Difficulty: Insane

Rating: 5/5

Duration: 5-7hr / 13km

Accessibility: Car

needle peak

Description:

Needle Peak is for experienced hikers only. The path is long, steep and involves bouldering at the end. The payoff is indescribable, check out our pictures above for a taste.

This is the best hike you can do without a high clearance vehicle. The drive there is along the highway so no worries about having to offroad. The hike starts with an extremely punishing incline for around an hour. When we went there was a myth of a lake near the top, this was in fact wrong. There is no lake, the lake is a lie. (The lake is on another trail leading up to the area)

We did this hike in mid-July and the snow was close to all melted. We recommend attempting this hike in the late season to as the elevation is high. After the incline, you’ll reach a clearing with a nice view and gradual incline for about an hour. This will lead you to the base of the bouldering section. This part is extremely dangerous if you attempt it, please be careful and don’t take any unnecessary risks. On this bouldering part, stick to the right, that won’t make sense until you’re there, but trust us.

The summit will be the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. RIght now you may think that’s your kids, or your girlfriend or another view. You’re wrong. It’s this mountain range. Spend as much time as you can up there, we think about it every day. If you post pictures up there, tag @officialbearlives. Let us relive the climax of our lives through you.

 

Directions:

This hike is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes drive from Kelowna, or 2 hours 15 minutes from Vancouver.

  1. Driving from Kelowna, head over the bridge going South on Highway 97 towards Vancouver.
  2. Once you reach Merrit, turn onto Highway 5 South towards Vancouver.
  3. Drive for 70.0km until you see Exit 217 for Zopkios Brake Check.
  4. Pull in here and take a left to go through the tunnel to the other side of the highway.
  5. Turn right and drive 100m to a parking area.
  6. The trailhead begins across a small creek ahead of you.

Click to view this route on GoogleMaps!

GPS Coordinates:

  • Parking / trailhead: 49.5950639, -121.1243970

Features:

  • Incredible mountain views
  • Steep ascent
  • Summit