Experience a spectacular alpine hike in the Trophy Mountains of Wells Gray Park

Trail Name: Trophy Mountain Range

Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park

Distance: From trailhead to summit and return is around 20 kilometres and you should give yourself anywhere from four to seven hours. Hiking to Sheila Lake is about five kilometres and worth the trip regardless if you would like to summit one of the mountains.

Directions: Once arriving in Wells Gray Provincial park (25 kilometres north of Clearwater) the trailheads for many destinations in the park are clearly marked on many signs. Look for “Trophy Mountains” on these signs and follow until turning right onto a logging road which you will follow for 15 kilometres to the trailhead. The logging road is very well kept and should not be a problem for a two-wheel low clearance car.

Things You’ll See

The Trophy Mountains are not a very technical alpine climb, with ice fields that are moderately steep and scrambles that are nothing crazy. A wide variety of skill levels can experience this climb. In the spring, the meadows are filled with beautiful wildflowers that are world-renowned.

The trail will take you to Sheila Lake, where there is an outhouse and places to pitch tents. Shortly after the lake, you will be in the alpine meadows, which are spectacular. The trail will dissipate leaving you free to pick your own lines up the alpine mountains.

The highest peak in the Trophy Mountains is 2,577 meters. On our trip, my friends and I tried heading for the highest peak but, unfortunately due to weather conditions, we were turned around on the second-highest peak. I was really fascinated by all of the quartz crystals on practically on every rock up in the alpine.

This hike is a fair way outside Kamloops. When I did it, I also did Moul Falls in the morning, a super cool waterfall that you can walk under in the summer. I also drove out to the Helmcken Falls lookout point as it is something that should not be missed if you have never seen it.

It was pretty ambitious to tackle all three destinations in one day. If I were to do it again, I would have camped for at least one or two nights either on the Trophy Mountain hike or various camping spots in the park.

Trail Tips and Things to Bring

Ice axe and crampons are not necessary, but bring them if you will feel more comfortable having them on the ice fields. Wells Gray is home to both grizzly and black bears, so bring all necessary measures for bear proofing and protecting yourself from them in case of an encounter. There are bear caches for food near the campsites.

Always bring enough water and food for your adventure. This is the alpine so bring more than you need just in case!

Hope to see you in the hills. Take only photographs and leave only footprints!

Born and raised in Kamloops, Mike Hanes has always had an adventurous spirit and strong passion for the outdoors. Whether it be hiking to the top of a mountain or swimming in numerous lakes and oceans, Mike and his sidekick @siberian.scarlett are surrounding themselves with the great outdoors. Follow along as @mhanes12 shares his adventures from in and around Kamloops. For questions or comments, DM Mike on Instagram or email him at [email protected].