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Ymir Peak

Ymir Mountain is renowned for its powder, but it’s also a perfectly hike-able summer excursion. Achieving the summit involves following a difficult trail to traverse the boulders and scree in the Ymir Bowl, but the reward is ridge-line hiking with spectacular views!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.5km
Elevation: +760m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Haystack Mountain

Haystack Mountain is a remote peak in the Purcell Mountain Range. The access road is long, but the trail offers hikers the chance to bag a peak or just enjoy the lakes and ridges surrounding the area. Come in the fall for golden larches!

Summary
Trailhead: Sanca Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 11km
Elevation: +1008m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

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West Kokanee Loop

Welcome to one of the newest trail networks in the West Kootenay! This alpine circuit offers ridgelines and summits, just outside of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Summary
Trailhead: West Kokanee FSR
Distance, round trip: 12.3km
Elevation: +1025m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

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Half Dome

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.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +680m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

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McKean Lakes

McKean Lakes is a worthwhile alpine destination, tucked away on the edge of Valhalla Provincial Park. The road is long, the trail is steep, but the lakes are cradled beneath impressive peaks.

Summary
Trailhead: Koch Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10.4km
Elevation: +671m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Grassy Mountain

Grassy Mountain is renown for its winter powder, but it’s also a great summer destination for those that don’t mind hiking off trail. You can explore the ridges which are full of spring wildflowers and offer big wide views of the Bonnington Range.

Summary
Trailhead: Munson FSR
Distance, round trip: 14km
Elevation: +663m
Season: early June to early October.
Difficulty:  Difficult

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Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)

Going up and over Elephant Mountain is a big day. But sometimes that’s just what you need to break in those boots! This is a difficult hike with significant elevation, but it’s scenic and close to home! At each milestone, the City of Nelson shrinks further below and more and more peaks unfold from the distant valleys.

Summary
Trailhead: Pulpit Rock Trailhead or Lyon’s Bluff Trailhead
Distance, round trip: 13.5km
Elevation: +1120m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Sphinx Mountain

Which mountain has two humps and riddles hikers with its steep ascent? Sphinx is a notable peak, towering high above Grey Creek Pass. It’s easily spotted from the Kootenay Lake Ferry but not so easily summited.

Summary
Trailhead: Grey Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 11.6km
Elevation: +999m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Difficult 
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Mount Kuskanax (South Trail)

If you like steep trails, then you’ll love Mount Kuskanax! The southern trail ascends at a wicked grade before levelling out along the long ridge-line approach to the summit.

Summary
Trailhead: Kuskanax Mountain Road
Distance, round trip: 10.6km
Elevation: +911m
Season: late June to early October
Difficulty: Difficult
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Silver Spray Cabin

The trail to Silver Spray Cabin just goes up and up and up. Up through the forest, up along Silver Spray Creek, up around Clover Basin. The reward is an alpine cabin situated in a beautiful basin of lakes and meadows and peaks.

Summary
Trailhead: Woodbury-Fletcher FSR
Distance, round trip: 14.4km
Elevation: +1072m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Difficult
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