Hiking Diez Vistas in the Buntzen Lake Recrational Area
Contents
Diez Vistas Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.70Km
Elevation Gain: 630m
Highest Elevation: 560m
Average Gradient: 9.92%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Diez Vistas Trail (Full Loop)
Diez Vistas Trail (Out and Back)
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°20’15.4″N 122°51’23.4″W
Diez Vistas Overview
Diez Vistas is a very popular hike in the Buntzen Lake Recreational Area in Anmore. Named after its supposed “10 Viewpoints”, Diez Vistas is a rugged trail through typical PNW forest scenery.
The trail was built in the 80’s and back then it very well might have offered 10 viewpoints, but nowadays there is really only one vista remaining, a lookout above the Burrard Inlet, Belcarra Regional Park and the Lower Mainland backdrop. The remaining viewpoints have long since regrown, with some peek-a-boo views here and there all that remains.
There are a couple of ways to hike Diez Vistas, with the most popular route forming a loop around Buntzen Lake in the process. This is the longer route that follows the entire trail, but since many people are only going to see the one remaining viewpoint, it’s possible to simply hike directly to this viewpoint and back out, reducing the hike to just 8.2km and 545m elevation gain.
Diez Vistas is a year-round option thanks to its low elevation. The trail will be snow free for much of the year, however in the depths of winter hikers should always prepare to encounter snow and ice along the trail, in which case I’m not sure I would suggest this hike given the terrain is steep, slippery and rugged.
The hike begins from Buntzen Lake, which is a BC Hydro gated recreational area, and as such hikers should make sure to check the gate hours on the BC Hydro website. Buntzen Lake is an extremely popular place for all sorts of recreationalists, and as such it is strongly suggested for hikers to arrive early, preferably when the gate opens. Paid parking is also in effect during the busy months of the year due to the popularity of the area.
Dogs are allowed on the Diez Vistas trail and this hike is 2WD accessible.
Maintaining this website requires a significant investment of both time and money, if you find this website a useful resource, please consider making a donation using this button.
Is Diez Vistas worthwhile?
As noted, Diez Vistas is an extremely popular hike, likely because it’s easily accessible, moderately challenging and offers a rewarding viewpoint. That being said, many people complete this hike and are underwhelmed because they went in expecting a hike with multiple vistas. The name of this hike is very misleading and raises expectations beyond what they really should be. I too was underwhelmed when I first hiked Diez Vistas, but having been a couple of times since I can say it’s a reasonable hike to a decent viewpoint, nothing more, nothing less. As long as you go in with this knowledge you’ll likely come out satisfied.
That being said, I think there is a strong argument to not follow the entire loop of Diez Vistas and instead hike straight to the viewpoint and hike back out the way you came. There is really nothing of interest to see beyond the viewpoint unless you really want to hike around Buntzen Lake.
How difficult is the Diez Vistas hike?
The 9.92% average gradient stated is somewhat misleading as this includes the flat walk around Buntzen Lake. A more accurate reflection would be the stats for the direct hike to the viewpoint and back, which is 8.2km and 545m elevation gain (13.3% gradient). This is a fairly steep gradient and it could be argued that Diez Vistas is a difficult hike. Certainly there are some very steep sections on the approach to the viewpoint, especially if you complete the loop clockwise, which I would recommend. Once you make it to the viewpoint the rest of the loop is pretty straightforward.
Technically speaking this hike has some challenging terrain. The trail is not maintained by BC Hydro and as such it is quite rugged. There are a lot of slippery roots, rocks and mud throughout the trail which don’t make for a very pleasant experience. Combined with the gradient it can make for slow, tedious progress at times as footing is often uncertain. This hike also attracts a lot of ill prepared hikers who wear sneakers or other inappropriate footwear for the terrain which doesn’t help. Other than the rough terrain though, the hike is technically straightforward.
Diez Vistas Route Information
This route to Diez Vistas starts at the Buntzen Lake main parking lot. As noted Buntzen Lake is a gated area so make sure to check the gate hours on the BC Hydro website before going. There is also paid parking here during the peak season.
If you are completing the looped hike you have the option of either going counter clockwise by first hiking around Buntzen Lake, or clockwise by first hiking up to the viewpoint. If you’re not doing the loop and instead going directly to the viewpoint and back, you would obviously not hike around the lake. Either way I would advise hiking to the viewpoint first, before hiking out via Buntzen Lake if you’re doing the loop. AllTrails suggests a counter clockwise approach around the lake first, which I’m not a fan of as it saves all the elevation gain for the end of the hike. The majority of people tend to want to get the hard part out of the way at the beginning, so this is my suggestion and that’s what I’ll describe moving forward.
