Unnecessary Mountain

Unnecessary Mountain in West Vancouver is one of those hikes that makes you question your life choices on the way up and then start planning your return as soon as you hit the summit. This 15 km out-and-back from Cypress Mountain packs about 1,100 m of gain and feels every bit of its “difficult” rating, especially in the heat. Expect 5–7 hours return for most people, more if you’re moving slowly, carrying an overnight pack, or tagging the second peak.

The first stretch along the Howe Sound Crest Trail to Saint Mark’s Summit is busy, well-graded, and a solid warmup with roots, a bit of mud, and big views over Howe Sound. After Saint Mark’s, Unnecessary Mountain shows its personality: steep, rocky, and relentless with constant ups and downs, short scrambles, and a rope section between the false summit and the true peak. In return you get wide-open views of Howe Sound, the Lions, and the Lower Mainland, plus unreal sunset and sunrise vantage points if you camp up high.

Recent hikers are crystal clear on a few things: bring way more water than you think you need (3 L minimum for a day hike, 7–8 L per pair for an overnight) because there are no reliable water sources. The trail is well marked but can be muddy and slippery after rain, buggy in summer, and surprisingly cold and windy overnight even after hot days, so pack layers and bug protection. Unnecessary Mountain is totally manageable for strong, regular hikers, but it’s a grind; if you’re new to steep, technical terrain, consider turning around at Saint Mark’s Summit and saving the full push for a cooler day when you’re feeling fired up.