Embleton Mountain

One of the best trail networks in the Kamloops area is the Embleton Mountain trail system.   Embleton is really a hill overlooking Heffley Lake, but the trails are pleasant and there are good views from the ridge on the west side.  All trail junctions have trail maps.   There is good parking and there is even a gazebo on top of the hill.

Driving Directions:

Drive north on Highway 5, then turn onto the Sun Peaks Road (Heffley-  Louis Creek Road).   Follow the road past Heffley Lake.   On the left is a hard-to-spot turn onto a gravel road.   It is directly across the road from another turn to the Heffley Lake Rec Site.

The road is suitable for 2WD to the lower parking lot which is a short distance up the hill.   The road also climbs to a higher parking lot, but it may require high clearance to get there.

Trailheads:

  • The main trailheads are right at the parking lots.
  • There is another trailhead 1.5 km west on the Sun Peaks Road, but it is less-used and starts at a lower elevation.   It is a good choice if you have a low-clearance vehicle or if the road is muddy or snowy.
  • The turn to the main parking areas is at N50 50.337 W120 02.285.

 

Trails:

  • In dry conditions, any loop can be taken, but a popular one is to go up the east side trails and over to the lookout and gazebo for lunch, then come down the ridge on the Skyline Trail, returning east on the Old Mills Trail.
  • There are 9.5 km of trails to choose from.   The trails on the west side of the area are steeper, but more scenic.
  • Hikers sometimes go down to Heffley Lake for a swim after hiking.
  • Our favorite route is Upper Parking lot > Aspens Trail > Pine Loop > gazebo > Skyline Trail > Old Mills Trail > parking area (5.2 km)

 

Some Stats:

  • Elevation of the lower trail – 977m
  • Elevation at the upper parking lot – 1134m
  • Elevation at the top – 1449m
  • Distance from the lower trail to the top – 2.75m
  • Distance from the upper parking lot to the top – 2.4 km
  • Distance from the ridge to Heffley Lake (as the bird flies) – 1.7 km

More Information: