Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3-4h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
648 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama on Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole hike in West Kootenays, the Canadian Rockies

The Pulpit Rock hike, and the optional extension to the Flagpole, is a great hike when staying in Nelson. Getting to Pulpit Rock is an easy hike, however, the extra elevation to get to the Flagpole make this an intermediate hike. Pulpit rock offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town of Nelson and west arm of Kootenay Lake. If you make the extra trip to Flagpole you can see down the river towards Castlegar. Perfect for an afternoon trip all year round!

Download the 10Adventures App

View Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole on Map

View Map

Join our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole

The Pulpit Rock trailhead and paved parking area can be busy any time of day and any time of year, so there is an overflow parking area if you turn around and head back to the first corner. Do not park on the road.

This Pulpit Rock trail is family friendly, well signed, and easy to follow. It is a beautiful way to see the picture perfect town of Nelson, B.C. from above, and gain a perspective for the never ending mountain ranges that surround it.

The entire trail to Pulpit Rock winds upwards through a series of switchbacks in the forest, occasionally offering views of the town of Nelson. Just before you reach the top at around 1.6 km the trail breaks in two for an “easy” route and a “more difficult” route. The more difficult route has one section of steep rocks, but is not too hard. If you have difficulty climbing over rocks then please take the easy route! The return distance to Pulpit Rock is 3.5 km and you gain 340 m of elevation.

Once you reach Pulpit Rock you will see a sign on your right pointing upwards to Flagpole. Go left here and enjoy the views before continuing on, or end your hike here and head back down to town. Going on to the Flagpole adds another 220 m of elevation gain and 2.1 km round trip distance.

If you continue up to the Flagpole there are options for easier and harder routes which are well signed. If you are a capable hiker, take the difficult way up and the easy way down, it offers some variety of views and is nicer on the knees as you descend. The more difficult section has some scrambly bits while the easier path is more switchbacks.

Once you get to the Flagpole, you’ll understand the meaning of the name. There is a Canadian flag there. From here, the views of the Kootenay River and surrounding mountains are spectacular.

There is a trail that continues upwards to the CBC Tower, however, most people are happy going from the Flagpole. Return to your car the same way you came up. The switchbacks make the descent longer, but much easier on your knees.

Insider Hints for Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole

  • The Pulpit Rock hike is great for a workout or family trip. Pets are allowed off leash.
  • It is easy to bike to from Nelson to the Pulpit Rock Trailhead. There is even a bike rack to lock up your bike.
  • Please donate $1 into the box to help the Pulpit Rock Volunteers who maintain this trail.
  • Hiking up for sunrise is beautiful as you can see the sun rising over the mountains in the east (in summer this would mean hiking up around 5.30 a.m.).
  • There are plenty of great accommodations and food options in Nelson to check out after your hike. It’s a great base for a longer trip, with lots to do and good access.
  • You can rent kayaks and paddle boards for less than $15 at lakeside park (on the town side of the big orange bridge).

Getting to the Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole Trailhead

Getting to the Pulpit Rock Trailhead is easy. From downtown Nelson head over the big orange bridge. Take a left onto Johnstone Road and continue for 2.5 km until you see a parking lot and Pulpit Rock Hike sign on the right hand side.

Route Information

  • When to do

    All year round (to pulpit rock), bring spikes and head lamps in winter

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter