Explore our summits.
Revelstoke alpine hiking season is from Mid-July to October (ish).
Our alpine hikes will take you through low-elevation inland temperate rainforest and into steep, open sub-alpine meadows, and alpine terrain with glaciers, ridges, and tarns.
As you will read below, most alpine hikes are rated challenging, advanced, or extreme for good reason! Expect drastic elevation gain, cooler temps, and sudden weather changes.
Important: Be prepared for your hike. Trail runners or hiking boots are advised. Bear spray is a must. Extra layers, food, and emergency supplies should be brought along.
Stoke Climb.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort | 7 km return | 518 m elevation gain | Lift Ticket Required
🐕🦺 Pets not allowed
What's better than a boost up into the subalpine before a hike?! From the top of the Revelation Gondola at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, hikers will weave through the subalpine zones to the alpine. Visit mid-July to early August to catch the wildflower blooms.
Add on an extra 1.8km - 5.5km by checking out the trail extension options: Subpeak Loop or Mackenzie Ridge. Subpeak Loop will take hikers along a ridge, then back down to the Stoke Climb. Mackenzie Ride takes hikers into South Bowl for more alpine terrain.
Balu Pass.
Glacier National Park | 12.8 km return | 780 m elevation gain | Intermediate
🐕🦺 Dogs not allowed
The trail follows along avalanche paths, creek crossings, and into alpine meadows. The steepest part of the trail is at the end, taking you to views of glaciers and mountain peaks. Do not continue beyond the summit; access beyond is prohibited to protect the Grizzly habitat.
Important: Grizzly bears are common here. You must hike in a group of 4 or more adults between July 15 and September 30. Stay alert! Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Avalanche Crest.
Glacier National Park | 10.2 km return | 795 m elevation gain | Challenging
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed on leash, unless otherwise noted on the Parks Canada site
Begin at the Illecillewaet Campground and hike up into an open alpine basin, nestled between Avalanche Crest to the left and Eagle Peak to the right. Mount Sir Donald towers above you throughout the hike. The top of the trail will reward you with 360 views that are just incredible.
Mount Begbie.
16 km return | 2,111 m elevation gain | Extreme
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed
This is a highly advanced trail that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. While the trail is well laid out, it is a slog. The elevation gain is no joke.
Most of the trail is within the forest, while there are no views, you will be climbing up through the inland temperate rainforest. At 5km up, you will find a large meadow and campsites, with views of the Columbia Valley and Revelstoke from above.
Important: The toe of the glacier is 1km from the campsite. Only individuals experienced in glacier travel and mountaineering should attempt to scramble to the summit.
Perley Rock.
Glacier National Park | 12.8km return | 1,145 m elevation gain | Advanced
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed on leash, unless otherwise noted on the Parks Canada site
This trail leads you up past Vaux Creek with great views of natural waterfalls, then launches into what some would call a 'brutal climb' into the alpine. Many switchbacks lead you up towards the Illecillewaet Glacier. In the early season, snow crossing might be mandatory to access the foot of the icefield. Exercise extreme caution and consider bringing crampons, or turn around.
Important: Glaciers are constantly moving and changing. Due to the unstable nature of retreating glacial ice, ice caves and ice overhangs are not safe to walk underneath. Do not enter the ice caves.
Keystone Standard Basin.
32 km return | 1,160 m elevation gain | Challenging
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed
This trail is used by mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. The trail hikes up 11km to a backcountry cabin, then continues down to an alpine lake. This is often the turnaround point for mountain bikers. Continue on the trail up to the Keystone Standard Peak Trail, 7.4km longer.
Drive up Highway 23 North from Revelstoke to access the Keystone Standard Basin Trail. Turn right onto Keystone FSR at 50 km on Hwy 23 North, then follow the signs 17 km to the trailhead. 2-way radio mandatory for travel on FSR.
Important: There is no cell coverage or water along the trail. Come prepared for rapid weather changes and bear encounters.
Asulkan Valley.
Glacier National Park | 15.8 km return | 870 m elevation gain | Advanced
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed on leash, unless otherwise noted on the Parks Canada site
The trail follows along a moderate valley and climbs a steep glacial moraine. At the end of the trail, you will find the picturesque Asulkan Cabin, available by reservation with the Alpine Club of Canada.
