Backpacking Panorama Ridge and Golden Ears Summit in British Columbia
The Most Amazing High Alpine Campsite Near Vancouver, BC
Backpacking to Panorama Ridge and the Golden Ears summit in British Columbia deserves a spot on your backpacking bucket list. We managed to get a pretty last minute permit to camp overnight at Panorama Ridge in Golden Ears Provincial Park for early July, and it was one of the most amazing places we’ve ever camped. And that’s saying a lot because we've backpacked extensively in the Pacific Northwest alpine and hiked bucket-list trails throughout British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies, the U.S., and even Patagonia.
The high alpine campground is absolutely stunning, has flat, wooden tent platforms, a toilet, and amazing views in all directions. Though this can easily be done as a day hike, it was worth carrying overnight gear to get to camp along the ridge. We promise that the scrambly and practically straight up sections of the trail are so worth it for the views at the top.
If you’re looking for a one to two night backpacking trip close to Vancouver, BC, this is it! Keep reading for everything you need to know to hike or backpack to the Golden Ears summit, including permit information, what to expect on the trail, and what to pack.
Sunset view from Panorama Point camping area
Quick Facts: Backpacking to Golden Ears via Gold Creek Trailhead
Distance
~20.6 km (12.8 mi) round trip
Elevation Gain
~1,344 m (4,376 ft) round trip
Difficulty
Difficult
Recommended Duration
1–2 nights
Overnight Permit
Required — advanced reservation
Parking Pass
Included with overnight permit
Vehicle Access
All vehicles
Dogs
Allowed off-leash beyond 1 km of parkway roads
Cell Service
Minimal to none
Popularity
Very popular
Optional Add-On: Scramble up to Golden Ears Peak from Panorama Ridge Campsite
Scramble to the summit, ~45–60 min one-way, ~1 km (0.6 mi) and ~167 m (547 ft)
This is a difficult trail, so give yourself plenty of time, especially with an overnight pack. But the steep second half of the trail and the hand lines are so worth the views up top. And if you are not ready to carry backpacking gear up, it’s totally doable as a day hike.
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Table of Contents
Enjoying dinner at Panorama Ridge camping area
Why You Should Want to Backpack in Golden Ears Provincial Park
Golden Ears is an amazing summit and the Panorama Ridge Campground is a beautiful camping spot but it demands a very steep climb to get there. You definitely earn the views on this trail, and you need to be prepared for every section of the trail.
The trail to the campground is about 20.6 km/12.8 miles round trip with around 1,344m/4,409 feet of elevation gain and a long rooty-and-rocky section that includes a few hand lines, a little scrambling, and a ladder. The elevation gain and steepness of the second half of the trail with overnight packs makes it the most difficult part.
All that said, for a relatively short distance backpacking trip (perfect for one night) within an hour of Vancouver, the views are well worth the effort. As an alternative, if you don't want to go straight to Panorama Ridge, you can split your trip into two or more nights and enjoy the forest valley at the Alder Flats campground for a night on your way in. Or it’s possible to hike to the summit and back as a day hike but the special part of this trip is the chance to enjoy sunrise and sunset in the high alpine.
Camping platform and views from Panorama Ridge camping area
Getting a Panorama Ridge Overnight Permit in Golden Ears
Backpacking this trail in Golden Ears Provincial Park includes two camping options, at one (or both) of two backcountry sites along the Golden Ears Trail: Alder Flats Campground and Panorama Ridge Campground next to the emergency shelter. Staying overnight at either of these campsites requires an overnight backcountry permit that must be reserved in advance.
Below are the details and strategies on how to get a permit. Though we always recommend planning well in advance, we got our permit for this trip a couple of weeks before our trip. So it is doable to get a more last minute reservation on weekdays.
The Permit Reservation System for Golden Ears Provincial Park
You can apply for camping reservations at Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge through camping.bcparks.ca.
