For those that like a little more scramble, the Half Dome is a prominent landmark on Ymir Peak’s ridge with big panoramic views. The trail is still in development, so prepare for some route-finding as you pick your way along the ridge, using hands to scramble over the bluffs.
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +680m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult
Trailhead and Driving Directions
Drive all the way up Whitewater Ski Hill Road to park at Hummingbird Lodge. This road is generally good for 2WD low clearance vehicles.
Look for the trailhead in the RV campground heading up towards the Quartz Ski Way Trail.
Safety first
The trail to Half Dome involves scrambling with some moments of exposure (the risk of a fall with consequences). You should be an experienced hiker, comfortable with route-finding. Continuing to Ymir Peak involves even more exposure.
Gaining the Ridge
The first half section of the trail involves hiking up old roads to gain the top of Silver King Ridge. Follow the Quartz Ski Way Trail as it switchbacks up the ski runs, gaining elevation at a steady clip. Reach a junction after 0.3km and turn left to take the switchback.
Pass below the Raven Chair and then above the top of the Silver King Trail. At 2.1km, reach a junction and turn left (east) to continue uphill on the Silver King Ridge Trail. At the top of Silver King Ridge, go right (southeast) to continue on to Half Dome. You’ll see it down in the distance, with another bump on the ridge along the way. We’ll call that the “First Bump” as you’ll go up and over it before ascending Half Dome.
Route Finding and Scrambling
Pick you way along the ridge. There are flagging tape scraps and orange blazes, but they are sporadic as the trail is still underdeveloped in 2024. As you approach the “First Bump” the route steepens and scrambling is necessary. It’s possible to avoid exposure by picking a careful route. The cliff bands are broken by flatter terrain, offering breaks as you ascend.
Reach the top of the “First Bump” after 3.8km. It’s tempting to stop here, but Half Dome is just 0.4km further and 100m higher. You can do it!
Half Dome
Reach the top of Half Dome after 4.2km. It has several summit cairns and if you look closely, you can sign the Kootenay Mountaineering Club’s register. Treat yourself to panoramic views over the ski resort, with plenty of big mountains on display. Look for Kokanee Glacier to the north and the Valhallas to the northwest. Ymir Peak dominates the view southeast.
Although Ymir Peak is nearby, the route involves even more exposure as you gain the next ridge. It’s not recommended, unless you’re an experienced scrambler comfortable with managing risk.
Heading back down
Carefully pick you way back down the way you came, taking time to find good handholds and footing.
Regain Silver King Ridge Trail and descend, continuing on at the junction near the ski lift. Turn left (southeast) at the junction to make a loop on the lower trails if you wish, descending on the Silver King Trail. Turn a corner and get a grand view of Ymir Peak with Half Dome and the “First Bump” on display. A nice way to appreciate your efforts!
The trail travels down the Sluice Box ski run in the summer and can be a bit boggy in early July, but by late July it’s full of wildflowers. Hike past the winter lodge at Whitewater Ski Resort and cross the parking lots to end back at Hummingbird Lodge.