You will cross creeks, view natural glacier-fed waterfalls, and see the lower tongue of the Illecillewaet Glacier below.
Important: seasonal bridges are removed for winter in late September. Creek crossing may be mandatory after this.
Joss Mountain.
9 km return | 900 m elevation gain | West Entrance | Extreme
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed
This is a highly advanced trail that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. It is user-maintained and may be overgrown. There's significant elevation gain; it's not for the faint of heart.
The western approach follows a trail through the sub-alpine and offers views of the Monashee Range, notably Mount Tsuius. It ends at the Old Dominion Lookout on Joss Mountain.
To access the trailhead, you must travel on the WAP FSR, an active forest service road where a 2-way radio is mandatory by law.
Important: This is grizzly country, come prepared for wildlife encounters and rapid weather changes
Hermit.
Glacier National Park | 6.4 km return | 820 m elevation gain | Advanced
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed on leash, unless otherwise stated on the Parks Canada site
This famously steep trail climbs straight up into the alpine. You will follow the trail past a large avalanche path and into dense subalpine forest. At 1900m, you will begin to see insane mountain views.
This climb includes many switchbacks, rock stairs, and a rope-assisted scramble into an alpine meadow. Backcountry camping requires reserving a permit in advance.
Eagle Pass.
12 km return | 855 m elevation gain | Challenging
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed
Challenging trail with steady incline but gorgeous 360-degree views at the top. As you hike up the trail, you will come to the Twin Lakes trailhead. Twin Lakes are on the left fork; take the right fork for Eagle Pass Mountain and the Lookout.
The trail ascends steadily and works its way to your right to the steep slope below the lookout building. The trail is marked with numerous small rock cairns, and there may be flagging tape left by various hiking clubs. The last 300m of the trail up to the lookout is technical and may require some light scrambling. Proceed with caution and do not go beyond your point of comfort.
Important: The lookout cabin burned down in 2022 due to fire. The Eagle Pass Lookout site has been closed since the fire, but the surrounding trails remain open to hikers.
Eva, Miller, & Jade Lakes.
Mount Revelstoke National Park | 11.6 - 18.8 km return | 405+ m elevation gain | Intermediate - Advanced
🐕🦺 Dogs not allowed
These three lakes follow the same trail until the second junction. For a long, strenuous day, complete all three lakes.
The trailhead uniquely starts at the 'summit' of Mount Revelstoke, accessed via Meadows in the Sky Parkway. This allows hikers to begin hiking in the sub-alpine instead of near the valley bottom. The trail will take you through alpine meadows, boulder fields, and numerous glacier-fed lakes.
Backcountry camping requires reserving a permit in advance.
Important: Parking is extremely limited, start early and have a plan B if there is a wait to access the summit.
Abbott Ridge.
Glacier National Park | 15.6 km return | 1,030 m elevation gain | Advanced
🐕🦺 Pets are allowed on leash, unless otherwise stated on the Parks Canada site
Hike into true alpine tundra and end on a narrow ridge. The trail begins a steep, consistent climb up to Marion Lake. Some hikers turn around at the lake, but continuing on will take you to panoramic views on the ridge.
Important: During early season take the marked shortcut to avoid a steep snow slope.
Frisby Ridge.
34 km return | 1,060 m elevation gain | Advanced
🚵 Mountain biking purpose-built trail
An iconic alpine singletrack trail, popular with mountain bikers. For those not into the MTB, hiking is an option, but it's a long haul. This trail meanders up the subalpine, through wildflower-dotted meadows, and up to a couple of alpine lakes. Choose the Frisby Ridge trail (12 km one way) or continue to the Frisby Vistas, a 5.7 km extension that follows the ridge line.
To access the parking lot, turn left on Frisby Ridge FSR. Continue for 9 km, following the signs to the parking lot. 4x4 and radios are recommended.
Important: The trail is managed by Revelstoke Cycling Association. Consider donating or purchasing a visitor membership to support their trail crew!! Keep your head up for downhill traffic! You are very likely to see two-wheeled traffic.
Don't Be A *****
Keep Revelstoke wild by adventuring with care. Make sure you and your group:
Stay on the official trail, even for photo ops (our alpine environment is fragile)
Don't leave any food or garbage behind
Hike with emergency supplies, including warm clothes and extra food
Don't approach or feed wildlife
Mount Begbie | P Laura Szanto
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