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Details

About the Hike:
The West Lion, summit optional, at your own discretion

PLEASE READ:

This is a very steep, technical and difficult trail.
Length: 15.8 kilometers. Elevation gain: 1,469 meters.

The Lions may still have patches of snow. Please bring your microspikes.

Bojan and I will assess the safety of the trail and may choose to turn back if we determine the ridge is too icy and slippery. Safety first.

Bojan and I will not lead the hike to the summit. It will be your personal choice whether you choose to ascend to the summit.

The forest is thick and there are not many views until you reach the ridge below the Lions. The final ascent up to the saddle of the Lions is through a large boulder field which is very steep.
There are pretty awesome views of Lions Bay and the Sea to Sky from this point. Hikers recommend stopping on the saddle right below the final summit of the West Lion.
Once at higher elevations out on the rocky areas, the trail opens up with even more amazing views of Howe Sound, greater Vancouver, and the Coast Mountains. Like most trails in the Sea to Sky corridor, you will be looking at a significant climb to get up into the alpine.
Most hikers get to the “shoulder” of this hike and do not actually summit - and hikers should be aware that the final ascent is very technical and should not be attempted unless you have experience with scrambles and climbing rock faces.
The final sections of this hike follow a near-vertical scramble in some parts with some definite no-fall zones. If you are questioning whether you can do it, it is recommended to not attempt.
Parking: Lions Bay School located at 250 Bayview Road
Lions Bay, BC V0N 2E0

Transit Access: Not accessible by transit. Please arrange a carpool and reserve your parking pass.

Carpool List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dV9akil1MDYeCOXes1VrZATzSlyGZuOS726zLdJcD08/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Recommended Hiking Clothing, Footwear and Gear:

  1. Hiking boots or hiking shoes, and microspikes
  2. Small daypack or hiking backpack, plus 2 bottles of water (3–5 liters), lunch, and snacks
  3. Sweater or a Hoodie
  4. Sunglasses and a Hat, Sunscreen if required (all optional)
  5. Light Jacket (optional)
  6. Rain Jacket (optional: if the sky is overcast or raining)
  7. Hiking gloves
    LEGAL INFORMATION, LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
    We are a group of volunteers. We are not a professional organization, trail guides, and/or event organizers. We will, however, look out for each other. The organizer, any assistant organizers, and other attendees are in no way responsible or liable for your personal safety or health before, during, or at any time after this event. Risks of attending hiking events include, but are not limited to, getting lost; slipping and falling; snow and ice; extreme cold; extreme heat; dangerous animals; falling trees or brush; falling rocks or landslides; flooding; bridge failure; and falling into fast-moving water.
    As a condition of your participation in the event, you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR BREACH OF ANY DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE HOST. You agree that the host shall not be liable for any personal injury, death or property loss and release the host from all liability and waive all claims with respect thereto.
    Negligence includes failure on the part of the host to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of, the risks, dangers, and hazards referred to above. You assume all costs of your own rescue or evacuation.
    By RSVP'ing "Yes" for this event, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and event attendance requirements, and that you are solely responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being before, during, and at any time after the event, as stated previously.
    All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.
    We hike together at a moderate pace, but if you cannot keep up, you are responsible for safely hiking your way back to the starting point.

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