Memaloose Peak

Memaloose Peak in E.C. Manning Park is one of those climbs that makes you earn every view. This 13.8 km out-and-back route gains around 800 m to a high point near 1,938 m, and it feels every bit of its “challenging” rating. Expect a solid 5–6 hours on trail, with a mellow start and a serious grind near the top.

The approach from the Allison Pass highway yard is surprisingly gentle for the first 5 km, wandering through forest with several creek crossings and only minor elevation. After that, the trail tilts up hard, with a steep 300 m push over about 1.5 km, then a traverse at roughly 1,775 m to the col and a final ridge walk to the summit of Memaloose Peak. Once you break out on the ridge, the effort pays off with big 360° views over Manning Park and surrounding peaks, especially on a clear winter or spring day.

Recent hikers report anything from packed snow and easy travel with microspikes to full-on snowshoeing and trail breaking right from the parking lot, so conditions on Memaloose Peak change fast. Poles are highly recommended, and snowshoes or spikes are often needed for the steep and slanted sections, with some bushwhacking once you’re higher up if the route isn’t well tracked. Expect rolling hills that sap the legs on the way back, plan for a strong group, download a GPS track since the trail isn’t well marked, and keep an eye on seasonal road closures around Manning Park before you go.