Baldy Rocks provides a 360° view directly above Bridal Lake and Kootenay Pass. This route is primarily a short ski tour popular as it is so close to the highway. Few people climb it.
Access for this hike is from Highway 3 at Kootenay Pass between Salmo and Creston. The elevation of the pass is 1775m (5823’), the highest point of Highway 3. Part of the 1133 hectare Stagleap Provincial Park, the pass is famous for its early and late season snow as well as being the highest-served pass in BC that is open year round (closed occasionally for avalanche danger).
This area is a popular backcountry skiing/snow shoeing destination in the winter. Unlike resort based routes, the ski tours are all completely backcountry. There are no lifts, no lodges and no people nearby. Check the Kootenay Boundary Avalanche Forecast n the Canadian Avalanche association website.
Snow lasts well into mid July. Most ridges have extensive cornices – take care and probe if venturing near any edge.
Location: Right on the south side of Highway 3 at Kootenay Pass.
Difficulty: B1 moderate
Elevation Gain: 365m / 1200′
Key Elevations: Parking lot on highway 1775m (5823’); park boundary and start of off-trail section 6550′; summit Baldy Rocks 7,050
Distance: 3.4 km one way
Time: 2 hours
Season: Year-round. Hiking late June to late September
Access: Excellent. 2WD low clearance on major highway with year-round access.
Map: 82F/3
Drive up Highway 3 to the top of Kootenay Pass between Salmo and Creston. Park beside Bridal Lake at the summit.
Trail. Cross the highway and take the old gravel road (the decommissioned Ripple Ridge FSR) leading south and pass a yellow gate and concrete blocks.
2.3 km. The ridge with another set of concrete blocks (the boulder road barricade/park boundary). To the right (west) is the signed Lightning Strike/Ripple Ridge trail.
Leave the road to the left and ascend the southwest ridge of Baldy Rocks to the summit. The most direct route goes left at the top of the road and goes through bad bush with deadfall. The easiest way is to continue down the road to the junction with Lightning Strike and Ripple Ridge cabins. Turn left up gentle grassy slopes.
