Balancing Rock Trail

A popular hiking trail on the west side of the Creston Valley with expansive views of the valley floor and the Skimmerhorn mountains in the distance, this is a must-do for photographers and vista viewers alike. Getting an early start may reward you with a beautiful sunrise.

From the parking lot he trail is in good shape though steep at times. It winds under some power lines and as you gain elevation parts of the trail are forested. There are excellent rest stops that allow you to sit and enjoy the view. In under an hour you will discover the trail’s namesake, a huge boulder balanced auspiciously atop the mountains edge.

The trail continues along to a swampy boardwalk section where it splits in two directions. Heading up and left takes you up the Creston Mountain Trail. To the right the Summit Creek Trail descends toward Summit Creek and Highway 3, making a near loop (some highway walking will be necessary to get back to the original parking lot). Bring water, especially if heading up the mountain.

To get here from Creston take Highway 3 west toward Kootenay Pass, turning left onto West Creston road towards the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area & Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre. About 50 meters after turning, the trailhead and parking lot can be easily found on the right side of the road.

Trail Details:

• Distance: 3.4km Round Trip

• Elevation Gain: 220m

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Time: ~2hrs

• Season: Spring-Fall

• Road Access: Easy

• Parking: Lots