Hike Details
- Difficulty: 5/6 (Very Difficult)
- Distance: 23km
- Duration: 11hrs
- Elevation: 1550m
- Type: Out & Back
- Exposure: Yes (Avoidable)
- Season: Jul - Oct
- Dogs: No
- Camping: Yes
- Wheelchairs: No
- Public Transport: Yes
- Strollers: No
Description
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The trail to Golden Ears is breakthtaking and full of variety, a suitable reward for what is truthfully a long and challenging trail. Despite an extended forested section in the middle, there's always something new around the next corner. From rivers and streams, to changes in gradient, a mid-forest campsite at Alder Flats, viewpoints and valleys, ridges, and breaktaking views, there is a bit of everything on the Golden Ears trail.
One weekend back in October 2022 I was home alone with no plans. I hadn't solo camped in a while, and Golden Ears had been on my list since coming to Canada, so off I went. I left with plenty of time, and made it to the ridge and campsite with an hour or so to spare before sunset. I got chatting to some other campers and arranged to meet at 4.30am for a 30 minute hike to the summit in time for sunrise. What an incredible place to wake up and watch the sunrise.
The trail can roughly be thought of in four sections, the first along the valley floor alongside the river. The second and longest section up through the forests and streams. Then, the open ridge that heads up to the campsite. And finally the scramble to the Golden Ears summit. Golden Ears is certainly possible as a very long day trip, though I'd very much recommend doing it as an overnighter to give yourself the time to enjoy the views. Additionally, the final section to the summit involves some minor scrambling, which although not difficult, is exposed in places. This would not be a good section to be doing when low on energy and concentration.
Navigation
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The trail: Some junctions or misleading side-trails. Check your map regularly. Phone signal in BC is not reliable when hiking. Always carry an OFFLINE map. I recommend and use AllTrails+ and Gaia Maps.
Hike Difficulty And Conditions
The Golden Ears trail is rated as Very Difficult, due to a combination of 22km distance, signfiicant elevation (1600m), as well as long sections of steep, uneven and rooty terrain that really test your leg muscles and knees. In addition, 80% of the elevation gain is squeezed into the second half of the trail, meaning that whilst the first half feels very easy, the second half is steep and relentless.
From the West Canyon Parking Lot, the trail follows the valley countours and gains only 200m of elevation over the first 4km. For this first section of the trail, it is possible to follow either side of the river, though if you choose to follow the east side, it will require a small river crossing at one point.
Next the trail starts to gain elevation as you hike up through the forest, alongside a few streams and up to Alder Flats campsite. Note that at around 5km, soon after leaving the main riverside, will be your last opportunity to fill up water. Once you reach Alder Flats, you have already passed the last water supply. From this point the trail only gets harder - make sure you stay hydrated and fill up your water. Beyond Alder Flats, kilometers 7-9 are the most challenging of the trail, a steep, rooty, rugged and relentless trail that will test your legs and knees.
At kilometer 9, you'll reach the ridgeline and be greeted with welcome views out over the valleys. With the added scenery, the 1km and 200m elevation needed to reach the campsite will fly by. Whether you're staying here overnight or not, I recommend stopping here for lunch or a snack, ensuring that you're refuelled for the light scramble to the summit.
From the campsite, the summit is a further 1km and 300m of elevation, which involves some light scrambling and trail finding. Keep an eye on the trail markers and don't be afraid to turn around if you're not comfortable. The view from the top is spectacular, but is only worth taking on if you have the experience, energy and are comfortable in the terrain. Even if you choose to enjoy the views from the campsite, they are still well worth the hike up.
Camping
- Camping Possible: Yes
- Tent Camping Type: First Come First Served (Free)
Hiking Season
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Jul - Oct is the recommended season for Golden Ears. Outside of this period, the trail is: Full Snow Conditions - Avalanche Training Required
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: No
- Dog Friendly: No
Location & Access
- Public Transport: Yes
- Public Transport By: Parkbus
- Park: Golden Ears Provincial Park
- Region: Western Fraser Valley
- Fire Region: Coastal Fire Centre Info
- Trailhead: 49.32723, -122.46306
- Vehicle Requirement: Any Vehicle
Getting There
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Driving north from Maple Ridge on 232rd Street, you'll see a well-signposted right turn onto 132nd Avenue and into Golden Ears Park. After only 500m or so you'll bear right where the road name turns into Fern Crescent, which itself later turns into Golden Ears Parkway. The road is accessible for any vehicle, all the way to the parking lots. However, do not bank on downloading your trail map as you approach the parking lot. There is only very patchy mobile signal once you leave Maple Ridge. Some of the parking lots closer to the big trails fill up early in the day. If you're planning a big day I recommend you get there as early as you can.
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