Pretty Peak

Pretty Peak near Harrison Mills, BC is one of those hikes that looks straightforward on paper and then humbles you in real life. It’s a 13.2 km out-and-back with about 1,115 m of gain up to roughly 1,336 m, so expect a long, steady grind that earns its “Difficult” label and usually takes around six hours. Most of the route follows a gravel forest service road, so it’s more about the workout and the valley views than a technical singletrack adventure.

The climb up Pretty Peak is exposed and sunny almost the whole way, with limited shade, so you feel that elevation gain in your legs and in the heat. As you wind up the FSR above Harrison Mills, you get expanding views over the Fraser Valley, though some are partly blocked by trees and brush. Once you leave the road, the flagged trail to the summit kicks up sharply through the woods with a couple of punchy steep sections, then a final push to a high point with wide-open views that make the slog feel worth it.

Right now, hikers are reporting a major washout about 3 km in on the gravel road that’s awkward and a bit tricky to cross, so plan extra time and be ready to pick your way through loose rock and uneven ground. The lack of shade makes Pretty Peak a cooler-season or early-morning hike; summer afternoons can be rough with full sun and reflected heat off the road. A high-clearance 4WD can sometimes drive a good chunk of the FSR in dry summer conditions to shorten the day, but check current access and be realistic about your vehicle, and always bring more water than you think you’ll need.