Gimli Ridge

Route Description for Gimli Ridge

You are going to need a 4WD, high clearance vehicle to get to the Gimli Ridge Trailhead. In addition, before setting off on the Gimli Ridge hike, check the forest road/BC trails report for the Valhallas as this Forest Service Road (FSR) often is in bad shape and is only suitable for 4WD access due to washouts or rivers. If you are planning on staying overnight, bring chicken wire to wrap around your car and secure it with rocks and sticks. Porcupines are known to visit this area and will chew on whatever they can find – such as cables and wires in your car!

Parking is easy as the Gimli Ridge trail doesn’t get too many hikers, however it’s good to arrive early in case a big group decides to do this hike. Also, starting early means you have more time to admire the views and enjoy the beauty of the Valhallas from Gimli Ridge.

Finally, this is grizzly bear country. Always remember your bear spray, hike in a group and be bear aware .

The trail to Gimli Ridge is clear and easy to follow. You will start out walking through an old forest, crossing a creek after about 10 minutes. From here you will follow the trail as it winds up through the woods for around 45 minutes until you reach rockier landscapes and boulders with your first view of the basin below. The climb steepens a little here and you will begin hiking up the grassy hills and some areas of gravel.

After hiking another 1-1.5 hours, you’ll hit 2,400 m of elevation, where you can get a good view of the south side of Gimli Peak. From here, you proceed north towards Gimli Peak, hiking over gorgeous mossy boulders and a few tight switchbacks until you reach the meadow with a clear view of Gimli.

The path ends here and you can take any way you choose towards the base of Gimli Peak. The final short ascent to the base of Gimli Peak requires some light scrambling or you can walk closer to the peak and go around the rocks.

From the base of Gimli Peak you can see down into Mulvey Basin deep down in the valley, rivers, plentiful trees and Midgard Peak directly on the left. Right ahead of you in a NE direction is the impressive Gladsheim Peak at 2,830 m.

If you want an even better view, you can continue left along the base of Gimli Peak and go to a saddle that overlooks Mulvey Lakes. This route involves some scrambling and you will have to climb over some rocks along the route, as well as some narrow trail. We recommend wearing a helmet due to potential rockfall. The views down to Mulvey Lakes is spectacular. We wouldn’t recommend this route when the route is wet or still snow covered.

After enjoying the views, return the way you came back to your car.

Insider Hints for Gimli Ridge

• Gimli Peak itself is an immense rock face, shaped like a shark fin and is a favourite for many local climbers. Beware if climbing – it is not for the faint of heart and climbing gear and experience is necessary.
• Camping is restricted to the designated sites beneath Gimli Peak. Note that it can be very windy at the top.
• Spend a day in the beautiful town of New Denver if you have come all this way. The lake is stunning and a great place to rent a paddle board or kayak (rentals available at Valhalla Pure). If you have time, camp at Bannock Point (free at the time of writing and relatively unknown to tourists). You can camp right down on the rocks with outstanding views of the Valhallas.
• The drive to this hike is relatively easy, but long! Try and get there early to enjoy the full day and get a good parking spot.
• If you go to New Denver, don’t forget to stop by at Sandarella’s. They have delicious sandwiches and homemade gelato! It is a very special, small community. At Sandarella’s you can sit right out on the deck with a lovely view of New Denver Glacier. There are also plenty of bike trails in this area that are easy and family friendly (for example the Galena Bike Trail).