Description:

This spectacular lookout trail above the West Arm of Kootenay Lake looking over the city of Nelson is one of the finest hiking spots in the area. With a huge amount of volunteer effort from several locals, it certainey is a work of art. As you clamber up the thousands of rock steps, it will surely give you a sense of how much work was required to bring this trail to its current state. Now, combine this awesome hiking trail with a fantastic Granite Sport Climb and you have an adventure in the making! Although only one route exists, its exposed position over the valley below, the quality of the climbing and the beautiful rock, make for a very fine outing. You are literally belaying and climbing with 500 ft. of air below you and the moves on the route are sure to give you a rush! The climb itself faces south, dries quickly due to the exposed nature of the rock, always seems to have a breeze and goes into the shade late afternoon (making it perfect in the warmer months for an after work session). Besides a rack of draws and a 60m rope, you will want to bring a helmet and a sling of sorts to anchor yourself while belaying. Make sure you look for the amazing “best seat in the house” rock at the base which offers a fine (and comfortable) seat overlooking the lake (and a good place to gear up).

Directions / Travel Info:

From Nelson, cross the ‘Big Orange Bridge’ and stay on Highway 3A and drive approxamitely 3km and turn left into the parking area at a sign indicating ‘Lyons Bluff’. If you pass the ‘2 Mile’ Beach on your right you have gone a bit too far. From the big parking area, head up the popular ‘Lyons Bluff’ trail with it’s magnificent rock work (a real test to the amount of work put into this outstanding trail!!). After about 10-15 minutes you will come to an area that crosses the powerline (a good view/break), this is about half way to the climbing trail turnoff. Continue up the trail for another 10-15 minutes to where you come across a small lookout bluff and a white ‘Lyons Bluff’ sign indicating that the main trail stays right. From here skirt left out onto the rounded granite bluff on a faint trail and follow 3 or 4 tight little switchbacks until it make sense to head left (west) into the scrub. Find a obvious, small boulder field, follow cairns up through the rocks, head down a small hill to a fixed rope, then traverse below the cliff on a good trail to the base of the route. A total of about 40-45 minutes from the parking area.