Breathtaking, scenic hiking trails are located in and
around Kimberley Alpine Resort. Many routes start from
the base of the mountain, the site of the Kimberley
Nature Park. In fact, there are more than100 km/62 mi of
multi-use trails in the park alone, some of which run
through or around the resort. A network of Nordic
(cross-country) ski trails are also integrated into the
nature park trails. The park area is covered
mid-elevation with fir and pine forest, while hikers
will notice ponderosa pine and bunchgrass along trails
on its lower southern slopes.
There are some wonderful hikes for those who like
their walks in high alpine, accessed by the mountain’s
Northstar Express Chairlift. One signature route is
Easter Lookout Trail (Intermediate), a 3-km (1.9 mi)
trail that climbs a steep 500 m (1,640 ft). It's worth
it: hikers are rewarded with awesome vistas of the
Kimberley area from the summit.
Great skiing or hiking can also be found on Mt Manson
(2748m high or over 9000ft) at St Marys Alpine Park with
views over Irish Queen and the Purcells to the
northwest. Ski access is a long 28km drive in winter.
From the road end at 6200ft, one can access Manson
Pass (7900ft) and St Marys Alpine Park in 3km. Jurak
Pass(7200ft) is about 2km away and a nice slope leads
down to tarns and then to Jurak Lake. These routes are
steep unmaintained trails with no ski
patrols. There is a park registration box for Mt Manson
trail. Map: 82F16.
Good skiing is found on sheltered slopes below Mt
Patrick, over Jurak Pass and on the slopes and ridges of
Mt Manson and over the pass. A hiking circuit can be
done over Mt Manson and Irish Queen down to Dewar Creek
road, a very long and tough walk. Expect a long
day!