Grizzly Den Trail

Route Description for Grizzly Den Trail

Near Prince George, the Grizzly Den Trail is a moderately challenging route in Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park, BC. If you’re looking for a rugged, wild backcountry adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Do note that the trail may be untamed and unruly in spots, but if you’re here for adventure, the tangled scenery only elevates the experience, right? We recommend packing your overnight camping gear and random camping for the night—or look into booking the Mile 8 cabin or the Grizzly Den cabin for the night. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in the cabins. You can also enjoy this hike year-round, but beware that you’re in an avalanche zone! Even during the summer months, you may encounter snow, so come prepared. Lastly, bring bear spray—this hike is called the Grizzly Den Trail, after all.

Overall, the Grizzly Den Trail boasts quintessential backcountry scenery, meadows laden with wildflowers backed by jagged rock faces, an overlook peering over the undulating BC wilderness, and a rustic forest setting.

The path from the trailhead takes you directly to the first cabin of the Grizzly Den Trail: the 8-Mile Cabin, a log cabin that will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. After, continue past the log cabin, along a more narrow, overgrown trail that meanders through a forest, a meadow (it can get wet here), and has you crossing some creeks. Eventually, you’ll reach the Grizzly Den Cabin, an A-frame cabin that can host up to 12 people.

Just above the cabin, travel further along toward the peak, where phenomenal views of layers of peaks fading into the horizon await! Once you’ve finished revelling in the scenery, turn around and retrace your steps back to your car.

Trail Highlights

8-Mile Cabin

Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park boasts three cabins available to book for overnight stays! One of these cabins is the 8-Mile Cabin, a lovely log cabin that harks back to pioneer times. You can access this cabin throughout the year, but the route leading to the cabin in the winter may vary. Book through the website shared in the overview! There’s a wood stove (no cooking stove) here, but you’re expected to bring utensils.

Grizzly Den Cabin

The Grizzly Den Cabin is a lovely A-frame cabin that can sleep up to 12 people! You’ll find firewood, a cookstove (you’re responsible for bringing a propane cylinder), and a pot for water here. However, you’ll need to bring some utensils. Treat a night here as if you’re camping in the wild—bring everything you’d need for tenting (except the tent), and you’ll be good to go!

*Do note that rules for how many people can sleep have changed during COVID. Be sure to brush up on all necessary information before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog into the cabins?

Unfortunately, you cannot bring your dog into the 8-Mile or Grizzly Den cabins, but you can take them on leash on this walk. Just be aware of wildlife and keep them close.

Can I random camp along the Grizzly Den Trail?

The Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park allows wild camping year-round! Just be aware that there are no facilities, so come prepared with the necessary equipment. You can find a tent pad at Grizzly Den, but random camping is permitted throughout the park.

Insider Hints for Grizzly Den Trail

• If you’re planning on staying at one of the cabins overnight, be sure to pack gear as if you’re tenting in the backcountry overnight (just don’t bring a tent).
• Bring bear spray along!
• You may encounter some wet, snowy conditions year-round, so wear the proper footwear!