Hikes in Golden

The hike up to Grassy Knoll (T2 Peak) is a quick 2.6 km out-and-back hiking route at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort that will take you up a short and scenic ridge to the summit. From here, you will have sensational views overlooking Golden and the surrounding area, including the Columbia Wetlands and the rugged Purcell Mountains. While the views on this hike seem as though they belong to some difficult-to-reach peak, the route up to Grassy Knoll is accessible and should not pose a problem to beginner hikers.

The Gorman Lake Trail is a 5.8 km out-and-back hiking route through a beautiful alpine valley west of Golden, BC, that ends at the picturesque edge of Gorman Lake. The trail itself isn’t very difficult; however, the drive up to the trailhead is challenging, so make sure you have a 4x4/high clearance vehicle for the trip. If you can successfully reach the lake, the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere are sure to make you forget all about the trouble of getting there.

The hike to Thompson Falls is an 11.9 km out-and-back route that runs alongside the Blaeberry River and allows you to experience its mighty, rushing waters as they flow through a canyon. The trail is largely forested, which blocks many views of the surrounding area; however, the woodland atmosphere is relaxing, and the portions of the trail close to the river will provide some magical scenery. Bears are known to frequent this area, so make sure to bring bear spray along for this hike.

The Canyon Creek Loop is a 14.5 km hiking route through the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site that utilizes several multi-use trails to form a loop around the most scenic highlights in the area. Along the trail, you will pass by the beautiful waters of the Cedar Lakes before hiking through the wetlands toward a lookout over Canyon Creek. This lengthy hike will allow you to get the most out of your day within this dense network of hiking and mountain bike trails.

The Cedar Lakes Trail is a 7.1 km hiking route in the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site near Golden, BC, that will take you through a beautiful forest landscape to the shores of four charming lakes. With minor changes in elevation and well-maintained paths, this route is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. This trail is part of a complicated and extensive network of hiking and mountain bike routes, so make sure to bring a trail map or GPS for easier navigation.

The trail to Quartz Lake is an 8.9 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you uphill through an alpine valley to the beautiful emerald waters of the lake. The trail is varied, with sections of light forest, steep trail, and often muddy paths that follow along the creek to the picturesque alpine setting of the lake. For those looking to extend their trip and explore the area over a few days, there are two tent pads, a food cache, and an outhouse at the lake for your convenience.

Frenchman’s Ridge is a 2.6 km out-and-back hiking route near Golden, BC, that traverses a steep incline to provide scenic views over the Columbia Valley. The trail is an intense uphill slog that is often compared in difficulty to Vancouver’s Grouse Grind; however, Frenchman’s Ridge differs since there are no stairs to aid in the climb. Although short and challenging, this route will reward those who persevere with awesome views.

The Moonrakers Classic Short is an 8.0 km lollipop trail through the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site near Golden that takes hikers through the dense forest and past several scenic lakes. This route combines different hiking and mountain bike trails in the area, so hikers should keep an eye out for any passing cyclists and remember to share the path. Along the route, you will experience beautiful views that look out over the tranquil lakes and capture the mountainous backdrop behind.

Moonrakers Classic Medium is a 13.2 km hiking circuit near Golden, BC, that utilizes both hiking and mountain bike paths to create a fun route through the scenic woodland landscape. Similar to Moonrakers Classic Short, this route will take you along some mild elevation gains and drops as you explore the area around the Cedar Lakes and beyond. Keep an eye out for passing cyclists, and remember to share the path with those looking to pass.

The trail up to Wapiti Ridge is a 4.5 km out-and-back hiking route in the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site near Golden, BC, that will take you past a tranquil woodland lake and through the dense forest to the scenic ridgeline. From here, hikers will have a sweeping view that looks out across the Columbia Valley and the nearby peaks. Remember to bring a trail map or GPS to avoid any unnecessary detours along the dense network of trails.

The Cedar Camp Trail is a 3.2 km out-and-back hiking route found within the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site near Golden and features two charming lakes in a beautiful forest setting. From the edge of the lakes, you will have a picturesque view of the scenic woodland landscape with majestic mountains poking out above the treeline. Ensure to bring a trail map for navigation and bug spray to avoid making any new flying friends along the trail.

The North Star Trail is a 7.1 km out-and-back hiking route in the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site southeast of Golden that follows along a largely forested path and passes by several woodland lakes. As the route is blanketed in thick tree cover, there is little in the way of scenic views or vantage points on this hike; however, you will be able to enjoy the relaxing forest atmosphere as you work your way through the dense network of trails. Remember to bring bug repellent for this hike as there are several lakes and marshy areas in the vicinity.

The Columbia Trail is a lengthy 24.0 km out-and-back trail that can be found near Golden, BC, and stretches north alongside the flowing waters of the Columbia River. Hikers along this trail will experience incredible views from within the valley of neighbouring mountain peaks and the tranquil riverside atmosphere. This is a long route, so make sure to bring lots of water and snacks for the journey.

The Klahowya Trail is a 4.2 km loop trail within the Moonraker Trails Recreation Site near Golden that will take hikers from the shores of Sander Lake through the forest and onto a ridge overlooking Canyon Creek. Hikers along this trail can expect heavily forested paths and limited scenery; however, the woodland atmosphere provides a welcome retreat for those looking for solitude on the trails. This route is part of a dense network of trails, so make sure to bring a GPS or trail map along for the hike.

The hike up to Terminator Peak is a 1.4 km out-and-back route on the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, taking hikers up a ridgeline trail and on a side path to reach the summit. This trail has scenic views overlooking the city of Golden, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, and the rugged expanse of the Purcell Mountains. Combine this hike with other short trails in the vicinity to make the most out of your day in the mountains.

The Confluence Park Trail is a 1.8 km out-and-back hiking route in Golden, BC, that skirts alongside the airport runway and provides nice views of the Columbia River. This trail is easy to navigate and traverses some very flat terrain, making for a route accessible for hikers of all skill levels. During times of extremely high water, sections of this trail can be submerged in the river. Make sure to check trail conditions before your hike.

The Lower Certainty Mine Trail is a 9.6 km out-and-back hiking route near Golden, BC, that climbs through the forest along an old mining access path to reach a beautiful subalpine valley. This moderate trail features some reasonably easy terrain and a gradual climb through the hillside, making for a not-too-difficult trek that most casual hikers can enjoy. Pair this hike with the Upper Certainty Mine Trail to experience more of the charming subalpine terrain.

The Upper Certainty Mine Trail is a 3.0 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you through some beautiful subalpine terrain to reach the site of an old mine. Historically used as a route to access the mining operations of the 12-Mile Creek drainage area, this path is now used solely for hiking and stands as a testament to the longevity of these old, well-constructed trails. Due to the beautiful terrain and points of interest, this hike is great for both casual and experienced hikers.

The Edelweiss Slough is a 1.0 km out-and-back hiking route that passes through a beautiful stretch of wetland landscape just north of Golden, BC. Along the trail, hikers will have some lovely views of this sodden part of the Columbia Valley and will have the chance to spot the various bird species that call the wetlands home. Parts of this trail can become very wet in the spring, so check trail conditions before your hike.

The Mount 7 Trail is a 9.0 km out-and-back hiking route near Golden, BC, that sets out from a paragliding launch site and climbs uphill to reach the summit of this iconic peak. Named for the “7” shaped sliver of snow that can be spotted on the side of the mountain in the early summer, this peak offers the best views over Golden and the surrounding area, including Navvy Peak to the north and Mount Hunter to the east. Don’t forget to bring your gear if you want to snowboard or ski the 7, which is a Golden rite of passage.