Carrot Bluffs Mountain is pretty easy to find. From Highway 97 in West Kelowna, turn right onto Bartley Road, then left on Shannon Lake Road towards the golf course. Just before the golf course, take a right on Shannon Woods Drive near the Community Gardens. Continue on until you reach Shannon Hills Drive and take a right. Finally, take a left on Shannon Heights Place and continue until you reach the end of the street, which is a dead end. You can park and head up the trail.
Hike difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
This hike is great if you are prepared for an uphill incline. After the waterfall the trail can get quite steep especially heading down! Travel up on the path to the right past the gate bars; near the beginning of the hike you'll pass a concrete water tank.
Throughout the hike you'll be treated to the serenity sounds of a trickling water creek. Be prepared as the path crosses over the creek on several occasions. I recommend stopping for a water break at the top of the creek which has a beautiful waterfall and amazing moss wall!!
We took our time on this hike, taking a ton of photos at the waterfall but also looking at the epic views of West Kelowna. As you continue to the top, the trail experiences a steeper incline but the view keeps getting better and better as you continue on and eventually reach a small peaceful meadow-like trail.
Once you reach the top of Carrot Bluffs there is a Canadian flag with an unbelievable view of West Kelowna, Shannon Lake and Okanagan Lake below. The view was so incredible we stopped to have a snack and watch a helicopter fly over us, which was very neat!
In total, the trail took about an hour and a half, which included a water break not to mention all the photos! When venturing on this trail, be sure to take your time at specific sections, because of how steep the trail can get, but it is definitely manageable. Depending on your speed, the hike will likely take you around two hours to the top and about an hour back down.
Attire needed:
Hiking shoes/runners
Hiking poles would be recommended on this hike once the incline increases after the waterfall and on the trail down
Backpack with water/snack
Whistle/bear spray/bear bell (I always have my bear bell on my pack just as a pre caution)
This beautiful 4.47 km (round trip) hike is 15 minutes heading from downtown Kelowna, the trail is great because you not only get a waterfall but an amazing view over Shannon Lake, West Kelowna and Okanagan Lake as well! I hope you enjoy the hike!
- Carlee Kish (Nature Jane)
Carlee Kish is a 23-year-old hiking enthusiast who has lived in Kelowna for two years now. Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Kish fell in love with the mountains and hiking during a family trip as a youngster. She has a passion for the wilderness and capturing it along the way with beautiful photos. Kish lives for the outdoors and you can follow her adventures as she relishes in moss during her captivating hikes and boundless adventures. Be sure to follow Carlee's adventures on Instagram @CarleeKish.
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