Experiences and Difficulty Rating

Easy Hikes

Ideal for: Beginners, first-time hikers, and guests looking for a relaxed, slower-paced outdoor experience. Alpenglow Mountain Escapes’ easy half-day and full-day hikes are designed to gently introduce you to the terrain, ecology, and natural beauty surrounding Nakusp.

What to Expect

  • Less than 6 km round-trip

  • Well-maintained trails

  • Low elevation gain (under 150 m)

  • A comfortable pace with frequent breaks

  • Interpretation focused on local flora, fauna, ecology, and more…

 Featured Easy Hikes

  • Vicki’s View Hike (Half-Day)

  • Cedar Grove Trail Walk – Old Growth Forest (Half-Day)

  • Upper Wilson Falls Hike (Half-Day)

  • Nakusp Hot Springs to the Natural Mineral Water Source Boardwalk (Half-Day) Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)

These hikes/walks are ideal for guests seeking a calm, scenic outing with minimal physical demand and plenty of time to connect with the landscape.

Important Note on Kuskanax (Turner Road Route)

The Kuskanax Mountain hike via the Turner Road trailhead involves approximately 357 m (1,170 ft) of elevation gain, which exceeds the Easy-Moderate Hike difficulty category.

This route is better suited to an Intermediate hike classification.  This hike is however much shorter than the south route and is suitable for beginner hikers with good physical fitness and some hiking experience.

Access Information (for North route)

  • From Highway 23, travel approximately 11.5 km north of Nakusp before turning right onto Turner Road

  • Continue for approximately 15 km on a gravel forest service road to reach the signed trailhead

  • High-clearance or 4x4 vehicle strongly recommended

  • This road experiences high traffic from mountain bikers and shuttle vehicles accessing the Mt. Abriel Mountain Bike Network

NOTE: Guests should be prepared for shared road use and variable road conditions.

Intermediate Hikes

Kuskanax Mountain Trail

Difficulty:

Moderate (Difficult - Challenging if completing the full route)

Distance & Elevation:

  • North Trailhead: ~2.4 km (1.5 miles) to the summit
    Shorter, steeper, and more direct with sustained elevation gain.

  • South Trailhead: ~4.4 km (2.7 miles) to the summit. Longer approach with sustained elevation gain

Elevation Gain Options

  • Turner Road trailhead route:
    Shorter and easier, with about ~357 m (1,170 ft) of elevation gain to the summit. 

  • Kuskanax Mountain Road trailhead (longer route):
    The more common ascent involves a larger climb of approximately ~930–1000 m (~3,050–3,280 ft) to the summit. 

Additional Info

  • The total summit elevation of Kuskanax Mountain is about 1,909–2,127 m (6,260–6,980 ft) depending on the exact peak reference.

  • The full distance and elevation gain vary with your chosen trailhead and any variations or loop options you hike.

Saddleback Mountain (Fire Lookout) Hike

Location: East of Nakusp, accessed via forest service roads
Best Season: Late June–October (snow can linger early season) July-Aug is the best time to see and photograph Wildflowers

Stats (typical route)

  • Distance: ~10–11 km round trip (6.2 miles - 6.8 miles)

  • Elevation Gain: ~600 (1980ft) –700 m (2310ft)

  • Time: 4–5 hours return

  • Difficulty: Intermediate (steady climb, not technical, some exposure near the top)

Trail Description

The hike begins on an old road/trail and climbs steadily through forest, transitioning into more open subalpine terrain. The grade is consistent rather than steep, making it a great fitness hike without scrambling.

The final section leads to the historic Saddleback Mountain Fire Lookout, which offers:

  • Panoramic views of Arrow Lakes

  • The Monashee & Selkirk Mountains

  • Excellent photo opportunities of wildflowers, and panoramic views

Access & Trailhead

  • Access is via forest service roads

  • High-clearance vehicle recommended, especially after rain

  • Some people shorten the hike by driving higher if road conditions allow

Advanced Hikes

Adventure Quest Traverse

Overview

The Adventure Quest Traverse is a demanding alpine route designed for confident, advanced hikers seeking a true mountain challenge. This full-day objective traverses a double summit before continuing into an off-trail alpine traverse toward Northern Saddleback Mountain.

Leaving established trails behind, this route requires route finding, endurance, and situational awareness. Expect rugged terrain, sustained elevation gain and loss, and a genuine sense of wilderness travel in a remote mountain environment.

Double Summit to Northern Saddleback Mountain

Difficulty: Difficult / Advanced
Ideal for: Experienced hikers with strong fitness, prior off-trail travel experience, and comfort in remote mountain terrain.

What to Expect

  • Extended elevation gain and loss

  • Off-trail travel across alpine ridges and open mountain terrain

  • Route finding and terrain assessment led by your guide

  • Exposure to changing weather, wind, and alpine conditions

  • Expansive views across the Selkirk, Purcell and Monashee Mountain ranges

This hike rewards commitment with solitude, panoramic ridgelines, and a deep connection to the mountain landscape.

Participant Requirements

  • Excellent cardiovascular fitness

  • Prior experience on challenging or off-trail hikes

  • Comfort traveling on uneven, rocky, and steep terrain

  • Ability to hike 6–8+ hours in variable mountain conditions

  • Sturdy hiking boots and appropriate mountain layers required

This hike is not suitable for beginners or casual hikers.

Why Choose the Adventure Quest Traverse

  • A true guided mountain traverse

  • Designed for guests seeking challenge, exploration, and progression

An ideal next-level objective for experienced hikers exploring the Nakusp area.