BLACK MOUNTAIN
6 km | 380 m | 1.5 hours
Love this loop in the winter when it’s covered with snow. It is one of the few trails in the Cypress Alpine area that is well marked, well maintained and inbound during the winter months. Not to mention Free! Most people tend to snowshoe in the Nordic Area where tickets are needed. Here you just need to pick up a day pass free of charge just so they can track who enters the area. We tend to use spikes whenever we can unless the snow is deep, in which case we reach for our snowshoes.
If you’re pressed for time, it’s raining in the city, but snowing up in the mountains, this is your perfect loop to start your day. It will provide you with stunning views of the city below and enough elevation and distance to feel like a good workout without being a long adventure.
The trail up to the top of Black Mountain isn’t maintained in the winter and since the views aren’t worth it, don’t try and climb it in the snow. The second lookout past Cabin Lake however, provides a postcard moment. Views of the ocean below and the Lions perched up above.
If the weather permits, head out to Eagle Bluffs for some extra distance and magical views of the city below. Keep in mind that the trail out to the Bluffs is out of bounds and not maintained in the winter so proceed with caution.