From the parking lot you’ll want to walk to the southwest point where you will find a trail leading into the forest. There should be signage for the Buntzen Lake trail, which you’ll want to follow for now. Ignoring the junction for the Energy Trail you’ll continue along the trial. After a little less than 1km of flat forest walking on a gravel trail you’ll reach the southern tip of Buntzen Lake, which has a bridge over it. Crossing the bridge you’ll get some nice views of the marshy region.
On the other side of the bridge you will immediately notice a trail leading into the forest, which should have a signpost for Diez Vistas. Do not make the mistake of turning onto Pumphouse Road.
You’re now on the Diez Vistas trail, which begins a gradual climb up into the forest. After a couple of hundred meters you’ll pass by a junction with some warning signs about the unmaintained terrain ahead. Continuing on, the rail does indeed become more rugged with a lot of slippery rocks and roots to navigate, but the trail is very easy to follow and well marked. After another kilometer or so of climbing you’ll reach another couple of junctions where the Sugar Mountain and Saddle Ridge trails connect. You’ll just want to continue straight.
Shortly ahead the terrain now becomes significantly steeper as you grind your way up the southern ridge. The trail will continue to be rough but easy to follow as you climb over 170m in just half a kilometer. Just as you top out on the ridge you’ll reach a junction where you can either go left, directly towards the viewpoint, or take a short detour to your right to the Buntzen Lake Lookout. There are a couple of nominal views if you take the detour, but the Buntzen Lake Lookout is entirely overgrown and you can barely see the lake through the trees.
Thankfully you’ve now reached the high point of the trail, and many people will likely want to take a break here to recover from the steep grind up. Once recovered the main viewpoint is now just 700m ahead. Continue along the trail as it passes by a muddy pond and in no time you will reach Vista No.1 (and only).
There is a reasonable sized bluff here to sit and soak in the views, relax and have a bite to eat. It does get very busy at this viewpoint on a sunny weekend though, so expect to be accompanied by many other people if you don’t arrive early. On a clear day you’ll be able to see downtown Vancouver and Vancouver Island in the distance, as well as Burrard Inlet, Belcarra Regional Park, SFU, Metrotown and Brentwood Village.
If you are just completing the out and back hike you would now simply return to the trailhead the same way you came.
Buntzen Lake Loop
Many people opt to complete the full loop, in which case you should see the trail continuing from the viewpoint into the forest. The route now follows the northern ridge as it descends into the first towards the northern tip of Buntzen Lake. You’ll pass by a few smaller viewpoints along the way where you can likely see where there used to be excellent views back in the day, but none of them even come close to Vista No.1. The trail continues to be rough and you’ll need to be careful with your footing on the steeper downhill sections, but for the most part travel is now fairly quick. After following the obvious trail for around 3.5km from the main viewpoint you’ll eventually reach a gravel trail with a sign directing you back to Buntzen Lake. After briefly following this trail you’ll reach the shores of McCombe Lake with Mount Beautiful looming large behind.
Continuing along the Old Buntzen Lake trail you’ll now reach a junction where the trail splits, offering you the choice of taking either the eastern or western side of the lake back to the trailhead. Since the eastern side is much shorter, flatter and more scenic, most people opt for this. The trail will now drop down towards the lake and cross over a floating bridge to a picnic area on the northern shore. This is a nice spot to stop and relax while soaking in the views of Buntzen Lake. There are also some washrooms here if needed.
When you’re ready to continue you simply keep following the Buntzen Lake trail as it meanders next to Buntzen Lake. The trail will be mostly flat and simple, offering multiple spots to enjoy views along the way as you hike the 3.5km back to the parking lot.
When should I hike Diez Vistas?
Diez Vistas is a suitable hike for most of the year. Only in the depths of winter when temperatures are below zero and snow has reached low elevations would I avoid this hike. Spring and fall are great times to go as it’s usually less busy. I like to hike Diez Vistas on an overcast day as the view is still good with clouds in the sky and I’d sooner be hiking something more challenging on a sunny day.
I wouldn’t hike Diez Vistas in the rain myself, the trail is very slippery when wet and it wouldn’t be a pleasant experience especially if the clouds are low enough that you don’t get any views.
Top Tip
If you don’t care about hiking around Buntzen Lake I’d definitely suggest hiking to Vista No.1 and returning back the same way. This avoids a lot of unnecessary travel with little to see.
If you are hiking the full loop I would do it clockwise as opposed to counter clockwise as AllTrails suggests. It’s easier to get the steep climb out of the way early and enjoy the rest of the hike, rather than saving the steep climb for the end.
Arrive at Buntzen Lake as soon as the gate opens, especially in summer. The parking lot can fill up incredibly fast on a sunny summer weekend.
The trail is very rugged and you should really be hiking with proper hiking boots. Many people hike this in sneakers and manage okay, but they’re not ideal on this kind of terrain as they have little ankle support and tread.
