Yak Peak

August 20, 2019

Distance: 6.5km

Elevation gain: 768m

Time required: 3-4 hours

Yak Peak is a distinctive granite slab that can be very clearly seen on the north side of the Coquihalla Highway. It's a favourite of mine to look at when driving. Now I actually got the chance to hike it. There are separate hiker's and climber's routes.

The parking lot is at the Zophois Brake Check & Rest Area on the north side of the Coquihalla Highway past Hope. From there, you must walk about 300m along the side of the highway until seeing some flagging tape heading off into the trees.

The hike is short but steep. It starts off with a steep forested ascent. This is the easy part. It then leads out to the base of Yak's massive granite slabs where you hike around the right side of the slabs. This is where most of the elevation is gained. This opens up into a meadow leading to the false summit of Yak. It's then a scramble to the true summit which involves a few technical moves but nothing too difficult. It will take most people 1.5-2 hours to complete this.

The journey towards Yak Peak

Looking up at Yak's distinctive granite slabs

The Yak/Nak/Thar Peak ridgeline. Thar is hidden behind Nak Peak.

Almost at the summit. Overlooking Zoa Peak in foreground, July Mountain in the background

The true summit lies ahead

Reached the true summit. Looking north towards Alpaca Peak, Vicuna Peak, and Guanaco Peak in background

Close up shot of those three peaks

Looking south at the Coquihalla Highway with Needle Peak in behind (tallest point)

Mountains south of the Coquihalla Highway

The views can't be beat. Keep in mind that most of the hike is exposed and there is no water anywhere on the trail. However, it is not overly long so water should not be an issue.