Exploring the Tunnel Bluffs

Hiking up to the Tunnel Bluffs, centrally located between Squamish and Vancouver, had been on my list for a while. However, as anyone with an iPhone or Instagram account can see - it's also been on everyone else's. If you know me at all, you know that hiking is not just something I do for the views (or the exercise!) it's to escape and getaway from the crowds. Something I wasn't sure would be possible, given the enormous sudden attraction to this otherwise small trail.

But enough is enough.

I had to check it out, and quickly - before the snow fell or before the trail became completely wiped out from over-use (which it is sadly already showing great signs of).

Off we went.

We started a lot later than expected, and made it to the top just in time to see the sunset in its final, brilliantly coloured beauty over the Howe Sound. Thankfully from the top the sounds of the Sea to Sky highway had faded as well, and what remained was a perfect (tourist-free!) moment.

The hike itself reminded me a lot like The Chief - straight up without any breaks for the first hour, until it connects with a main trail that flattens out. This part of the trail was even perfect enough to run on, which we did so that we didn't completely miss the sunset. I will admit though, this is definitely not recommend for anyone who is prone to tripping. aka. me. But hey, a rolled ankle never hurt anyone.

Here's a snapshot of what we saw from sunset to sunrise.