Mount Kelly Trail

Mount Kelly Trail in Manning Park is one of those hikes that’s more about the journey than a huge summit payoff. This 7.4 km out-and-back climbs about 569 m to around 1910 m, so it’s a steady grind that feels solidly challenging for most people, even though some fit locals call it “easy.” Expect about three hours on trail, more if you’re playing in the snow or pushing past Mount Kelly toward Nordheim for better views.

The route starts on a deactivated forest service road before ducking into the trees on a flagged singletrack. It’s a straightforward uphill walk through dense forest, with sections that get pretty steep near the top. The actual Mount Kelly summit is treed in and doesn’t offer much of a view, but in summer there are meadows with wildflowers and in winter the snow-covered forest has that quiet, shut-off-from-the-world feel. If you want real views, continue a bit farther along the ridge toward Nordheim where the terrain opens up.

Recent hikers report deep snow, cold wind up high, and a very well-packed track when traffic has been steady. In winter, bring microspikes at a minimum; snowshoes are handy if you plan to wander off trail or hit fresh snow, and poles make the climb more comfortable. The trailhead for Mount Kelly Trail can be a bit confusing, with parking by the blue bins or dumpsters across from the start, and there are no bathrooms, so plan ahead. Expect bugs in late spring and summer, and know that if you’re chasing huge alpine vistas, this one might feel underwhelming, but it’s a quiet, dog-friendly workout close to Manning Park with reliable snowshoeing through most of the winter.