Epic intermediate loop from Whistler Valley to Mt Sproatt and back.

Statistics

4 - 5

hrs

1,646

m

1,646

m

10

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

Across the valley from all the action at the better-known Whistler Bike Park lies the Mount Sproatt alpine network. Five years in the planning and building, these epic trails officially opened in 2017.

The main loop is ~20km, with 1400m of climbing, so come prepared for a big day out! Into the Mystic is a beautifully-graded, machine-built trail which climbs 8km through old growth forest, into the alpine.

It links up with On the Rocks, a fitting name for this fun, flowy traverse which takes in Tonic Peak as it weaves past pretty alpine tarns to the junction with Lord of the Squirrels. Here you are presented with the choice of an out-and-back detour to the peak of Mt Sproatt (recommended).

Dubbed Happy Hour (2.5km and 207m climbing), this narrow and slightly techier trail rewards with vast views over Whistler Valley. Finally, Lord of the Squirrels will keep you on your toes (and hopefully on your bike) as it flows down 900m vertical of organic trail, rock slab, and the occasional ladder bridge.

Lord of the Squirrels is "classified as a blue trail — and it certainly is by Whistler’s standards — but there are plenty of rock rolls, roots, and tight switchbacks to keep you on your toes," writes Aaron Chamberlain on Singletracks.com.

"It’s a raucous, rowdy romp, dropping 3,000′ over four miles back to the Flank trail," Chamberlain continues. If you like to "earn your turns" and enjoy big backcountry riding experiences, they don't come better than this anywhere in the world.

Allow 5-8 hours for this ride. Sources: https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/whistlers-alpine-masterpiece-lord-squirrels-trail/