Burnaby Mountain Lower Snake Trail to Gear Jammer

Burnaby Mountain Lower Snake Trail to Gear Jammer is a short, steep shot of effort on the Burnaby side of the mountain, popular with hikers who don’t mind sharing space with fast-moving mountain bikes. The route is only 2.4 km point to point, but with about 274 m of gain up to roughly 321 m elevation, it feels tougher than the stats suggest. Most people wrap it up in under an hour, but your legs will know they’ve done some work.

The trail links Lower Snake to Gear Jammer, with sections of North Road Trail, Pipeline, and Upper Cut often used to connect in and out. Expect a mix of rooty singletrack, punchy climbs, and some loose sections where the bike traffic has carved things up. Views are mostly forested with the odd peek through the trees toward Burnaby and Coquitlam, so the appeal here is more about the workout and the classic Burnaby Mountain woods than big open vistas.

Recent reports mention black bear activity near the bottom of Lower Snake where it meets Pipeline, with multiple sightings in the same area, so carry bear spray, make noise, and keep dogs leashed and close. These trails are transit-friendly, with easy access from North Road and the Burquitlam SkyTrain Station, and they tend to be best from March to October when mud is manageable and roots aren’t slick with ice. Stay alert for downhill riders, step off to the side when you hear bikes coming, and be ready for a demanding, technical hike in a compact package on Burnaby Mountain.