Black Mountain via Baden Powell Trail

Black Mountain via Baden Powell Trail is a serious grind with serious rewards, starting above Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver and climbing toward the Black Mountain high point above Cypress. Over 14.3 km with around 1188 m of gain, this out-and-back route feels every bit “difficult,” but the mix of forest, rock, and big views keeps it interesting. It’s not actually on Bowen Island, but you get great views of Bowen and the rest of Howe Sound along the way.

The Baden Powell Trail starts steep right out of the gate, then eases off before hitting a rocky boulder field and a short granite scramble up to Eagle Bluffs. From there you get wide-open views over Georgia Strait, Vancouver, West Van, Bowen Island, and the Lions, before rolling over to the softer terrain around Black Mountain and the clear water of Cabin Lake. The trail is well marked, has a good mix of groomed sections, rooty steeps, and rock hopping, and feels more like a mini mountain journey than a simple viewpoint hike.

Recent hikers report the route dry, snow-free, and mostly bug-light, though mosquitoes can show up around Cabin Lake, so repellent is smart. Poles help on the steeper pitches and through the rock field, and solid hiking shoes are a must. Many people turn this into a through hike from Horseshoe Bay to Cypress Mountain with a two-car shuttle to save their knees on the descent, and that direction seems to be the crowd favorite. Aim for July through November for the best conditions, and if it’s hot, pack a swimsuit for a quick dunk in Cabin Lake before heading down.