Trails

The Boulderfields

Trails are getting a much-needed workover in the Fields.

A fixed line now exists on Rogue's Drop AND EVEN BETTER the ensuing scree trail IS FABULOUS!!!!. Solid groundwork for the fun hike to the base of the High Road walls, all the way to Escalator Ramp.  Big thanks to Mike Ankerman, Rob and friends.

Cedar Park Trail Hit Hard by Heavy Rains

On August 21, Cam Robertson gave us this update on Cedar Park. Thanks Cam ...

Not sure if you have a place online for updates, but the hard rains last week have resulted in a pretty substantial rockfall near the Gomer Wall. About half of the ledge that you walk out to get to Gomer Line, the 5.7, and routes to the South has now sloughed off, leaving a mess as you head along the trail towards Rocky Mountain Fever. Some rock may have come off above Gomer Line (there was rockfall on the ledge), but the 1st pitch of Expressway is clean. The 5.7 is a complete mess, with all the holds (except the ones I scrubbed out by hand) now filled with debris – not recommended to climb until it gets a thorough going-over, even though all the bolts are there.

The Lair Trail

The Lair Trail runs along the backside of Cedar Park’s main wall to its most recently developed wall, the Lair. Initially Aaron Culver and Adam Tutte had hoped to cut a more direct trail from the west end of Cedar Park, but dead trees and steep terrain were an issue. They settled for coming in from the east end and expanding upon a deer trail, which is still very much in use by these beautiful animals. My last walk along it I came across 6 white tails (and 2 rocky mountain ticks, which happen to love deer blood).

Culver and Tutte did a really nice job developing and marking the Lair Trail. Tape and Cairns will keep you from going astray on the 30-minute hike (one way), which is quite road-like for the first half of the journey. Allow a bit of extra time for the way home, as there is a tad more uphill than downhill on the return trip.

From the Cedar Mountain Regional Park parking lot, head towards the main crag. Go right at the first main fork in the trail. This will take you along the far side of the Scruffy Bluffs, and past the fence line. The trail heads down a fairly steep slope, all the while offering up great views of the valley and Okanagan Lake. The trail veers left (west), and levels off as you walk along the backside of the main area. After about 15 minutes there is a small chossy crag to your right. Follow the trail along the left side of this crag and then right, up a short, steep slope, to the top. The panoramic view of Okanagan Lake returns for pleasant hiking through a meadow. After traveling along a really nice rock path (which passes by a photogenic patch of burnt forest to your right), you will come to another slightly bigger chossy crag. Follow the path along its right side, take in the views of CedarCreek vineyards, and in five minutes you shall be at the 65-metre long Lair. The Lair is a work in progress and is in need of more cleaning. However, those making the hike will enjoy the scenic journey as well as the climbs, as there is a good crag under the scruff.

Other Trails and Hikes

For information on other hiking trails in the Kelowna region, go to:

• Tourism Kelowna

• Kelowna Regional District

Previous Trail pages  July 09  July 08 .