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Red Mountain (Bonningtons)

“Red Mountain” seems to be a pretty common name in the Koots. There’s a few of them! But this one is the neighbour of Toad Mountain in the Bonnington Range above Nelson. It has the characteristic red rock, but also offers great hiking off the beaten path.

Summary
Trailhead: Giveout Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 9.2km
Elevation: +491m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate

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Mount Reco Loop

One of the best ridgeline hikes in the Kootenays! Hiking a loop around Mount Reco will bring you through alpine meadows surrounded by peaks. With the option to bag Reco’s summit, this is a great day in the mountains.

Summary
Trailhead: Stenson Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 9.9km
Elevation: +680m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
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Toad Mountain via Giveout Creek

Hiking Toad Mountain via Giveout Creek FSR leads you along a forested trail to access the summit from the northern ridge. The ridge line ascent is a little less scenic than the original trail from the Silverking mine, but much easier for hikers and vehicles alike! The summit of Toad offers epic views of the Nelson and surrounding peaks!

Summary
Trailhead: Giveout Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 6.7km
Elevation: +370m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty:  Easy

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Twin Peaks

A short meadowy ridge in the Bonnington Range. Twin Peaks is a scenic off-trail adventure for hikers who are prepared to navigate and route-find.

Summary
Trailhead: Munson FSR
Distance, round trip: 4.6km
Elevation: +333m
Season: late June to early October
Difficulty: Easy 
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Smallwood Lookout

The Smallwood lookout boasts one of the biggest benches with one of the biggest views. It’s part of a large mountain bike trail network, but hiking the Smallwood ridge-line as an “out and back” is an easy option with lots of reward.

Summary
Trailhead: Garrity Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 4.14km
Elevation: +153m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:  Easy
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Ward’s Ferry Trail

Ward’s Ferry Trail connects the communities of Blewett and Glade with scenic riverside hiking. Before the highway and railroad were built, Ward’s Ferry was the main option for travellers in the 1880’s to cross the Kootenay River. This historical trail passes by the site of the old ferry landing and traces remnants of wagon roads.

Summary
Trailhead: McPhee Forest Service Road or Glade Road
Distance, one way: 9.98km
Elevation: +335m (Glade to McPhee)
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty: Moderate
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McPhee Waterfall Loop

Everyone loves a good waterfall! And Little McPhee Falls is a two-tiered beauty that roars during the spring melt and quiets to a mossy trickle in the fall. This forested trail can be extended into a nice loop above the Kootenay River.

Summary
Trailhead: McPhee Forest Service Road
Distance, round trip: 7.66km
Elevation: +215m
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Dove Hill Loop

A short hike with panoramic views over Castlegar! This is a great shoulder-season trail as the main climb is snow-free in early April. You can also extend your hike to reach the Brilliant Overlook Trail higher above.

Summary
Trailhead: Aaron Road
Distance, round trip: 5.7km
Elevation: +182m
Season: late March to late November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Whitewater Snowshoe Trails

Whitewater Ski Resort maintains a network of multi-purpose winter trails. This area provides accessible winter alpine scenery and is available for snowshoeing as well as skiing, fat biking, and dog-walking.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Resort, Whitewater Road
Distance, round trip: 3.6km
Elevation: +100m
Season: mid-December to early April
Difficulty: Easy
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Nelson Nordic Snowshoe Trails

A scenic set of snowshoe trails which loop through old growth forests and wetlands. These trails are great for beginners and families, providing an accessible winter outing close to town.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 6
Distance, round trip: 1.6km – 6.45km
Elevation: +80m
Season: mid-December to late March
Difficulty: Easy
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