Local LoopsExplore Highline to Wonderland
28 July, 2021
The Highline to Wonderland is a route that showcases the best of what our front-country trails have to offer, all while never straying too far from the Summit Lodge. We've combined these two trails into one loop to offer a balance of challenge and reward. From scenic views of the Squamish Valley to technical trail sections with ropes, this loop has a bit of everything. Finish with a relaxing stroll on the wooden boardwalk around Wonderland Lake. This intermediate 2.5km trail with 135m of elevation gain takes most hikers an hour and a half.
As this loop is a linking up of two different trails, we suggest downloading the Sea to Sky Gondola Trail Map App to help keep you on the right path.
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Adventure Smart
From the map board in the Backyard Plaza, head down the Backcountry Access Road. After passing by the trailhead for Al's Habrich, the trailhead for Highline will be on your right. This single-track, one-way trail starts at the bottom of the Klettergarten Climbing Area and is flagged by the blue diamond-shaped trail markers.
Although this is a patrolled, front-country loop, all hikers should have the 10 essential backcountry items as recommended by AdventureSmart.
Highline Trail climbs steeply through the forest. Granite boulders create a natural staircase as the narrow path winds to its first viewpoint. At trail marker 4, you'll be greeted by a view of the Squamish Valley and a view overlooking the Summit Lodge. Continue up the exposed granite slab and follow the blue arrows as the trail makes a hairpin, starting the descent back down. From this vantage point, you'll have a gorgeous view of Sky Pilot that will make a perfect backdrop for photos.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
As you descend, between markers 12 and 13 there is a steep downhill section where chains have been installed to help hikers make their way down safely.
At trail marker 15, the narrow path guides you along the backside of the Klettergarten Climbing Area and brings you back to the Backcountry Access Road in front of the Backcountry Access Map Board.
Turn left and then make a swift right turn onto the Shannon Basin Loop marked by yellow diamond-shaped trail markers. Here, you will descend along the service road until you reach the next junction.
At the junction turn right. You will now be heading towards Wonderland Lake. Follow the red diamond-shaped trail markers towards the boardwalk that wraps around the lake. In the summer, Wonderland Lake is filled with pretty lily pads and makes for a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch. Once you've made your way around the lake, head back onto the Wonderland Loop Trail, and at the next junction, turn right.
You will now be headed back towards the Summit Lodge, meandering up the trail until you are back at the backcountry access road once more. Turn left, heading up the hill back to the Backyard Plaza and you've officially done the Highline to Wonderland Lake Loop!