Reservations open on a rolling three-month window, released daily at 7:00 AM Pacific three months in advance. So if you want to camp on a date exactly three months out, that date becomes bookable that morning, not on one fixed annual release day like some permit lotteries.
Book directly through camping.bcparks.ca. Here’s the step-by-step process:
On the reservation page, select the “Backcountry” tab, the “Backcountry Reservation” option.
Then select “Golden Ears” from the drop down menu, enter your arrival date, party size and number of pads.
Then click on Alder Flats and/or Panorama Ridge sites from the map and add the site to your “Stay Cart”.
If you plan to camp at different sites on different nights, you’ll need to select a different site/date and add that to your cart separately.
Backcountry camping fees are $17 CAD per person, per night plus a one time $6 CAD reservation fee and potentially an additional $20 CAD non-British Columbia resident fee too. So one night for one person will run between $23-$43 CAD depending on your residency status. (For reference, we paid $60.30 CAD total for the two of us for one night on one tent platform.)
You'll need to list a "named occupant" who will actually be present for the trip, and bring your confirmation with you either printed or downloaded/screenshotted on your phone. We printed out our permit and kept it on us while hiking, and also left a copy with the permit number in our windshield since we were parking overnight.
Your backcountry permit also functions as your day-pass into the park, which is required for entry Thursday through Monday during peak season.
If You Can't Get a Reservation in Advance, Try Close to the Date You Want
Since BC Parks reservations aren't transferable, cancellations do happen throughout the season. Check camping.bcparks.ca regularly if your first-choice dates are booked out, especially for Panorama Ridge, which fills fast on summer weekends.
These campsites are very competitive and it’s always better to book further in advance. That said, it’s still possible to get last minute reservations. We secured our permits on June 22, 2026 to camp at Panorama Ridge on July 9. It’s certainly worth keeping a lookout for last minute cancellations if you have date flexibility.
Overview map route to Panorama Ridge campsites. West Canyon trail in orange. East Canyon trail in red. Both routes converge to the same trail.
The Hike to Golden Ears Summit With an Overnight Pack
There are two trailhead options to start your trip: West Canyon Trailhead and the East Canyon Trail via the Gold Creek Parking Lot. Both options converge on the same trail that ascends to Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge. They are almost the same distance, elevation gain, have the same bathroom pit toilet facilities and ample parking options, though there is a lot more parking at Gold Creek.
We chose to depart from the Gold Creek Parking Lot and hike the East Canyon Trail on our trip because the West Canyon trail was closed due to an un-passable washout along the trail. This guide assumes you’re starting your hike on the East Canyon Trail (which is very comparable to the West Canyon Trail and a little less elevation gain) and will reflect that in distance elevation gain and the trail description below.
East Canyon vs. West Canyon Trail Comparison
East Canyon — 4.53 km
East Canyon — 239 m West Canyon climbs about 15 m more to reach the same point
East Canyon — 10.4 km / 1,278 m gain Essentially the same trip either way
Elevation Profile: Trailhead to Panorama Ridge
What You Should Know About Hiking Golden Ears
Pace yourself differently on the second half: The climb from Alder Flats to Panorama Ridge gains close to 1,000m (~3,280 feet) in about 5 km (3.1 miles), a noticeably steeper grade than anything in the first half of the hike. Budget significantly more time here than the trail stats alone suggest, especially with a full overnight pack.
Water can get scarce past the Alder Flats camping area: Alder Flats has several creeks feeding into the basin that provide accessible and reliable water sources. Panorama Ridge is more reliant on the direct run-off from the snowfields above than an entire basin collecting water. When we backpacked this trail in early July, there were no water sources between Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge. Be sure to check ahead with rangers on the water source conditions if you’re backpacking in late July, August and September.
The final approach to Panorama Ridge is exposed to the sun and weather: The upper section of the last kilometer to the ridge line is very exposed to wind, rain, sun, and bugs. This is a good time to reapply sunblock and pay attention to changing weather patterns in the area. There is an emergency shelter at the Panorama Ridge camping area in-case a thunder storm appears.
