hiking in Diez Vistas Trail

I went hiking with Franklin to Diez Vistats Trail at Buntzen Lake last Sunday. It's pretty good experience for me.

The trail is about 7km one way, 460m elevation.
Normally people return from Buntzen Lake trail. So, you add another 4-6 km in total.
We made it in 5.5 hours, with a lunch in North beach.

We set out at about 8am and start the trail around 8:56am.
The trail starts from the south end of the parking lot.
The floating bridge is back to operation now.
After the floating bridge, the trail is "officially" started.

The first half hour wasn't that bad. It is just like the first part of Grouse mountain trail.
About 30 degree up.

The trail becomes steeper along the road and you have to be very careful for the trail sign.
Once you reached the power line. You are about to start another steeper trip.

We actually went to a trail which is not normally used. That one was really steep, about 75 degree incline. But we had no choice once we get to the midway. We have to climb up.
About 45 minutes steep climbing, it is really climbing !! We were doubting that we might get lost, but the trail looks like someone had been there before.

We finally get to a point with red ribbon, which means someone had been there before and marked as a trail. We are really excited to see the ribbon hanging there.

We reached a viewpoint "", which is not marked on the map of the park. Anyway, it is a point that reachable by people.

We kept going and got to the "Vista 1" lookout. As said from other's post, it is the best lookout along the way. You can see the whole Indian Arm and even Vancouver Island if it is clear. We spend about 10 minutes there, taking photos.

We didn't stop along the way and just going. The downhill trail is pretty rough too. We had to walk in between the trees and rocks.

We met 12 people in total. This trail isn't popular, maybe because it is too rough. So, it is only recommended to experienced and fit hiker. I would say that too.

We landed at about 12:30pm. It takes us 3.5 hours for the trail. But if you need to take more break, it may take longer time.

We had a good lunch in North beach of Buntzen Lake.
The returning trail (Buntzen Lake Trail) was so easy compared with the Diez Vistas.
So, we almost jog all the way back to the parking lot.

We actually climb along the mountain west to the lake.
I heard that the mountain east to the lake is more tough. I'll try that trail later.

1st post in 2007

Hard to believe that I haven't post anything in 2007. Too lazy.

Hiking is great.
I start to hike a lot this year.

* Rice Lake Trail to the Suspension Bridge takes about 3 hours.
* Belcara has many small trails, from 1-2 hours. You can go crabbing there, but it's not easy to get crab big enough. BBQ is a good choice there.

* Buntzen Lake is a good hiking place and it is close to my home.
* The Buntzen Lake Trail, which takes about 3-4 hours.
* The Diez Vistas Trail, which takes about 6-8 hours.

* White Rock is good place for crabbing, walking, and picnic.

I've got my hiking gear ready, with hiking boot, DSLR, backpack, ....

My plan this year is to backpack camping in Garibaldi.