Frosty Mountain Trail

Frosty Mountain Trail in E.C. Manning Park is the classic larch mission in southern BC, and it earns its “Difficult” rating. You’re looking at about 20.9 km out and back, 1231 m of gain, and close to 8 hours on your feet if you go for the 2388 m summit. The climb is steady rather than brutally steep, but the sheer distance and the final rocky, exposed ridge make this a serious day.

The first half of Frosty Mountain from Lightning Lake is mostly forest and switchbacks, with only occasional views and some peeks at the lakes below. Things really open up around the 8–9 km mark as you hit the famous larch meadows and then, in good conditions, carry on to the ridge for big views of the surrounding Manning Park peaks. Past the campground and larches, the scramble to the first viewpoint and along the ridge is straightforward if you’re experienced, but can be slick, windy, and hard to follow once snow moves in.

Right now, recent reports say larches are basically done for the season, trails are snowy and icy from mid-mountain up, and many hikers are turning around at the larches or before the summit. Microspikes or crampons and poles are being called “a must,” with frozen switchbacks in the morning, slush later in the day, wind chill on the ridge, and fast-changing weather. Aim for a very early start, pack layers, gloves, and a headlamp, check for cougar warnings and seasonal road closures, and expect a long, grinding descent that feels like it will never end once you’re tired and just want the Manning Park parking lot back in sight.