Your reservation guarantees a spot in the campground, not a specific pad: The Panorama Ridge campground only has 7 tent pads. Getting in early still matters for claiming one of the better views. We picked the platform facing Pitt Lake.
A preview of the steep section between Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge
What to Expect Along the Trail
The trail begins at the Gold Creek parking lot and follows the East Canyon Trail to Alder Flats, where it becomes the Golden Ears Trail for the climb to Panorama Ridge and the Golden Ears Summit. Round trip to Panorama Ridge and back is roughly 20.6 km (12.8 mi), with about 1,334 m (4,376 ft) of elevation gain. Below is what to expect section by section along the trail.
Gold Creek Parking Lot to Alder Flats Campground
Total Distance: 5.6 km (3.5 mi) | Elevation Gain: 369 m (1210 ft)
From the parking lot, the trail starts flat and easy, following the east side of the canyon along Gold Creek through a shady forest for the first few kilometers. This first section of the trail is mellow, wide, and a good warmup for what’s to come higher up. Enjoy this casual section before the climb begins.
Around the halfway point to Alder Flats and after you cross Gold Creek via a long bridge, the trail starts to gradually climb up from the valley floor. The trail has a lot of loose rock that is easy to slip on or roll an ankle, so take your time. Just before reaching Alder Flats you’ll cross several short footbridge crossings.
Signage as you enter Alder Flats camping area
Alder Flats camping area sits at roughly 5.6 km (3.5 mi) from the trailhead and makes an easy, sheltered first-night camp under tree cover, with a pit toilet, storage lockers and dirt tent spots for those who don’t want to do the full push in one day. There is also a viewpoint a bit farther up the trail past the campground that makes for a great lunch stop.
If you’re continuing past Alder Flats, be sure to check your water supply here as there isn’t another reliable source until the snowfield next to Panorama Ridge camping area.
Alder Flats to Panorama Ridge
Total Distance: 4.8 km (2.9 mi) | Elevation Gain: 909 m (2,982 ft)
This is where the trail gets steep, almost straight up at times! Past Alder Flats, the trail follows an old logging road before narrowing back into a steep, rocky, and rooted single-track climb. The grade here is sustained compared to the first half of the trail, so make sure to budget considerably more time and energy.
As you climb, you’ll head up a few sections with hand lines, and some steep stairs, then the trees begin to thin and open views start appearing to the west. In the upper alpine section, there is a little bit of scrambling and a ladder. The bugs were really bad here for us in early July. Just flies and not biting, but they were swarming our faces and were relentless. If you have a head net, make sure to have it accessible, to be able to pull it out for this upper section.
In the open alpine, you’ll see Edge Peak, glimpse of the Golden Ears summit and eventually the Golden Ears Emergency Hut at the Panorama Ridge camping area. The camping area sits above tree line, is equipped with wooden tent pads, a pit toilet, and an emergency shelter (day-use/emergency only, no overnight sleeping inside). In total, from the trailhead to Panorama Ridge the trail climbs 1,278 m (4,192 ft) and a total of 10.4 km (6.4 mi) from the East Canyon trailhead.
Additional Trip: Scramble to Golden Ears Summit
View of Golden Ears summit from Panorama Ridge camping area
Total Distance: ~1 km (0.6 mi) | Elevation Gain: ~167 m (547 ft)
From the Panorama Ridge camping area, the summit of Golden Ears isn’t far away. The trip is a nice non-technical add on once you reach the camping area and can unload your overnight gear. There is still often mellow snow along the way so if you’re going in the early morning after a cold night, microspikes are helpful on hard snow. The summit has a flat area at the top to enjoy, take in the views and reward of a steep backpacking journey.
