Blue Mountain Trail

Blue Mountain Trail in Maple Ridge is one of those routes you hike for the workout, not the postcard views. This 16.1 km loop with about 788 m of gain is rated challenging for good reason: rocky forest service roads, chewed-up moto tracks, and a long grind to roughly 889 m. If you want a conditioning hike close to town and don’t mind rough surfaces and shared use with dirt bikes and ATVs, it delivers.

The Blue Mountain Trail loop is mostly FSR and moto-cross track, so expect loose rock, ruts, mud, and some puddles rather than smooth singletrack. As you climb higher, the forest opens a bit with the odd peek at surrounding hills and a small lake area near the top, but many hikers report the “view” is underwhelming compared to the effort. It’s more about steady elevation, a solid cardio push, and getting your legs ready for bigger objectives around Maple Ridge and beyond.

Recent hikers are blunt: in summer and shoulder season, this route can feel like a rough, overgrown service road with trash from motorized users, poor marking, and awkward footing, so a GPS track is almost mandatory. Winter is when Blue Mountain Trail in Maple Ridge earns its keep; with 3–6 feet of snow, snowshoes or spikes turn it into a quieter, more enjoyable dog walk on a cold, clear day. Avoid parking right at the yellow gate as locals have reported towing; instead, look for legal roadside options near the mailboxes, bring bear spray, and plan extra time since many watches record closer to 18 km than the posted distance.