BUNTZEN LAKE AREA
We have done Diez Vistas several times over the years, which lies up on the ridge between Buntzen Lake and the Indian Arm.
There are several trails on the other side of the lake that we would like to explore. We did head up towards Eagle Mountain this spring, but didn’t make it all the way up due to snow, so must repeat it to see what the views are all about.
The first peak you can access is Eagle Mountain and your view point is from Spahats Rigg. Doing this as an out and back is about 10 km and 875 m. You can make it a loop by going up to Eagle Ridge and around for 16 km and 1,035 m. On your way back you will go by about half a dozen Lakes which will also provide you with spectacular views.
You can bypass Eagle Mountain’s view points and head straight up to Tangled Summit, which is your second peak as an out and back for 14 km and 1,050 m.
The third and highest peak is Mount Beautiful. In the past you were able to do this as one big loop, but in the spring of 2021 there was a landslide just below Mount Beautiful and the trail has been closed indefinitely. So if you do head up to Mount Beautiful you will need to do it as an out and back. Our guess is that distance wise it would be about the same.
All of the above options will provide you with similar views as from Diez Vistas, but from a much higher elevation, making it that much more special. You will be looking into Deep Cove and over Balcarra. Deciding which route you take will depend on how much time you have.