The Panorama Ridge campground
Golden Ears Camping Areas Along the Summit Trail
Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge are very different camping experiences, and it's worth knowing what to expect at each before you arrive. For those who don’t want to carry a heavy pack all the way up to the summit, Alder Flats is a great spot to camp, but in all honesty, you just can’t beat the views at Panorama Ridge.
| Camping Area | Water Availability | Tent Pads | Toilets | Bear Storage | Sun Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder Flats Forested Camp |
Reliable. Flowing water nearby year-round, no need to ration or carry extra in. |
No formal pads. Rough, cleared spots on the forest floor. |
Pit toilet on site. |
Bear cache provided. |
Low. Fully forested and shaded most of the day. |
| Panorama Ridge Alpine / Exposed |
Depends on lingering snowmelt, but running water often continues until late summer and early fall. Always check local reports and with the ranger station for current conditions |
Wooden tent platforms and one concrete slab spot. |
Pit toilet on site. |
None. No bear locker or hang trees, bring a canister or Ursack. (unofficially you can store it in the emergency shelter or bathroom area) |
High. Fully exposed above treeline, no shade or wind shelter. |
Camping at Alder Flats
The sites at Alder Flats are spaced out and well sheltered in the forest. You’ll have a good amount of privacy from other backpackers and day-hikers moving through the area. There is a pit toilet and bear lockers for food storage (which you will not find at Panorama Ridge). And the campsites are pretty close to a creek for water, but you won’t have amazing campsite views.
Camping at Panorama Ridge & Golden Ears Summit
This is where we decided to camp, we had a slow morning start at 11am and it took us just over 4 hours to reach Panorama Ridge including a lunch break and time for pictures. With a permit you’re guaranteed a spot but you’re still competing for the best spot with the most photogenic view.
The platforms sites at Panorama Ridge are very close together so expect to hear and see your neighbors. There was one concrete slab spot on the north side of the ridge that gave some extra distance from the main cluster of sites. There is a creek nearby to use as a water source and provide a good amount of white noise at night if you’re a light sleeper and worried about being close to other campers.
Walking up to the toilet in the emergency shelter on Panorama Ridge
Leave No Trace While Camping & Hiking in Golden Ears Provincial Park
Because this is a very popular trail and well loved campsites, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace. Even if you are just day hiking, make sure to pack out everything you pack in, even your orange peels and any other wrappers.
- Camp only on tent pads or previously impacted ground. The alpine terrain around Panorama Ridge is fragile and slow to recover, don't set up on vegetation even if a pad is taken, and never create a new site.
- No campfires at either campsite. Bring a camp stove for cooking.
- Food storage is different at each camp. Alder Flats has a bear cache you can use. Panorama Ridge does not, there are no bear hangs and very few trees to hang food from up there. Plan to carry a bear canister or Ursack for Panorama, since the emergency shelter isn't an officially sanctioned food storage spot.
- A reservation guarantees you a spot in the campground, not a specific tent pad. With only 7 pads at Panorama, arriving earlier in the day still matters even though you're not fighting for the site itself the way hikers did under the old first-come-first-served system.
- Pack out everything. All trash, food scraps, and toilet paper. Both sites see heavy weekend traffic and can get trashed fast if people don't carry their trash back out.
- Waste disposal. Use the pit toilets at Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge. If you're not near the toilets, dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water or trails.
- Don't feed wildlife. Don't feed birds, squirrels, or anything else that comes looking. Golden Ears is black bear country, never leave food unattended.
- Be considerate of neighboring campers. Panorama Ridge's tent pads sit close together and only 7 exist for a trail that sees real weekend traffic. Keep noise and light down after dark, and give other groups space.
- Drones are not permitted. BC Parks prohibits drones in the backcountry without prior permission.
Late evening views from Panorama Ridge camping area
Suggested Backpacking Itineraries to the Golden Ears Summit
1-Night: Gold Creek Trailhead → Panorama Ridge (Recommended)
For experienced backpackers, this is the best itinerary for a weekend trip. It took us ~4 hours to reach Panorama Ridge with plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon and evening as well as the next morning.
