Would you believe something breathtaking can be this close? If you are living in Vancouver or just passing by don't miss this spot. One of the most popular quick hikes with easy access is just 90 minutes away from you.
What is Eagle Bluffs?
Eagle Bluffs is a rock formation among the deep forest elevated enough to provide a stunning view of Vancouver. There are 2 ways how to get there. The faster way is to go 30 minutes by car to Cypress Mountain and take about an hour-long Baden Powell Trail (the easiest access with a little elevation) or you can go to Horseshoe Bay and from there it will take you around 2 hours to hike up to Eagle Bluffs (in this case elevation is higher but it's definitely worth it). the trail can be muddy and slippery.
The longer hike
What a surprise I chose the longer option starting at Horseshoe Bay :) Most of the trail is easy, going through the woods (after you leave the highway behind) with a little elevation which makes it relaxing and enjoyable hike. You can stop by Whyte Lake for a refreshing swim. Do not underestimate the amount of water you are carrying as I didn't find any place where I could possibly refill water. The last part of the hike will start to be a little challenging when elevation starts to increase (after you pass stone piles placed on the rock). It's the sign a little challenge is ahead of you.
Rock climbing is part of this hike
Get ready to climb some rocks as a field of rocks is ahead of you (if it's a sunny day it gets very hot there as you are taking heat from the rocks as well but still a better option than going there on a rainy day as it can get slippery and dangerous). When you are reaching to the top part of your rock climbing experience turn right as this way continues the path. I didn't see the turn and went left, where is a dead end and had to go back to find a way again. You went a long way without any interesting views so now is your chance to enjoy it from the rocks but don't spend there too much time because better views are ahead of you. Soon you will reach little spots with limited views when suddenly you find yourself on a rock formation. You are not there yet but it's the sign you are just a few minutes away from your target. The second rock formation is the one you are looking for.
Avoiding disappointment
The biggest advantage of Eagle Bluffs is also its disadvantage. It's very close to Vancouver which is the reason for its popularity and can be quite overcrowded. To avoid the disappointment try to get there early in the morning or with sunset time. If the sky is not fully cloudy it will leave you speechless. It's well worth it even after the sunset time when everything goes quiet and you can enjoy stars and Vancouver in the night (in this case be very careful).
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