Pangor and Pingu MTB Loop via Old Buck Trail

Pangor and Pingu MTB Loop via Old Buck Trail is a compact North Vancouver grind with a serious mountain bike reputation. The loop is about 5.5 km with 320 m of gain, topping out around 452 m, so on paper it looks moderate, but the character of the route is shaped by its black-diamond bike trails and access rules. Think steady Old Buck climb, then steep, technical descents that are really built for riders, not hikers.

The approach up Old Buck Trail is straightforward: a wide, well-used path with a consistent uphill pull that gets your legs and lungs working without any sketchy exposure. You’ll wind through classic North Shore forest, with big trees, moss, and that damp, earthy smell that’s especially strong on a rainy day. Views are mostly in the trees, but you get the feel of being high above Burrard Inlet and deep in the Mount Seymour trail network.

Current info and local signage matter here. The Pangor and Pingu sections are designated as advanced MTB downhill singletrack, and the route as usually recorded is not meant for hiking on the bike-only parts, so walkers should stick to Old Buck and other shared-use options in the area. Rain actually suits this loop for riders, as the dirt holds traction better, but expect slick roots, mud, and slower going, so that average 2.5-hour estimate can stretch out. Plan this one from April to October, check for seasonal closures on the Mount Seymour site, and always yield and stay off any segments marked MTB-only to keep things safe and respectful.