Day 1: Start at Gold Creek parking lot and hike the East Canyon trail to Panorama Ridge (~10.4 km, ~1,278 m gain)
Optional: Scramble to the summit of Golden Ears Peak (~1 km, ~167 m gain)
Day 2: Wake up early to capture the sunrise and enjoy a slow morning before descending back down to the trailhead
Total trip: ~20.6 km, ~1,334 m of cumulative elevation gain to and from Panorama Ridge campsite.
2-Nights: Gold Creek Trailhead → Alder Flats → Panorama Ridge
Day 1: Backpack from Gold Creek to Alder Flats. Relax by the creek and in the shade of the campground. (~5.6 km, ~369 m gain)
Day 2: Hike from Alder Flats to Panorama Ridge. Leave early and be there first to grab the best platform spot (4.8 km, 909 m gain)
Optional: Scramble to the summit of Golden Ears Peak (~1 km, ~167 m gain)
Day 3: Hike out from Panorama Ridge back to the Gold Creek parking lot
Total trip: ~20.7 km, ~1,334 m of cumulative elevation gain/loss to and from Panorama Ridge campsite.
When to Hike: Seasonality for Backpacking Golden Ears
| Season | Conditions | Recommended Gear | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Season Mid-May – Late June Advanced |
|
|
For experienced backpackers with snow travel experience only. Panorama Ridge and the final scramble can hold snow well into June. Check the current trail conditions report before you go. |
| Peak Summer Top Pick Late June – July Intermediate |
|
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The trail is clear enough to travel safely and plenty of snowpack at Panorama Ridge for water. |
| Late Summer August – Mid-September Intermediate |
|
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Excellent, stable hiking weather, and a good time to go. |
| Fall / Shoulder Season Mid-September – Mid-October Advanced |
|
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A quieter, moodier time to backpack Golden Ears, if the weather cooperates. |
Additional Weather & Trail Resources to Check Before Your Trip
Environment Canada Point Forecast for Golden Ears Park - Detailed hourly and 7-day forecasts, including sunrise/sunset times, for the park itself
BC Parks Golden Ears Park Page - Official rules, regulations, closures, and the current trail conditions report
BC Wildfire Service Dashboard - Official page for wildfire updates and evacuation orders
FireSmoke.ca - Wildfire smoke dispersion forecasts for BC and Canada
GaiaGPS Golden Ears Route - Our downloadable backpacking route, map and waypoints
On our way down from Panorama Ridge with our Hyperlite Southwest packs
What to Pack for Backpacking Panorama Ridge & Golden Ears Summit
Golden Ears is a short trip on paper, but don't let that fool you into packing light on the essentials. You're dealing with a steep approach, a ton of elevation gain, and the potential for cold and windy nights at Panorama Ridge, even in mid-summer.
Below we've listed some of our favorite backpacking items you will want for this trip (and every backpacking trip), but make sure to check out our Backpacking Packing List for a full packing list and all the gear we recommend. And, if you're interested in lowering your backpacking base weight and going ultralight (we can’t recommend this enough), we also have a gear guide focused on ultralight backpacking gear.
The Backpacking Big Three We Use and Recommend for Golden Ears
For every backpacking trip, you need your backpacking big three, which includes your pack, tent, and full sleep system (sleeping bag or quilt, sleeping pad, and pillow). Below is what we packed for our backpacking trip to Golden Ears.
Backpack: A comfortable, lightweight pack in the 40-50L range is ideal for a 1-2 night trip. Our all-time favorite backpacking pack is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L, we both brought ours on this trip and it was perfect in size and comfort. Plus, it’s a roll top, so you can make it a lot smaller when you have less gear. Ours were not at full capacity for this one night trip.
Tent/Shelter: We love lightweight trekking pole tents for backpacking, they are spacious and very lightweight, think 1.5 pounds or less. Just make sure you have extendable trekking poles to pitch your tent with. On this trip we brought our Zpacks Triplex which is 1.5 lbs for a three person tent, it’s very spacious for two people which means we can bring our packs and gear inside at night. This style tent still fit on the wooden platforms at Panorama Ridge but it does take a little more time to get the spacing and tension correct vs. a freestanding tent.
