Al’s Habrich Ridge hike

The Al Habrich Ridge Hike requires you to take the Sea to Sky Gondola to the start of the hike. If you want an even better workout, you can hike the Sea to Sky Hike, but most people take the Gondola.

Before you set out on the Al’s Habrich Ridge hike, it’s important to take note of the gondola time to make sure you catch a ride back down! Trust us, you don’t want to miss that last gondola down! From the Sea to Sky Gondola platform, walk towards the park map. Find a sign for the Wonderland Loop and follow the direction towards a gravel trail (called Backcountry Access Road) Walk down a gentle hill, then keep an eye for the Al’s Habrich trail marker. Walk past a water reservoir, heading back uphill, until you come across another Al’s Habrich Trail marker leading you into a forested area.

Here, the trail should turn into a single-track, following it onwards with pink markers lining the trees. You’ll also notice large, diamond-shaped markers which guide you along the path, ending at Neverland Lake.

The trail is relatively even, with a few bumps. Press onwards until you reach a large rock wall on the right and a partial Squamish view to the left. Stop for a quick photo, then continue to follow the clearly marked trail, ascending a few wooden stair sections.

Come to a creek crossing, where a rope can be found to help you cross. If you hike during the height of summer, the creek will be dry and easy to cross. From here, the trail slightly inclines, but not by much.

For the next steep sections of trail, use the ropes provided to help you scramble up. When you come to an exposed ridge, cross over and continue to climb upwards. This section of trail isn’t overly well-marked so watch for any pink tape. At the 1.2mi mark, the trail will begin to descend. At the bottom of the descent on the other side of the ridge, the trail ducks back into the trees to your right. There is a trail marking and some ribbon at this spot – which might be hard to find at first. Once you’ve found the trail, it goes back into the trees and drops down a bit.

Continue until you hit a junction for Yuko’s Pond. You’re almost at the viewpoint for Al’s Habrich Ridge! Keep right at the next split in the road and you’ve arrived at the summit. For a spectacular view, scramble up the exposed rock on the right, you should be able to follow the grooves carved out by other hikers. From here, you can see the Sea to Sky Gondola lodge, The Stawamus Chief, Sky Pilot mountain and Howe Sound. To the north, you can see Mount Garibaldi and Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Enjoy a rest before proceeding to Neverland Lake. Head to a small trail along the ridge, now heading south into the forest.

Cross a small creek and soon you should stumble up a junction on your left for Neverland Loop and the Neverland Falls. This is a 30-minute detour to a pretty waterfall, though nothing too spectacular.

If you choose instead to stay right, the trail will bring you to Neverland Lake. It isn’t very large, but it is very scenic.

Regardless of which path you visited, head back to the junction, retracing your route to the gondola for a restful ride back to the parking lot.