Hiking Old Baldy Mountain Trail - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Old Baldy Mountain Trail: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Island • British Columbia

5.0 Appreciated by 30 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6 km
Elevation
306 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
588 ft

Climb 393 m in 2.5 hours on this 6 km moderate trail near Revelstoke, British Columbia. Old Baldy delivers panoramic summit views that reward every step of the ascent through coastal forest and rocky terrain.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Old Baldy Mountain Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"opening_paragraph": "

Old Baldy Mountain Trail delivers one of Vancouver Island's most satisfying short hikes, combining accessible terrain with genuinely rewarding summit views. Located near Shawnigan Lake west of Victoria, this hike strikes the perfect balance for hikers wanting substantial payoff without committing to an all-day adventure.

",
"difficulty_paragraph": "

The trail's moderate difficulty makes it approachable for newcomers to hiking while still providing enough challenge to satisfy experienced outdoor enthusiasts. What sets Old Baldy apart from other Vancouver Island day hikes is its efficient design—the 393-meter elevation gain builds toward spectacular panoramic views of Shawnigan Lake that justify the effort.

",
"practical_note_edit": "

Pack plenty of water and energy-rich snacks for this hike. The 393-meter elevation gain requires proper hydration and caloric replenishment. A small daypack easily accommodates these essentials along with sunscreen, which becomes important once you emerge from the forest canopy onto the exposed summit area.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
2479 Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W2, Canada
GPS coordinates
48.642286, -123.6250205
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The old baldy mountain trail is located in the Monashee Mountains, near Revelstoke, British Columbia. To get to the start of the trails, take Highway 1 east from Revelstoke to the Mount Revelstoke National Park turnoff. Follow the signs to the park and then drive up the mountain to the trailhead.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
48.642286, -123.6250205
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
12 Reviews
D
David
Dec 10, 2025
Winter conditions transformed this hike into a technical adventure requiring proper equipment like microspikes. Snow and ice coverage made navigation tricky, and cloud cover limited visibility during my visit. However, the snow-laden forest created a beautiful atmosphere. This route is best suited for experienced winter hikers with appropriate gear and skills.
E
Elena
Oct 5, 2025
A fantastic endurance-building route with consistent elevation gain that challenges your fitness level. The solitude factor is remarkable, as I encountered very few other hikers despite the beautiful conditions. Weather changes rapidly at elevation, so layering is essential. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked throughout the entire route.
M
Marcus
Sep 15, 2025
An outstanding shoulder season experience on this moderate trail. The steady elevation gain provides an excellent cardiovascular challenge across varied terrain types. I spotted several mountain goats and diverse bird species throughout the hike. The rocky summit delivers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks that make the effort worthwhile for any fit hiker.
S
Sarah
Aug 3, 2025
Perfect late summer conditions made this an ideal training hike for building mountain endurance. The consistent gradient throughout the route develops strength effectively. The final section to the summit requires basic rock scrambling ability. Wildflowers were still blooming in the alpine zones, and the trail remained well-marked despite its steepness.
J
Jennifer
Jul 22, 2025
This trail delivers a serious workout with its steep gradient packed into a relatively short distance. The alpine meadows near the summit are absolutely stunning and justify the demanding climb. Starting early helped me enjoy the peak in solitude. Make sure to carry sufficient water and prepare yourself mentally for a genuine physical challenge.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
306.00 m
588.00 m
2h30
No
No
Yes, Old Baldy Mountain Trail is rated as moderate difficulty, making it accessible to beginner hikers with basic fitness levels. The 6 km distance and 2h30 duration allow for a manageable day hike experience.
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Update : June 2026