Looking across Slocan Lake from New Denver, your eyes are inevitably drawn up to the New Denver Glacier. It appears vertical – an impossible target. But it can be climbed in a very long strenuous day. The target itself – the glacier – is fast disappearing – the ice itself is unimposing – a small remnant patch is all that remains, and in itself is not worth the work. But the aerial view of New Denver is wonderful.
As the trail has been so poor for so long, actually climbing to the top is not a common destination – and possibly not worth the extreme effort. Most will camp somewhere on the trail. But the recent 2020 renovation may change that for those who want a workout.
This trail was built in the early 1900s by New Denver’s Town Improvement Society and has been poorly maintained until July 2020 when it was renovated and rerouted in some places.
Rating: ♦♦◊◊◊
Difficulty: D2, E2. This is a steep, relentless trail
Elevation gained: 1720m (5640”)
Key Elevations: Lake 537m (1760’); End of old trail 1380m;
Distance: 8km one-way on the trail; 18km round trip to the glacier
Time: 6 hours to end of trail round trip; 10 hours to 2 days
Season: July through mid-October
Maps: 82F/14 Slocan
Access: Boat required. New Denver is the closest marina. In New Denver, drive to the town campground on the lakeshore south of Carpenter Creek. Park at the outer edge of the campground near the boat ramp and dock.
Call the Valhalla Society at 250-358-2333 for advice on a shuttle service. Make reservations a few days in advance. The boat moorage is good. The beach is mixed rock and sand. The trail was not cleared in 2017 but was in 2020 (the description below is pre-renovation – the trail is clear to the top.
Route/Trail: There is a campground at the Sharp Creek trailhead just above the sandy beach. The trail ascends steeply through a thin forest with lush undergrowth. Sign at 2km – 975m (3200’) – about an hour up. Soon enter the first hanging valley for level walking for 10 minutes. Then begin a switchbacking ascent into the denser forest heading west.
2.7km 1098m. Cross a minor rockslide. Ten minutes later, a left spur leads 30m to a cascade on Sharp Creek.
4km. Route steepens gaining 305m in the next 1.3km to reach the second hanging valley for 15 minutes. At 1402m (4600′), the trail passes through huge cedars and hemlocks. 4 hours. In 2011, there were two large blowdowns in this area.
6.5km 1524m (5000’). Leave forest and ascend a steep broad avalanche path and a twin waterfall in the distance. The trail disappears; don’t go too far west and work way up to intersect the trail at 5500′. At 1677 m, leave the brush, and re-enter the cool forest. Ruins of old cabin at the 1,920 m level and the end of the trail. The usual campsite is 1.8 km and 240 m elevation gain beyond the trail end.
Near 1951m (6400’), the ascent eases. Pass the campsite near two old cabin remains. At 2088m (6850’), enter the open, subalpine forest and follow cairns up the boulders.
5-6 hours. Nearing the top, arrive at the upper basin beneath New Denver Glacier. Cross a boulder field and a meadow and aim for a saddle to the west.
9km 2256m (7400’). After 15 minutes in the basin, reach a subalpine meadow beside Sharpe Creek. Cross the creek and scramble 100m SW up to a good viewpoint. Iron Peak is north, English Peak is west/southwest and Mt Denver is southwest. It is possible to camp in the meadow.
Head generally west ascending through boulders, krummholtz and heather to reach a 2338m (7670’) saddle between Iron Peak to the NE and English Peak to the SW. Just below the saddle is a small, unnamed lake.
Climb Iron Peak, then retrace your step back to the col and climb English Peak, then Mount Denver.
Consider following the ridge west to get to Mt Meers and Wee Sandy Lake. A loop via Wee Sandy Creek Trail and the wagon road just above the lake could be completed.
References:
North Slocan Trail Society