South Mount Nutt via East Canyon Trail

South Mount Nutt via East Canyon Trail is one of the tougher grinds in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge, and it feels every bit of its “very difficult” label. The stats on paper say 10.6 km and around 1088 m of gain, but recent hikers are clocking much longer days with detours, snow, and route-finding. Expect a long, demanding out-and-back that rewards patience, strong legs, and a full day set aside.

The trail leaves East Canyon and immediately punches uphill on loose dirt, roots, and short scrambly sections, shaded almost the entire way. Once you push past the brutal first third, the grade eases and the walking gets nicer, with views opening up over Alouette Lake, Evans Peak, Golden Ears, and across to Robbie Reid. There’s a solid viewpoint around 1000 m, a false peak with big views, and then a rougher, lightly marked push toward the true summit that many people skip because of bushwhacking and unclear route.

Current reports from South Mount Nutt via East Canyon Trail say to bring bug spray, poles, and grippy shoes, and to treat the listed distance and time as very optimistic. In spring, expect lingering snow from about 1000–1050 m with deep drifts higher up, making microspikes and good navigation important and the final summit push sketchy for many. You’ll need a Golden Ears day pass booked ahead, plan for extra road walking due to washouts and seasonal closures, and remember there’s no water after the lake, so top up there and give yourself enough daylight for what can easily turn into a 7–10 hour mission.