Trail Details:
Distance: 6.12km Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 450m
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: ~3hr
Season: Spring-Fall
Road Access: Easy, Off Highway
Parking: Lots
Cornice Ride Trail at the top of Kootenay Pass, is one of two premier trails in Stagleap Provincial Park, providing immediate and easy access into the park from the parking lot at Bridal Lake. The trail is both popular in summer for hiking as well as in the winter as a track for backcountry ski and split-board touring.
To get to the trail from Creston take Highway 3 to Stagleap Park at the top of Kootenay Pass. Upon arrival park in the large parking lot on the north side beside the idyllic Bridal Lake. Follow a well-trodden trail above the lake and to the left of the log building/warming shelter and continue climbing. There are several trails meandering through the forest but they all seem to merge eventually as the trail winds higher.
In approximately 800 meters the trail takes a distinct left (west) bend. An avalanche control structure comes into view. Continue past this and the route becomes fairly obvious along the ridge. The trail climbs to a high point before descending along the ridge, then continues to the end of the ridge. Great views of the surrounding terrain is the reward for this relatively short hike.
