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Trail Name: Yak Peak
Trail Distance: 7.2 kilometre round-trip
Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation: 2,039 metres, 830 m gain
Directions:
Located in the Coquihalla Summit Recreational Area, travel on Highway 5 (the Coquihalla Highway) from Kelowna. When you pass the old toll booth, take exit #217 for Zopkios Rest Area and park.
Time to go: July to October, unless you’re prepared with the correct equipment
Between Hope and Merritt lies the trail for Yak Peak. This absolutely breathtaking hike, in more ways than one, is one of my favorite hikes from 2015. About an hour and half drive from Kelowna, the Coquihalla Summit Recreational Area offers a variety of great backcountry hiking.
From the Zopkios parking area we walked east along the exit ramp for almost 1 km. We found a rock cairn and some ribbon marking the trail head. After making our way down through the overgrown bushes, we crossed a tiny creek and into the mature forest.
As we traversed up the steep path, the trail eventually opened up to a small boulder field. From here, there is an amazing view of Yak Peak and its granite slab.
There is a well-marked route offering the easiest way over the boulders. Upon reaching the base of Yak, we went right along the base of the wall. After a bit, the trail led us up and around the side of the peak. With each step, the views keep getting more and more amazing! It was almost possible to forget we were climbing a trail that has an average grade of 30 per cent!
Soon we reached the saddle between Yak and Nak Peaks. From here you can go east to Nak, but we went west to reach the top of Yak. Depending on the time of year you can find wildflowers, wild blueberries, wildlife or even a snow field!
Climbing cautiously up, we finally reached the sub summit of Yak Peak. The views from the top, and throughout the entire hike, are unforgettable! We got to enjoy the amazing 360 degree view of the Cascade Mountain range, the Coquihalla and beyond!
From the sub summit to the true summit the trail becomes much more technical. Please be sure of your abilities and do not push your limits.
It is important to check the weather report before attempting this hike. In the Alpine, the weather can change drastically without notice. Make sure to be prepared!
Always be mindful of your surroundings, pack out what you pack in, stick to the trails, and Happy Exploring!
Things to bring:
- Good footwear
- Water/Snack
- Bear spray (always a good thing to carry)
- GPS, Ski Tracks, etc.
- Hiking Poles, if needed
- Camera /Phone
Born and raised in the Okanagan, Kristy Draginda always had a strong passion for the outdoors. Whether it be hiking to the top of a mountain or standing below a waterfall she says there is no better feeling than being inspired by nature. Follow along as Kristy shares different hiking locations in and around the Okanagan. For more adventure photos check out Hiking the Okanagan on Instagram or Facebook.
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