Black Mountain Plateau Winter Trail

Black Mountain Plateau Winter Trail in West Vancouver starts right from Cypress Mountain and wastes no time heading uphill. Over 5 km with about 334 m of gain to around 1212 m, it’s a steady grind that feels tougher than the stats suggest, but the payoff is lakes, views, and a proper alpine vibe in a short outing. Expect about two hours return if you keep a decent pace and don’t linger too long at Cabin Lake or the plateau.

The route begins on a wide gravel access road, then turns into steep, continuous switchbacks with loose rock, chunky steps, and some rocky “stairs” that keep your legs honest. Once you hit the plateau, things mellow out into a more classic North Shore trail with roots, boulders, short ups and downs, and a loop option around the tarns. Cabin Lake is the star: clear water, rocky shoreline, and on hot days, a full-on swimming scene that makes the climb on the Black Mountain Plateau Winter Trail feel worth it.

In winter, this really is a true snow route: bring microspikes for the climb and plan to switch to snowshoes on the plateau, where the snowpack gets deep and the boardwalks can be buried. In summer and fall, the same route works well, but expect unshaded, dusty gravel, loose rock that’s sketchy on the descent, and a real risk of ankle rolls, so wear boots with support and consider poles. Bugs can be bad around the lakes, so pack spray, and if you just want the swim without the climb, Cypress runs summer chairlifts near Cabin Lake; otherwise, October is a sweet spot with cooler temps, fewer crowds, and more comfortable hiking conditions.