We arrived at the parking lot just before 8am but it was full. Luckily we were able to grab a spot at the school. From there we walked approximately 2km to the trail head. Just past the black fence is where a wide gravel road takes you to trails that lead to Mount Brunswick, Mount Harvey, and the West Lions, just to name a few.
Today we are headed to Tunnel Bluffs. From the start, the gravel road quickly starts to climb snaking its way up and up. Definitely a workout. When you come across the multi-coloured sign that says The Lions, below it is a metal and orange arrow. If you go left it takes you to the Mount Brunswick Trail – if you continue going up the hill, it takes you to the Lions Binkert Trail. Get off the road and go left.
The trail is no longer a steep uphill but is relatively flat with the odd short uphills. The trail itself was wide and looked as if the brush had been recently cut back. As we continued onwards we came across our first bridge. Careful crossing the bridge as it is simply two logs side by side with a rope on one side. As you approach the other side of this bridge, the log on your left is broken and you must not step on the coloured tape. Once you have crossed, veer to your left and continue to follow the trail.
You will come to a fork on the trail where there are two blue signs. Follow the Tunnel Bluffs sign and go right. This part of the trail is flat for the most part and uneventful. But you end up coming across another creek with a longer log bridge that you must cross. Shortly after crossing the bridge you will come across signage with a map. Here is where you go straight and then to your left towards Tunnel Bluffs.
As you get closer to the Bluffs, there are some rocky sections you will need to climb. You will also notice yellow markers are now on the trees. Just prior to the viewpoint there is a yellow sign that says “Look out” with an arrow pointing to your left. Go left and up the large rock. It is here you will make the final ascent to the viewpoint.
The weather was clear and warm and the views are breathtaking.