Jack’s Trail
Built on old logging rail beds, this trail is in frequent use for mountain bike and running events.
Jack’s Trail follows the downhill flow of Hop Ranch Creek from Alice Lake. It is a cornerstone of the maze of trails in the Highlands area. Jack’s Trail has been built on the old logging railroad beds and retired forest service roads.
These are the beneficial remains of the hectic logging operations from 1930 to 1960. This long established and popular trail is pleasantly straightforward and easy underfoot. Being at a lower elevation means that the infrequent snowfalls do not last long and results in this trail being in use year round. It can be muddy in the lower section after a heavy rain, but it is still good to travel.
The trail is great for initiating new hikers and bikers. Although the trail is single track, it is fairly wide and has lots of two-way traffic. Bikers will enjoy the smooth downhill flow, while hikers and runners do enjoy the steady gradients going uphill. Keep your eyes open for traffic in both directions, and be aware that you can encounter all types of non-motorized traffic, including wildlife. Bears, cougars and bobcats have been frequent visitors in this area and there have been closures. Pets need to be on a leash and not allowed to chase wildlife; they could lead a mad animal back to you.
Wildlife conservation officers will issue closure notices as required.
Report sightings of dangerous wildlife on the RAPP line:
1-877-952-7277 or #7277
We need to be extra careful in the forests closely surrounding our town. Any forest fire can rapidly get out of control when the heavy inflow/outflow winds start blowing.
Up-to-date fire information is available at 1-888- 336-7378 and on the B.C. Wildfire website.
Report all wildfires to:
1-800-663-5555 or #5555
Jack’s Trail is frequently in use for bike races and running competitions.
Heavier trail use, damage to sensitive terrain, relentless encroachment of vegetation and creeping urbanization all make maintenance more difficult. Municipal employees are busy with commuter trails and links to schools. This leaves the other 90 per cent, the recreational trails, to be cared for by volunteers.
Our town has a long history of caring for the vast network of recreational trails, and the volunteers do struggle mightily to keep our trails in good condition. Please help by not creating shortcuts or braiding, and do carry out all garbage, even if it is not yours. Consider helping by volunteering with STS, SORCA, SDBA, SVEA, Run Squamish, the Squamish Triathlon or any group involved with healthier lifestyle. Voice your concerns about trail issues.
Some feedback on Jack’s Trail: I received good information from Thor Halvorsen and others about a second man named Jack who did much to improve this trail. Jack Grundle (1922-2004), a retired Woodfibre employee, diligently worked to clear logging debris and vegetation during his retirement years in the 1980s. He was a true steward of the trails and mainly responsible for the revitalization of this important link in our network of trails. “Together on trails” is the motto of the Squamish Trails Society.
JACK’S TRAIL
A pleasant two-kilometre trail linking the Highlands with Alice Lake area.
Origin of name: Jack Edwards (1878-1963), who cleared land for a small farm south of DeBecks hill in 1911
Trailhead: South parking lot at Alice Lake.
Use: Single track hiking and biking.
Difficulty: Moderate green.
Elevation: 98m to 178 metres.
Distance: 2.1 km
Etiquette: Ascending has right of way. Step off path to let others go by.
