Category: activities

Idaho Peak

Idaho Peak offers one of the most spectacular flower shows in the Kootenays. The diversity and quantity of flowers is matched only by the diversity and quantity of visitors who come to admire the flowers and take in the 360 degree view from the lookout. This is not the place to come if you are seeking solitude. There are 2 trails to Idaho Lookout. Both meet on the ridge for the last leg of the hike up to the summit. If you would like to take the less travelled trail to the lookout, park at the Alamo parking area. The flowers along this section of the trail are every bit as showy as the ones near the ridge parking lot.  Please, keep to the marked trails to avoid destroying the fragile alpine vegetation that you have come to admire. Hike is 30 min – 1 hour return trip 2 hours.

Driving Directions: At the junction of Hwy 6 and 31A in New Denver, turn east onto Hwy 31A and follow the signs to Sandon.  The first 2 km of the road is wide, not too steep and well maintained by the mining companies. After this, the road narrows considerably, as it switch backs up the mountain. As you enter Wild Goose Basin, you will find a pleasant picnic site on the edge of the meadow. From here, the rest of the road is clearly visible, as it switch backs up to the 2 parking areas. The most heavily used parking area is on the ridge between Idaho Peak and Selkirk Peak. The Alamo parking area is less crowded. Perfect! Park here to avoid the crowds around the ridge parking lot. 2WD ( 30 minutes to 1 hour )

( recreation sites and trails bc )

Plan on 4-6 hours for the return journey from New Denver. In order to properly appreciate the history of this area a visit to the Sandon Museum ( open 10-5 ) before going up Idaho Peak is well worth an hour.

Popular destination for mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, wildflowers, and photography,

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