Sleeping Bag or Quilt & Sleeping Pad: We both use lightweight quilts instead of sleeping bags, and brought our 20-degree Hyperlite quilts on this trip (it got cold at night so we were happy with the temperature rating). Then we also brought good insulated sleeping pads, we like the Exped Ultra 6.5R for comfort.
→ For a full packing list and everything you will need to camp, check out our dedicated guide on What to Pack for Backpacking.
Sunset views from Panorama Ridge camping area
What to Wear for Backpacking Golden Ears
What you wear and pack clothing wise can make or break your backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest. Weather is a huge consideration here, and even if it is hot during the day, temperatures can really dip at night and storms can hit the high ridgeline hard. Although you don’t want to overpack on clothing, you do want the basic layers to be comfortable both during the day while hiking, and at night at camp and in your tent.
We usually break up backpacking clothing into two categories, what to wear on the trail, and what you will want to have at camp. Just remember, you don’t need doubles of anything (besides maybe socks and underwear). After backpacking for years and really working on lowering our base weight, we both normally have one set of hiking clothes (a sun shirt and shorts), and then some mid and outer layers for at camp. It did rain on us at camp, so we always bring an ultralight, packable rain jacket just in case too.
More Gear Guides on Backpacking Clothing:
What to Wear for Hiking & Backpacking - A detailed guide that goes into all the types of clothing to bring, what to wear on trail, and what to pack.
Best Fleece Mid-Layers for Hiking & Backpacking - A gear review on all different types of fleece mid-layers, with information on type of fleece, use case, and weight.
The Best Sun Hoodies and Sun Shirts for Hiking & Backpacking - Over the years we have tested almost every sun hoodie on the market, and this is a deep dive into our favorites for specific activities.
How to Get to Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia
Getting to the Golden Ears Provincial Park and trailheads is pretty straight forward. The roadways are well maintained (paved) and the Provincial park is close to urban areas for groceries and transit. The best way to get there is via car but the park is also serviced by Parkbus, transportation service from downtown Vancouver to select BC Parks.
Below are basic distance and times from major metro areas.
Driving to Golden Ears from Major Cities
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver, BC | 50 km / 31 mi | 1 hour | Get Directions ↗ The Gold Creek lot fills fast on summer weekends, arrive early. |
| Seattle, WA | 274 km / 170 mi | 3.5 – 4 hrs | Get Directions ↗ Crosses the Peace Arch/Pacific Highway border. Wait times vary from 15 min to 2+ hrs on summer weekends, bring your passport. |
| Spokane, WA | 708 km / 440 mi | 7 – 7.5 hrs | Get Directions ↗ A long haul either way, most people split this into two days rather than driving it in one push. |
Our campsite at the Gold Creek Campground in Golden Ears
Where to Stay Before or After Your Golden Ears trip
Your best option is camping inside Golden Ears Provincial Park the night before or after your backpacking trip. This is what we did and it worked well. Staying in the park means you can get an early start on the trailhead without a long pre-dawn drive, and it turns your permit into a proper multi-night trip instead of a rushed one-and-done.
Camping Inside Golden Ears Provincial Park
The park has three frontcountry campgrounds, all reservable through camping.bcparks.ca up to three months in advance:
Gold Creek Campground — The closest of the three to the Gold Creek trailhead. Has both flush and pit toilets, and showers.
North Beach Campground — The smallest of the three but also very close to the trailhead area, with a quieter feel and beach access, though fewer amenities (pit toilets only, no showers).
Alouette Campground— The largest (206 sites) with the most amenities, hot showers, flush toilets, a playground, and easy access to Campers Beach.
2026 frontcountry fees run around $35/night for Alouette and Gold Creek ($51/night + taxes & fees during the June 15–September 7 peak season), and around $23/night for North Beach ($33.50/night peak season + taxes & add on fees). The most updated pricing can be found on the BCParks.ca Camping Fees Page.
