Dragon's Back Trail

Dragon’s Back Trail in Hope, BC, is short, steep, and way better than the stats suggest. The route is listed at around 4 km with about 424 m of gain, but most hikers’ trackers put it closer to 6 km round trip, so don’t underestimate it. You’re climbing hard for your views here, but the forest, features, and quick access make this one of Hope’s best bang-for-your-buck hikes.

The Dragon’s Back Trail starts with a shaded climb through deep green forest on soft tread, mixed with stairs, rocks, and a few short but steep pitches. The trail rolls a bit, dipping and rising before you hit the loop that leads to the west viewpoint and the summit, with most people going clockwise to get the west viewpoint first. Expect a couple of rope sections, some scrambly bits, and a handful of viewpoints looking over Hope, Silver Creek, and the Fraser River, plus bonuses like a small waterfall and even a rope swing near the start.

Right now, conditions reports mention very well-maintained trail work, but also slippery leaves, wet roots, and hidden rocks after rain, so good footwear is key and poles help on the descent, especially for sore knees. The access road to the Dragon’s Back Trail parking lot is rough and rutted; low-clearance cars often park lower down and walk the extra couple hundred metres. This area has seen wildfire-related closures in the past, so always check current advisories for Hope and the Kw’okw’echíwel Stl’áleqem area before you go, carry water, make noise for bears, and plan for about 1.5 to 3.5 hours on trail depending on your pace and how long you linger at the viewpoints.