July 31, 2019
Start: Function Junction
Turnaround: atop “On the Rocks” trail at Gin & Tonic peaks
Finish: Function Junction
Route: Flank, Into the Mystic, On The Rocks
Distance: 30km
Elevation gain: 1297m
Time: 5 hrs (One party on foot)
Notables: Commonly done as a loop climbing out of Function Junction S of Whistler and descending “Lord of the Squirrels”.
Access the flank trail in Function just past the bus stop. Many tight switchbacks and a punchy climb.
The first of many water options runs after your first elevation loss.
The entire loop is all blue trail however a very high level of fitness is required for this designation to be appropriate.
A consistently steeper shortcut option, “Don’t Look Back” exists approaching the archway from this direction. It weaves up to intersect “Into the Mystic” cutting out the remaining section of the flank and the beginning of “Into the Mystic”.
Trailhead for “Into the Mystic” will be on your left with considerable signage before a substantial bridge. Good option for a rest before a long climb.
Roughly 1/3 up there will be an obvious platform with access down to the river protected by chains immediately trail-side. Great for a refresh before more steep sections and an uphill rock-roll test as the forest gives way to gentler sub-alpine terrain and fabulous views.
Once you’ve worked up the sub-alpine valley an intersection offers a robust picnic table, great views of Rainbow, and a R hand option, “On the Rocks” to finish climbing Gin and Tonic Peaks. This is the access to “Lord of the Squirrels” which lays slightly below near the col with Mount Sproatt and descends back to the trailhead of “Into the Mystic”.
We left a litre of water and a cold beer to split apres on the rocks in the car. Outhouse available at the designated parking lot NE of the main intersection in Function.
Gen opted to do this on foot and I on a bike. I planned to dismount more often than needed as this is by far the biggest knee test and a fatigue based mistake is the objective hazard. Descending the climb is another strategy to limit impact.
Initial switchbacks climbing the flank felt even steeper and tighter than usual.
First time not taking “Don’t look back” as a shortcut so the lower angled grades to start “Into the Mystic” were a welcomed change.
Signage at the trailhead warning of another grizzly sighting a few days ago in the area.
Stopped at the obvious platform roughly 1/3 of the way up for a bite and a short detour down to the river to refresh. The forest is not as pretty down lower but holds beautiful old growth by this elevation.
Good rest option atop the rock-roll but we carried on a while longer to a more wide open option with less bugs and a great view of Daisy lake.
From here the sub-alpine meadows are beautiful, have a gentler grade, and offer further water options. Drainage crossings are preserved well with culverts or rock work and one in particular is a perfect bottle fill station.
“On the Rocks” is a favorite part of this loop with fabulous views and an enjoyable, tame line which navigates the rocky terrain. A small lake lies just below Gin & Tonic Peaks which reach to roughly 1800m. A busy mother grouse had her hands full crossing the trail with 5 chicks. The ditch was too big for some of the chicks so this took quite some time but we were happy to give space.
Upon returning we surprised a group of girls who were in their birthday suits cooling down.
Gen topped up at the epic fill station lower and held a great pace on the descent. We kept our gap small which meant I would stop and rest often. Perfect for a controlled descent on a tired knee without issue.
A big day on a bike and a bigger day on foot.
Check out our video of the day here:
Stoking the fire 