Trail Map
Quick Facts
| Distance: | 1.7km Round Trip |
| Elevation Gain: | 50m |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Features: | Mature forest |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Parking: | Lots |
Description
In Ktunaxa, a grandfather is called “ka papa” and Ka Papa Cedars Trail is named for the giant old growth cedar trees located along the trail.
Driving directions
Ka Papa Cedars Trail is located approximately 35 km west of Creston on Highway 3, toward Kootenay Pass.
Drive past Maryland/Boundary Creek turn-off (on left), Jordan’s Cabin (on right), keep going past Bayonne Creek (on right), to Char Creek Forest Service Road turn-off (on left), shortly before the yellow avalanche-closure gates. This pullout is just before (east of) the Char Creek Forest Service Road and 5 km east of the chain-up area at Kootenay Pass. The parking area has a kiosk sign at the Ka Papa Cedars trailhead.
Description
The trail loop meanders past a variety of spectacular ancient trees. You’ll find the trail located within a narrow valley beside Summit Creek (close to the highway). Even though one of the trailheads is off Char Creek Forestry Service Road, Char Creek is not near the trail. It can take up to an hour to complete the hike if one takes the time to appreciate the old growth trees.
Elevation Profile
