Penticton & Wine Country ~ Vineyards

Hiking/Biking

 

                                    

Hiking and Biking in Penticton, BC
Penticton’s spectacular scenery and proximity to natural areas make Penticton and Wine Country a hub for outdoor adventure. 

For guided outdoor adventures please see Recreation Penticton's Outdoor Programs.

The Penticton, BC area boasts an abundance of hiking trails, walking trails and biking trails – from paved paths within the city limits to mountain trails overlooking the valley, to meet all fitness levels. And for those in search of extreme outdoor adventure in the Okanagan Valley, Penticton is home to the famous Skaha Bluffs, a series of north-south canyons that make for some of the best rock climbing in BC and for that matter, in North America. 

Kettle Valley Trail in Penticton, BC
Penticton, BC is privileged to be at the cross roads of the Kettle Valley Trail (KVR Trail), with trail access right in Penticton. Those who enjoy hiking and biking can make a day-trip or overnight camping adventure along the Kettle Valley Trail which envelopes stunning Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake and Okanagan Falls.

Three Blind Mice Trail Network
This 300 acre trail system lies partially within the boundaries of Penticton, BC.  The northern portion of the network is on Regional District land in the hills above Naramata, BC.  Many of the Naramata Bench Wineries can be viewed from these trails, along with stunning views of Okanagan Lake.  While still close to town, the Three Blind Mice Trail Network will make you feel like you are on a grand adventure far off in the wilderness.

Shaka Bluffs in Penticton, BC
Located above Skaha Lake at the south end of Penticton, the world famous Skaha Bluffs draw rock climbers from all over the world. Experienced climbers with their own gear can access the area from the new entrance off of Smythe Road, just south of Penticton, by following Lakeside Road for about 2.5km. A 10 to 15 minute walk takes you to the climbing area from the parking lot. Those who prefer a guided outing may want to use the services of local outdoor recreation outlets in Penticton, BC that can provide lessons and gear rentals.

Nature enthusiasts come from all over the country to see birds unique to the Okanagan Valley in BC. The semi-arid desert, lake and forest habitats found in the region produce an eco-system that is home to a diverse range of plants and animal species. Go for a simple stroll or more vigorous hike or bike ride along one of many biking and hiking trails and you are bound to stumble across some of nature’s wonders that can only be found here during your outdoor adventure!

Penticton has some of the best hiking trails and biking trails you'll find anywhere in BC. The range is huge and the opportunities are endless in Penticton. Below we have selected some of the most popular hiking trails and biking trails in Penticton and the South Okanagan. For more information about these trails feel free to call the Penticton Visitor Centre at 1-800-663-5052.

For additional trails visit the Regional District website at Click, Hike and Bike.


Brent Mountain Outside Penticton
The Trails on Brent Mountain lead into undisturbed rolling sub-alpine/alpine areas. Brent Mountain offers outstanding panoramix views of the Monashee Mountains and the Okanagan Valley. There is also an old forest fire lookout tower at the top of Brent mountain.

Summerland and Apex Mountain
Directions: Brent Mountain has many access points. The first is Isintok Lake north west of Summerland on Isintok Access off Bathville Road. The Second is Green Mountain Road to Apex Mountain Road. Follow Apex Mountain Road for 4.1 km to Shatford logging road turn right go 3.7 kms to old 8 km road marker. Go left 3.9 kms to a fork in the road, stay left 700m to the trailhead in an old log landing. For the third route, follow Apex Mountain Road till shatford Creek Loggin Road, and then turn right. Travel for 1.4 km to just across Shatford Creek.

Bike Track: N/A    Bike Type: N/A
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Campbell Mountain Outside Penticton
Once at the top there are many trails down, but stay on the south east side of the mountain otherwise you could end up on the other side of town. One trail from the top heads right between two radio towers, this is the fastest and smoothest way down.

Penticton
Directions: Head towards Naramata (North) out of Penticton. About 1 km after Munson Mountain lookout, turn right on Resevoir Rd. Follow this until you reach a driveway and gate on the right and a small parking area on the left. You can head up the road or go through the gate. If you go up the road, cross the cattle guard and take your first right onto a dirt road, and head to the radio towers at the top. If you go through the gate, take any trail and always head uphill, eventually you will reach the top.

Bike Track: Single    Bike Type: Cross Country
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Carmi/ Ellis Creek Outside Penticton
This trail overlooks steep cliffs into Ellis Creek Canyon. This vista also includes sights of Penticton and the remains of the GArnet Forest Fire of July 1994.

Beaverdell Road
Directions: Traveling through Penticton, turn west off Highway 97 onto Westminster Ave and then turn right onto Martin street which will turn into main street. Turn left onto Carmi Ave from Main Street and travel for 9 kms to the trailhead on the right side of Beaverdell Rd. just off Carmi Ave.

