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Champion Lakes Trails

A beautiful network of trails looping around the three Champion Lakes. Explore as much as you want, but definitely visit the viewpoint!

Summary
Trailhead: Champion Park Road
Distance, round trip: 10.6km
Elevation: +129m
Season: early May to early November
Difficulty:
Easy
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Red Mountain (Rossland)

There is nothing like hiking a beautifully crafted trail! The hike to Red Mountain weaves through forests and bluffs at a steady grade, lifting you up to the summit with big views over the ski resort and Rossland.

Summary
Trailhead: Red Mountain Ski Resort
Distance, round trip: 9km
Elevation: +428m
Season: mid May to late October
Difficulty:
Moderate

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Summit Trail / Blaster’s Ridge

Yes, you can hike ALL OF THE SUMMITS! Or at least as many as you want. This new trail zig zags up Whitewater Ski Resort to access several peaks on the “summit side” of the hill.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 9.5km (to Hummingbird Peak)
Elevation: +521m (to Hummingbird Peak)
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
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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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Thanksgiving Mountain

Driving over Grey Creek Pass? Want to bag a peak? The summit on the North side of the pass is easily gained by following a short trail along the ridge and then picking your way to the top. Nicknamed “Thanksgiving Mountain” by locals who hike it on the holiday, this summit offers a wide panorama of Kootenay Lake and the Purcells.

Summary
Trailhead: Grey Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 3.4km
Elevation: +303m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate 
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Motherlode Lakes (Carlyle Lodge)

Staying at Carlyle Lodge? Check out the trail to Motherlode Lakes. It’s a scenic hike from the lodge, edging along alpine slopes to arrive at a series of lakes and pools.

Summary
Trailhead: Carlyle Lodge
Distance, round trip: 8.6km
Elevation: +609m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Easy
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Boulder Pass (Carlyle Lodge)

A scenic trek around the Mount Carlyle bowl! The route to Boulder Pass is a great option if you’re staying at Carlyle Lode or want to extend your day hike into Carpenter Pass. The route leads to the southern ridge of Mount Carlyle with views over the edge towards the Purcell Mountains.

Summary
Trailhead: Carlyle Lodge
Distance, round trip: 3.2km
Elevation: +206m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Easy
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Carpenter Pass Trail

The Carpenter Pass Trail offers a scenic loop to a high mountain pass, full of history and surrounded by epic views. It’s a worthwhile day hike, but even better if you can spend a few nights at Mount Carlyle Lodge to explore the alpine wonderland beyond the pass.

Summary
Trailhead: Carpenter Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 14.2km
Elevation: +653m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
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White Queen West Ridge Trail

A beautiful hiking trail up to White Queen’s Summit! Follow a historic mining road through Hummingbird Pass to access the “Bird Queen Trail” which traces the ridge line to the summit. Beautiful views of Ymir Peak and the surrounding mountains can be found along the way, but be sure to come in the fall for the golden larches at the top!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 10.2km
Elevation: +691m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
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White Queen West Ridge Trail

A beautiful hiking trail up to White Queen’s Summit! Follow a historic mining road through Hummingbird Pass to access the “Bird Queen Trail” which traces the ridge line to the summit. Beautiful views of Ymir Peak and the surrounding mountains can be found along the way, but be sure to come in the fall for the golden larches at the top!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 10.2km
Elevation: +691m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
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