Spanish for "ten views", the Diez Vistas trail is aptly named - it boasts 10 beautiful viewpoints. An excellent day trip from Vancouver, you can hike the 15km-route all the way around Buntzen Lake or simply hike to the first few peaks.
Once you reach the high point at 560 meters you would have climb up 440 meters, the trail meanders along the ridge with sensational views of the city and Vancouver Island in the distance, Deep Cove, the snow-covered North Shore mountains, and various views up Indian Arm.
The first bit is uphill... to get you nicely warmed up. After awhile, heading left at the fork (marked Diez Vistas Trail, you'll soon cross an open power-line (2.25 kilometres), Your first stop is the old pipeline and then from there your journey to the top turns into a number of switchbacks to the high-point of 560 metres.
View from Old Pipeline and Power Lines of Buntzen Lake South End Beach Near Parking Area
The trail forks right before the first viewpoint (it's quite steep) but joins again farther up - it's worth trying both routes for different but spectacular views. Lots of people just go to the first viewpoint and return, however if you continue the views just get better, you will be rewarded, so persevere, you have done most of the uphill.
Hidden Ponds and Lakes
The trail meanders along the ridge with sensational views of the city and Vancouver Island in the distance. Deep Cove, the snow-covered North Shore mountains, and various views up Indian Arm splendid on a clear day.
View of Vancouver, Belcarra - Jug Island and Deep Cove
Continue downhill to open bluffs and lake views meeting with an old BC Hydro access road. This takes you back to the north side of Buntzen Lake via a neat suspension bridge.
Buntzen Lake Suspension Bridge
At the lake have a snack and lay in the sun at the picnic area before continuing on. You can get back to the parking lot at the south end of the lake by taking the trail on either the east or west side of the lake (4 kilometres). The terrain is a bit more rugged on the west side. Unless it's been a cold winter, there's very seldom snow up top, making it a great year-round trail. If you like rugged trail running, this is a great trail!
Buntzen Lake North Beach Picnic Area
See the related cache page for further information about Buntzen Lake and all the trails that it has to offer.
This cache is a 500ml lock N lock container which is located in the roots and rocks of the tree just on the west edge of the path.