Mount Nutt (South Peak)

May 26, 2023

Distance: 12km round-trip Elevation gain: 1185m

Time required: 7.5-8 hours total

Mount Nutt is one of the lesser known peaks in Golden Ears Provincial Park. It has a false summit which is where most people end their hike, accompanied by an 'end of marked route' sign. However, the true summit goes beyond the viewpoint.

The initial hike starts on East Canyon trail before shortly heading off into the trees to the east. From here, the climb begins. The trail climbs up the slope, levelling off slightly once cresting the hill and reaching a pond. However, after a while, it begins to climb steeply again. There are several viewpoints along the way and the forest is so beautiful and peaceful, especially on a sunny day with sun-dappled light shining through the trees.

A cool banana slug I found on the trail

Once reaching the 'end of marked route' sign, the trail splits off to the right, leading to the viewpoint at the false summit. Instead of doing this, continue straight into the bushes. From here, you must bushwhack down to a saddle and then up to the true summit. The journey is not particularly long but there is only sparse flagging tape to guide your way. It would be helpful to use GPS to assist you, though the exact route you take is not important. There are great views from a rock ledge down and to the right as you summit the peak.

Alouette Lake from Mt Nutt south peak

In the centre features Edge Peak on the left and Golden Ears on the right. Blanshard Peak can just be seen on the very left almost covered by a tree.

Some of the close peaks within Golden Ears Park to the northeast, with Mount Robie Reid visible in the back

North Peak of Mount Nutt

I only went to the south peak of Mount Nutt on this journey. You can bushwhack over to the north peak as well, which is something I will do in the future. The total journey took me 7.5 hours, including stops. It is doable to anyone with some hiking experience, though keep in mind it will require bushwhacking to reach the true summit. I am very comfortable with bushwhacking and so to me, it was rather easy. I'm looking forward to bagging the north peak as well.