Trail name: Cedar Mountain Trail

Trail Length: 1.5 kilometres, round-trip

Trail Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Directions:

This trail is located in Kelowna. Driving from Highway 97, turn south on Pandosy. Continue to follow the road once Pandosy turns into Lakeshore. Go straight onto Chute Lake Road and drive through the Kettle Valley subdivision. Turn left onto Mountainside Drive, following the signs for Johns Family Regional Park. Turn right back onto Chute Lake and follow for 2.9 kilometres to the parking lot on the right.

Description:

The Cedar Mountain Trail is within the Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park. Formerly known as Cedar Mountain Regional Park, this is also a popular rock climbing area. In 2003, the Johns family donated 800 acres to add to Cedar Mountain Park to ensure the protection of the wildlife and ecosystem in the area. This park was then renamed in honor of the Johns family’s generous donation.

From the parking lot, the views were already amazing. We began by following the gravel pathway down over Lebanon Creek. There are a couple of trail options to explore the area. We decided to take the second right path, down to the bottom of the bluffs. During busier seasons it is possible to spot rock climbers along the cliff faces.

From the bottom of the stairs, we went directly up a narrow and steep, but manageable, scramble to get above the first bluff.  We continued along the beaten path and found rock cairns that marked out the trail.  There is a cool set of rock stairs to help climb safely up the next steep section.

With every minute of hiking, the views got more outstanding! When we finally reached the highest point, we were able to see a 360° view of Kelowna, West Kelowna, and the Okanagan Valley! After taking some photos and exploring the top of Cedar Mountain we climbed back down. Once we reached the stairs, we took the trail to the east back to the parking lot.

This entire area was severely burned in the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire. Please stay on the designated trails to preserve the ecosystem.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, pack out what you pack in, stick to the trails, and Happy Exploring!

Things to have:

• Good hiking footwear
• Water/Snack
• Bear spray, always a good thing to carry
• Phone/Camera

Dogs are allowed.

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.