Debeck's Hill, Rigs in Zen and Jack's Trail Loop

Debeck's Hill, Rigs in Zen and Jack's Trail Loop is a solid moderate hike in Squamish, starting from Alice Lake Provincial Park and topping out around 465 m. At 6.8 km with about 330 m of gain, it’s short enough to squeeze into a half day, but still gives your legs and lungs something to do. It’s shared with mountain bikers and logging roads, so it feels more like a real working forest than a polished tourist walk.

The loop usually runs either up the logging road and down Rigs in Zen, or the other way around, and that choice changes the feel of the hike. The logging road is straightforward and steady, while the bike trail is narrower, more technical, and winds through the trees with some short, steep and occasionally slippery sections. Views are limited and a bit hit-or-miss; on a clear day you get some decent looks over the valley, but a lot of the time you’re in the forest focusing on your footing more than the scenery.

Recent hikers report the Debeck's Hill, Rigs in Zen and Jack's Trail Loop as very dry and dusty in late summer, with loose dirt making the steeper bits slower and more careful going. There are many side cutoffs and not all are well marked, so downloading a map and paying attention at junctions is smart, especially with the web of bike trails. Expect a more pleasant experience from April to early June or in fall when it’s cooler and the dirt has some moisture; in mid-August heat, bring extra water, wear shoes with good grip, and consider starting with the bike trail so you’re descending the easier logging road at the end.