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1,673 ft
Distance
-362 ft
Descent
00:05:18
Avg time
-362 ft
Altitude change
4,040 ft
Altitude min
4,401 ft
Altitude max
4,401 ft
Altitude start
4,039 ft
Altitude end
-21.6%
Grade
-43.6%
Grade max
1,542 ft
Distance down
52 ft
Distance flat
00:05:18
Avg time
Howler (upper) Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaWestside - Rainbow
Whistler, British Columbia -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlack Diamond (1 vote)
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Local Popularity50 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 55 in E-Biking
- 55 in Trail Running
- 60 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT2 Mountain Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionDownhill PrimaryPopular Direction Shown
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Physical RatingHard
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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SeasonJun-Oct
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
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TTFs on TrailBridge, Drop, Rock Face
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Ride in RainYes
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Year Opened2013
Upper section added to the inimitable Howler. This section has a steep access climb, and drops in on steeper and more difficult terrain than the section below it. With some very sharp and steep rock, choose your lines carefully and bring tubes It's a LONG way out to be stuck without spares.
Access Info
Climb to Howler, then continue to follow the flank. Once past the main Howler entrance, the Flank narrows and steepens becoming more of a hiking trail with tight steep switchbacks, roots, and loose rock. Continue climbing until you get to a slab rockface, at the top of which the trail starts to the left.
Trail Supporters
- Zander StrathearnBuilder
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 1 rides
- 45 miles average
6 Months
- 15 rides
- 13 miles avg distance
All
- 237 rides
- Last: Jul 11, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Howler (upper) Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
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- > 70%
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- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
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- < 2 weeks
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- > 6 months
Trail Ridden Direction
The intended direction a trail should be ridden.
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- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
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Directions to howler-upper trailhead
(50.168630, -122.968950)
Photos
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Routes with this trail
★ 5.0 • 17 miles • 2,818 ft • 39 •
Howler is a great trail for those looking for a sustained climb and technical fast descent. (Advanced)...
7 miles • 2,394 ft • 10 •
Whistler Relive Your Rides Westside Rainbow Howler Classic For other ride suggestions for this and other...
12 miles • 2,400 ft • 7 • Loop •
This is your morning or early afternoon ride on Day 2 of the Front Country Adventure itinerary. After...
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Nearby Trails
- Rainbow-sproatt Flank 1,808 ft
- Howler (mid) 1,824 ft
- North Flank Lookout 3,114 ft
- Zanarchy 3,238 ft
- Howler (lower) 3,888 ft
- By Hwulex
& contributors - #6663 - 11,995 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Howler (upper)
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Where is Howler (upper) located?
Howler (upper) is located in Westside - Rainbow, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Westside - Rainbow trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 50.16863, -122.96895.
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How hard is Howler (upper)?
Howler (upper) is rated as Double Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 21.6%.
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What is the elevation gain for Howler (upper)?
The trail has 110 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,231 m to 1,342 m.
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Is Howler (upper) a point to point trail?
Howler (upper) is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.
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