Trail to a stunning viewpoint at the top of Buntzen Ridge.
From the trailhead proceed up steps and follow trail to where it intercepts with cut line running from Sasamat lake to Buntzen Lake. Remnants of the old water pipe which used to from Buntzen Lake to the Burrard thermal are visible. From here an exceptionally well-groomed trail takes you up to an old access road that continues up to the Buntzen ridge saddle. On the left is the trial to Diez Vistas. It proceeds up to the summit of Buntzen ridge. Portions of the ascent are quite steep. Various routes have been established and at times the trail may seem indistinct, but the most heavily travelled route is usually visible and should be followed. At the top of the ridge the trail to the left takes you to a number of viewpoints en route to Buntzen Lake. The trail to the right takes you to Puente del Estes--a beautiful viewpoint and a great place to relax before the return trip.
The trail is 6.8 k return. Total elevation gain, including the ups and downs, is 2630 feet. Editor's note: Cumulative elevation gain by looking at elevation plot suggests more like 1500' total climbing.
Directions:
Park in Lot F at White Pine beach and take the stairs north to the trail head.
Instructions:
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ByPosted By: wanderingwacky
- Sun May 05 13:29:44 UTC 2013
Not Rated
UpsideGood workout, nice view as a reward. DownsideNot for a couch potato. CommentLove this trail, and the lookot. From the Sasmat side, if you pay attention, there is a little side trail. This trail is a more challenging but more interesting way to bypass the boring and rocky section of the sugar mountain trail. There is also a little bit of history in a very old crashed car, that I've been unable to find anything about.
ByPosted By: ghilliker
- Fri Sep 09 18:23:45 UTC 2011
CommentThe person who took the power cut-line straight up from White Pine took the hardest route. Shortly after the trail from White Pine intercepts the cut-line there is a well-groomed trail on the right that goes to the top in a more roundabout fashion and is much easier to travel on.
ByPosted By: mokanee
- Tue Jul 07 22:11:24 UTC 2009
UpsideReally great view at the 1st Vista lookout! DownsideNo relief going up or down... it's all either straight up or straight down... CommentWhoever rated this trail as moderate must be in extreme physical condition... I would rate it as difficult because I am an average person just looking to get out and do some hiking close to home. This trail seemed to fit the bill. However if I was to go again, I would forget climbing the extra vertical from Sasamat (unless that's what you want) and just do the Diez Vistas trail from Buntzen. There is no view between Sasamat and the 1st vista... you literally follow the power lines straight up. And unfortunately I was so tired by the time I got to the top I just didn't have the energy to keep going to some of the other vistas... We met some other folks on the Diez Vistas trail and I asked if they had come from Buntzen, they said yes and asked where we had come from. When I said "Sasamat" they just looked at us and said "No wonder you look so tired"! Sheesh.. no kidding!