High Rim Trail: Full Trip (Vernon to Kelowna & Back)
High Rim Trail: Full Trip (Vernon to Kelowna & Back)
Kalamalka Lake
This trail is officially listed as a long trek through the Thompson Plateau from Vernon to Mission Creek in Kelowna (on Highway 33 & Philpott Road on your way out of Kelowna via Rutland). Travelling through numerous dense forest-ways, the trail has essentially two open sections that offer stunning views of the valley: The Oyama Repeater and the Grand View. However, if hikers deviate slightly in Wrinkly Face Prov Park, there is a chance for a view mid-way between these two.
WARNINGS: There are countless intersections with main forestry roads; watch carefully for signage and always carry a GPS with the trail map. Absolutely do not go without one, and definitely bring a battery backup. The trail is littered with pink and black ribbon which often marks the correct route; however, at times can indicate a bike trail (of which there are many). Also, if hiking in the late summer or early fall, the ONLY water sources are Cardinal Creek (4.75 km), Frog Pond (12.5 km and 13 km), Kelowna Creek (23.75 km), Vernon Creek (28.75 km), Hayhurst Lake (39.5 km), and Kal Lake's Cosen's Bay around 56 km.
From the main trailhead at the Cosens Bay Rd parking lot at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, this hike will take 3-4 days from start to finish for most hikers. Averaging a pace of 3.5-4.0 km/hr is expected with a pack for fit adults (allowing extra time for the initial ascent/final descent).
High Rim Trail has many access points for emergency exits, or alternatively shorter day-hike entry points. For more information, visit the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association web site for a complete set of maps, photos, and more.
Route
Kids & Pets
Features
Address
Driving Time
From Downtown Kelowna, approximate travel time by car is 31 min.
Notable GPS Co-ordinates
Detailed Directions
1. From downtown Kelowna, drive north towards Vernon on Highway 97.
2. Turn RIGHT on Highway 33
3. After approximately 20 km, turn LEFT on Philpott Rd and park.
Google Directions
Use our written directions in preference to the Google directions below as they are likely more accurate.
We have a downloadable GPS map for this trail!
Last Updated on Thursday, March 23, 2023
Need help using it? See our FAQ.
To everyone that is doing this hike in 2017. The trail workers bridge between postil lake and beaver lake no longer has a railing due to the high volume of water. Please be careful when crossing as it is very slippery and there is only a log left.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 4:38 PMIf anyone has come across some bad blow-down areas, post them up. I've been trying to clear out them where I find them. Just took the chainsaw up to KP11 to KP12 (Between Goudie and Grand View).
Monday, June 12, 2017 at 8:28 AMJust did the hike between Vernon & Beaver Lake Rd. Lost a Samsung Note 4 between The Monolith and Wrinkly Face Provincial Park. If anyone finds it can they please call 250-863-5704.
Monday, June 12, 2017 at 8:34 PMWe just formed the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association to maintain and improve the HRT. Spend 2017 clearing the trail of windfall and overgrowth. Look for more of the same this season!
Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 3:55 PMAlso, Bobi, I'm stoked Mike was able to find your phone. Talk about luck!
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