Yak Peak Trail

Yak Peak Trail above the Coquihalla near Yale, BC is a short, savage grind with huge payoff views if you like your hikes steep and hands-on. The 6.4 km out-and-back gains about 789 m fast, topping out around 1,977 m, and most people are on it for 4–6 hours. This is rated very difficult for a reason: it feels more like a scramble route than a casual hike, and the memorial plaque for Michael Allen near the start is a clear reminder to treat this mountain with respect.

The route starts with a highway walk from the parking pullout, then plunges straight into steep forest, roots, and dirt before breaking into boulders, slabs, and alpine meadows. Higher up, expect long stretches on all fours, loose gravel, and sections where you’ll be picking your way across granite slabs with big views opening over the Coquihalla, Yak Peak’s rock faces, and nearby summits like Nak Peak. On a clear day the 360-degree views from the top are outstanding, and strong parties often tag Nak as a bonus, but the whole way up and down demands focus.

Recent hikers describe the Yak Peak Trail as poorly to moderately marked, with flagging you need to actively look for and a route that’s easy to drift off without a map app. Expect very steep grades, dusty and slick gravel on descent, some overgrown brush lower down in summer, and lingering snow and soft banks or ice near the summit well into the season, sometimes with cornice hazard. This one is best in dry conditions, with grippy footwear, scrambling experience, and a hard no on doing it in the dark or wet; start early, bring all your water, and be ready for a serious workout both up and down.