The peaks in the Coquihalla Summit area offer a number of steep hikes starting off the highway.   One of the most forgiving trails of the area is the Zoa Peak Trail.   It has a steady (but not steep) climb starting at 1238m to the top of the peak at 1856m (2027 feet climb) over 4.3 km.   The summit is a rounded hilltop in the subalpine.

Turn off the Coquihalla at Falls Lake Road.   Drive to the end of the road and park.   Follow the double track east for 300 m.   Watch for the flagged trail going south up through the slide alder.   Go up this single track for 160 m to the upper double track.   Follow the double track for 620m to the crest of the ridge.  Look for a cairn-and-flagged trail bearing north.   This is the start of the Zoa Peak Trail.

The trail goes through the forest for less than a kilometer before emerging into the subalpine.   It climbs onto a broad ridge and follows the east side of a false summit to the north end of Zoa Peak.   There are open views of peaks to the north and east, but views to the west are blocked by trees.   There are some side trails lower down for these views.

The 8.6km return hike a rewarding hike in all 4 seasons (it is snowshoed and skied in winter), but we like to go in the fall when the colors are changing.   Most of the other hikes in the Coquihalla Summit area are steep and tough on knees and feet, especially on the downhills.   Zoa is a user-friendly, gentle cousin, a fine destination for those who love to hike.

More Information:

• Another KamloopsTrails article on Zoa
• Parking – N49 36.750 W121 03.877
• Turn north/left at N49 36.878 W121 03.819
• Turn right/east at N49 36.868 W121 936
• Turn left/north onto the Zoa Trail at N49 37.168 W121 03.846
• Thar Peak view at N49 37.593 W121 05.099
• Summit at N49 37.658 W121 05.459