Sanca Creek (Haystack Mountain) Trail Hiking Trail

more stats

3.5 miles

Distance

3,215 ft

Climb

-29 ft

Descent

2 miles

High Point

3,186 ft

Altitude change

5,505 ft

Altitude min

5,512 ft

Altitude start

8,698 ft

Altitude end

17.2%

Grade

-16.7%

Grade max

82.1%

Grade min

3 miles

Distance climb

1,260 ft

Distance down

318 ft

Distance flat

Trail Details

Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Creston
, British Columbia
Difficulty Rating

Black Diamond Rate
Local Popularity
85 in Hiking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
Global Ranking
#76942 in Hiking [+]
- #314194 in Trail Running
Hiking SAC Scale

T2 Mountain Hiking
Trail Type

Wilderness Trail
Direction

Both Directions
Physical Rating

Hard
Trail Visibility

Sometimes hard to follow
Season

Summer-Fall
Alpine Trail

Yes
Dogs Allowed

Yes
Land Owner

Rec Sites & Trails BC

At the northwest corner of Kianuko Provincial Park, Haystack Mountain Trail is a relatively accessible back-country hike that follows along Sanca Creek before opening up into at a serene toe lake at the base of the domineering mountain that gives the trail it’s namesake. Surrounded by larch trees, the basin is particularly enjoyable in fall as the the needles turn yellow and create a stunning autumn vista

From the trailhead you hike northeast through fir forest, distinct though rocky and narrow in places, with a moderate ascent and some rock-hopping and log balancing across small waterways. There is a partially-collapse wooden bridge across Sanca Creek after about 10 minutes hiking. About halfway up the trail you will cross the boundary into Kianuko Provincial Park.

Once inside the park, there are two options: the Sanca Creek Trail continues northeast through the park past several mountain lakes and eventually connects with the Meachen Creek Trail. Alternatively, the unofficial trail to Haystack Mountain veers to the left (generally northwest) through a meadow and then up a rocky and steep boulder field to the ridge that connects to Haystack Mountain. The hike to Haystack should only be attempted by experienced hikers; some wayfinding is required. 4 hours return to lakes, 5- 6 hours return to saddle below Haystack peak, 6-8 hours return to summit. Distance to summit 4.5 km, elevation gain 1010 metres.

Note that due to volume of standing water the area has a healthy population of mosquitos in summer. Be sure to bring repellent if you come from June to August or consider visiting in the fall!

source: Haystack Mountain Trail

Access Info

Head north out of Creston on Highway 3A past Wynndel and along Kootenay Lake for 27 km until Sanca Creek bridge. Approximately 300 meters north of the bridge, turn right on to Sanca Creek Forest Service road on the east side of highway continuing to the trailhead 17.5 km up a series of forest service roads.

From the start of the forest service road continue east. Keep straight at 2.8 km, bear left at 9.5 km, straight at 9.8 km (10 km sign may be visible). Stay right at 14 km where the road is marked for Haystack. The road turns right at 15.6 km, cross the bridge. The road gets steeper and rougher and may not be suitable for driving past here. The trail head parking area is located at km 17.6 at 1673 meters elevation.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

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Sanca Creek... Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Aug 27, 2023 @ 12:51am Aug 27, 2023	Mostly ideal conditions. Some wet/marshy areas lower down. A few tree falls but the big ones have been cleared. There are a few places where the...