Lord of the Squirrels
50°07′ N 123°03′ WModerate (Resort Municipality of Whistler)Whistler AlpineSeasonal
Lord of the Squirrels suits strong riders who will climb for hours to earn an alpine descent on Mount Sproatt above Whistler, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) closes it from November to May. The RMOW rates the descent Moderate and tells riders to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the Into the Mystic climb that reaches it.
Photo Ruth and Dave · Flickr · CC BY 2.0
Into the Mystic climbs 8.6 km from 985 m to an emergency cabin at 1,650 m, and With a Twist and On the Rocks start at that junction. On the Rocks carries on west through the alpine, and Lord of the Squirrels and Chipmunk Rebellion take you back down to the Flank Trail. The RMOW says to allow at least 2 to 3 hours to reach the top of Into the Mystic and another 2 to 3 hours for the descent.
WORCA built the descent and the RMOW built the climb. Lead trail builder Dan Raymond's crew camped in the alpine for days at a stretch through ten weeks of the 2016 summer, and the trail opened about a month before its official celebration on 2 September 2017. Pique's report of that day has riders gearing up at the edge of Stonebridge Place. The RMOW's own page names no trailhead or parking for Mount Sproatt.
The RMOW warns that the alpine holds technical terrain and unmarked cliffs, and storms arrive suddenly. Grizzly bears and black bears live on the mountain, and so do cougars. The Sproatt ranger cabin is available only while rangers are on duty during the day. The RMOW asks riders to carry water, food, tools, tubes, lights and emergency supplies.
Worth knowing
- RMOW rules keep e-bikes and dogs below the Flank Trail on Mount Sproatt, so neither can use Lord of the Squirrels or Into the Mystic.
- Leave a trip plan with someone before you start the climb, and check the RMOW's advisories page the same morning.
- Never feed a bear or leave food where one can reach it. Feeding or attracting dangerous wildlife is an offence under section 33.1 of BC's Wildlife Act, and WildSafeBC explains what to do if you meet one.
Quick answers about Lord of the Squirrels
When is Lord of the Squirrels open?
Lord of the Squirrels opens with the RMOW's Alpine Trail Network, which closes to hiking and biking from November to May. Plan it for June to October.
How long does Lord of the Squirrels take?
The RMOW says to allow at least 2 to 3 hours to climb Into the Mystic to the top and another 2 to 3 hours to ride down Lord of the Squirrels.
Can I ride Lord of the Squirrels on an e-bike?
No. The RMOW bars e-bikes from every trail above the Flank Trail on Mount Sproatt, and its e-bike page names Lord of the Squirrels in that list.
How hard is Lord of the Squirrels?
Resort Municipality of Whistler rates Lord of the Squirrels Moderate.
Where is Lord of the Squirrels?
Lord of the Squirrels is on Whistler Alpine.
Can you hike Lord of the Squirrels?
Yes. Lord of the Squirrels is open for riding and hiking and running.
Within 3 km
