This follows Gold Creek for several kilometers. The path is wide and fairly flat. After 4km, you have to take a left to stay on the West Canyon trail. Shortly after the turn, you pass Alder Flats, a popular campground for those doing Golden Ears as an overnighter.
After Alder Flats, the elevation gain begins as you begin to gain the ridge. You pass through stunning meadows with gorgeous wildflowers. I reached the Panorama Ridge campground below the summit (not to be confused with Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi Park) in 3 hours and 40 minutes. The tent pads are limited. There is definitely no where near enough supply for the demand, given how popular this hike is.
Wildflowers included arctic lupine, pink mountain heather, and partridgefoot:
From the tent pads, you have to follow cairns and sparse trail markers across the granite rocks, across a snow field, and then scramble up to the summit. This took a further 50 minutes. The total time to the summit will take most people anywhere from 4.5-6 hours depending on their fitness level and time spent taking photos elsewhere.
I spent a good while at the peak, taking in the stunning views.
It took a little over 5 hours to make the return journey. I ended up getting back just after sunset at around 9:30pm.
Comments