Hotels Near Golden Ears
If you’re more interested in a hot shower (the ones at the campground were lukewarm at best) post backpacking, there are hotels in all of the surrounding areas including Coquitlam (the closest), Surrey, and Vancouver. If you’re not from the area and want to extend your trip, staying in Vancouver for a few days is your best bet.
Mountain views from Golden Ears
FAQ: Backpacking Golden Ears & Panorama Ridge
Do I need a permit to backpack Golden Ears?
Yes. Camping at Alder Flats or Panorama Ridge requires an advance reservation through camping.bcparks.ca, there's no first-come-first-served option anymore. Your backcountry permit also covers your day-use parking pass.
How hard is the Golden Ears backpacking trail?
It's rated Difficult. The Gold Creek Trailhead route runs about 20.6 km (12.8 mi) round trip with roughly 1,334 m (4,376 ft) of cumulative elevation gain, and most of that gain is packed into the second half between Alder Flats and Panorama Ridge.
Can you day hike Golden Ears Summit instead of backpacking it?
Yes, it's possible to hike to the summit and back in a single day. But the overnight version is the better experience if you can swing it, splitting the climb across two days means you get sunrise and sunset in the high alpine instead of racing the clock.
Should I start from the East Canyon Trailhead or West Canyon Trailhead?
Either works. Both converge onto the same trail after a few kilometers and end up almost identical in total distance and elevation gain. We started from the East Canyon trailhead/Gold Creek parking area since the approach felt a bit more gradual and it crosses the scenic Gold Creek Bridge, though check current conditions before you go. Trail closures (like the washout that affected West Canyon on our trip) can change which one makes sense.
Is there water along the Golden Ears trail?
Alder Flats has reliable water from creeks feeding the basin. Past Alder Flats, it gets less predictable. Panorama Ridge depends on snowmelt runoff, which can dry up by late summer. Check current conditions with BC Parks or local trip reports before you go, especially if you're hiking in August or later.
Do I need a bear canister?
Bring one for Panorama Ridge. Alder Flats has a bear cache you can use, but Panorama Ridge doesn't have official bear storage. Plan to carry a bear canister or Ursack.
What's the best time of year to backpack in Golden Ears?
Late June through July is our top pick. The trail is clear of snow but there's usually still enough snowpack at Panorama Ridge to melt for water. August and September bring the most stable weather but you'll need to carry more water up, since the snowmelt source is typically gone by then.
Can I scramble to the actual summit of Golden Ears Peak?
Yes, from the Panorama Ridge campsite it's about a 1 km, 167 m gain scramble one-way, roughly 45–60 minutes each direction. It's non-technical but does often hold snow so microspikes might be needed if the snow is firm.
How much does it cost to camp at Alder Flats or Panorama Ridge campgrounds?
Around $17 per person per night, plus a $6 reservation fee, and an additional $20 fee if you're not a BC resident. One night for one person runs roughly $23–$43 depending on residency.
Hiking down through the clouds on Panorama Ridge
Final Thoughts on Backpacking Golden Ears Summit
This was truly a bucket list trip for us, and it was such an amazing experience to get to camp up along the ridge. In all honesty, photos don’t even do it justice. The views are just so incredible, looking down at Pitt Lake and into the mountains. It’s a trip we will probably repeat in the future. It was that good.
If you are looking to get a permit for camping at Panorama Ridge, the easiest way to get one is on a weekday. We lucked out getting ours for a Thursday start, and that tends to be the case for a lot of popular trails around the Vancouver and Whistler areas.
One thing to note for this trail and the area as a whole is that weather can change fast and doesn’t always match the forecast. We checked the weather the day before our trip and it only showed a very small chance of rain for an hour, when in reality it poured overnight and we woke up to rain and a complete whiteout in the morning. No sunrise, but thankfully the trail on the hike out wasn’t too bad when wet. We were ready for it with rain jackets, and luckily our Hyperlite packs are waterproof, so all of our gear stayed dry on a soggy hike out.
Enjoy the most amazing campsite and views!
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