Directions:
This trail is located in downtown Kelowna. Turn north on Ellis from Highway 97. Follow Ellis until the end, where you will find the Knox Mountain Parking area.
Description:
A local favorite, Knox Mountain Park offers great views of Kelowna and a variety of activities to enjoy!
Some of the activities to choose from include walking, hiking, running, biking, disc golf, tennis, swimming, picnicking, an off leash dog park and, of course, the Knox Mountain Hill Climb! No wonder it's the local go-to spot!
First started in 1958, this year will be the 59th annual Hill Climb car race on May 21-22. It is the longest annually running paved hill race in North America!
The Apex Trail is a great hike with beautiful views overlooking Kelowna! Almost 3 km up, the wide gravel pathway has a decent incline, gaining 262 m in elevation, but is easy to follow. With numerous scenic benches and two different lookouts (Lower Crown Lookout and the Upper Apex Lookout), there is no shortage of places to rest and take in the view! This uphill climb is a rewarding trail and many use it for training purposes. It is definitely a hike you can do over and over again!
There are numerous entrance points with lots of parking.
If you are unable to take on the climb, or don't feel like hiking, there is a road that allows you to drive to both lookouts. It is a perfect place to get the whole family out and enjoy the Okanagan sunshine!
Always be mindful of your surroundings, pack out what you pack in, stick to the trails, and happy exploring!
What to bring:
- Good footwear
- Water
- Snacks
- Bear spray (always a good thing to carry)
- Phone/Camera
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.