Bike Track: Single    Bike Type: Downhill
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KVR-Penticton Area - Naramata Naramata
When travelling the KVR route toward Naramata expect to pass over Andrew McCulloch trestle which has some beautiful views of the Okanagan Valley. Along the way, between Penticton and Naramata, there are nine wineries and vineyards to take in .

Vancouver Place
Directions: While in Pentiction to travel to Naramata via the KVR trail, turn onto Westminster Ave off Highway 97 and continue through town up Vancouver Ave and turn left onto Vancouver Place. Starting your hike from Naramata the best place to park your vehicle is at the junction of Smethurst Road and the KVR off Naramata Road.

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KVR-Penticton Area - Summerland Outside Penticton
The section of track from the Summerland south to Trout Creek has been recreated and has a replica KVR passenger train that runs in the summer months. Past Trout Creek the KVR trail runs on top of clay cliffs over seeing Okanagan Lake before dipping down into the city of Penticton

Penticton
Directions: To get to Summerland from Penticton using this trail, park on Green Mountain Road west of Highway 97 just after crossing the Okanagan River Channel. Follow the Channel Pathway north to where this trail transects the KVR. The remnaints of an old bridge which has now been removed from crossing the channel makes this location quite distinct. At this point turn west which will take you to Summerland.

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Nickel Plate Lake Apex Mountain
This Trail heads north and is mainly flat, paralleling Nickel Plate Lake leading into Nickel Plate Provincial Park at the North end of the lake.
Special note: Part of this trail is located within a Provincial Park. Please stay on designated trails, obey BC Parks rules and absolutely no motorized vehicles allowed. Mushroom picking is also strictly prohibited withing all Provincial Parks.


Apex
Directions: From Hwy 97 traveling through Penticton turn west onto Green Mountain Road and turn right onto Apex Mountain Road at Apex Ranch. This will lead you to Apex Village. Follow the road right around the village to the back side of the monutain here you will find Nickel Plate X-Country ski center. Continue past ski center for 1 km the trail will be off to the right.

Bike Track: N/A    Bike Type: Cross Country
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Okanagan River Channel North Penticton
This paved path starts on thw south side of Highway 97 Bridge and follows the Okanagan Channel south to Skaha Lake.

Hwy 97 Bridge
Directions: Traveling through Penticton, turn west off Highway 97 to Lakeshore Drive, park on the left.

Bike Track:    Bike Type:
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Peat Bog Outside Penticton
Peat Bog is an area of intersecting freeride downhill trails. Lots of air, skinnies and speed. Some steep Rocky sections. An excellent area for the intermediate rider wanting to increase their skills. Approximately 4000 ft of vertical drop. The complexity of the trail network means you can ride a trail more than once and still find new lines to explore. This area is in a rain shadow, so dry and dusty conditions should be expected for most of the year. Special care must be taken, especially during the dry season, to avoid fires.

Penticton
Directions: From Main Street in Penticton, turn east on Carmi Rd. This is also the way to the hospital so you can follow those signs. Drive up Carmi until you get to Beaverdell Rd. Turn right. You can follow signs to the Lost Moose lodge as well. After some time the road will change to gravel. About four km past the cattleguard, there is a basic clearing/parking lot for the cross country skiers. Another 500m and there is a small road on the left. Follow this for about 2 km., and park in the clearing. The Bog Trail is to the left.

Bike Track: Single    Bike Type: Downhill
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Penticton Creek Central Penticton
This trail parallels Penticton Creek. Follow Front Street and after crossing the bridge, turn right on Ellis Street and proceed to Wade Ave. Turn left on Wade which quickly becomes Government Street. Go through the light then left on Forestbrook Drive and then right immediately before crossing the bride, follow the path along the Penticton Creek and keep going until the dam which is behind the water treatment plant.

Front Street
Directions: Traveling through Penticton turn west off of Hwy 97 onto Westminster Ave, it will turn into Front Street. Parking is located on the left side of the road next to the art gallery.

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Rock Oven South Penticton
A loop trail with several entry points at lower elevations. The main climb on this trail is up a sandy fire road that changes to a grassy old logging road. The top 500 ft to the summit is on sketchy single track marked with occasional rock cairns across thinly forested rock with a few steep climbs. At the summit there is a spectacular view of the Okanagan Valley (Skaha Lake and Penticton). The downhill is nearly continuous drops, turns and fairly steep open rock with lots of breaking along single track where no trail was before.

Penticton
Directions: This trail is located on the Eastside of Skaha Lake south of Penticton. Start by riding up Smythe Road (North Entrance) or from the south on single track at the end of Sunnybrook Drive in Lakeshore Highlands/Heritage Hills. Starting from the south, the single-double track runs to the north several hundred feet above the lake and eventually joins up with Smythe road.

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