Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Hiking routes in New Denver and the surrounding Slocan Valley range from beginner to advanced.
However, one thing remains constant – the incredible scenery. Pick up a map of 40 trails in the Slocan Valley at the Visitor Centre. Hikers heading for wilderness areas should always be equipped with topographic maps, a compass, and more comprehensive local information.
New Denver Loop
The easy 4.5 hour New Denver Loop follows the original wagon road from New Denver to Sandon on the south side of Carpenter Creek to the old concentrator site, returning on the north side via an old railbed known as the Galena Trail.
Idaho Peak
Stand on a mountaintop at Idaho Peak. The hardest part of the journey is the 17km/10mi drive up an old gravel road from the village of Sandon. The road is narrow, steep and bumpy, but can be navigated in a high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicle. There are two parking lots located at the edge of an alpine meadow.
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The summit is an easy 1.5km/1mi hike, with an elevation gain of 150m/500ft. Alpine flowers are in full bloom in early August, but fantastic views of the Slocan Valley are available year round.
Gimli Spire and Mulvey Basin
The Gimli Spire and Mulvey Basin route is a difficult (with an elevation gain of 600m/2,000ft in just 3km/2mi) but spectacular hike. Gimli Peak is visible to the north. Pick up the trail, cross a footbridge, follow through the trees, and then up the ridge to the base of the spire. Looking over the lip of Mulvey Basin is not recommended for those with vertigo issues, and only skilled climbers should venture down into the basin.
Access is via the village of Slocan. Cross over the bridge to the west side of the Slocan River and follow the Little Slocan Forest Service Road to the marker. Turn right onto Bannock Burn Road and set the odometer to zero. Turn right at the Y after 5km/3mi. Stay straight at the first major switchback. Then, at 11km/7mi take a right up onto a switchback. At 13km/8mi, take a left at yet another switchback and continue 0.3km/0.2mi up to the trailhead. The road is suitable for high clearance vehicles only.
Guided Tours
Valhalla Mountain Touring offers multi-day hiking tours with experienced guides. Accommodation is available at Ruby Creek Lodge, 16km/10mi up a logging road into the Valhallas. Tours are by reservation only.
For more information and advice on hiking trail in and around New Denver, stop by the Visitor Centre.
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