Hike to Hyde Mountain Lookout to enjoy the Autumn Colours in the Shuswap, British Columbia
Welcome to your complete fall hiking guide to Hyde Mountain Lookout in the Shuswap. Hyde Mountain Lookout is located a few minutes drive from Sicamous, Canada, and is the perfect fall hike. Tackle the 33 switchbacks by either hiking, biking, or horseback to enjoy the spectacular view of Mara Lake (motorized vehicles are not allowed on the switchbacks).
Table of Contents
Quick Glance: Hyde Mountain Lookout
Time: 5-7 hrs
Distance: 15km return
Trail: There and back
Difficulty: hard
What to bring: water, snacks, winter/waterproof hiking clothes, microspikes, and hiking poles.
Road conditions: Accessible by car. Only 400 m on an FSR.
Other information: Keep right at the fork for the parking lot. Internet is available.
Getting to Hyde Mountain Lookout
Hyde Mountain Lookout is located in Sicamous, BC, about an hour's drive from Vernon or Revelstoke and 1.5 hrs from Kamloops, BC.
The turnoff for Hyde Mountain is located on HWY 1, coming from either direction. If you are coming from the Kamloops area, the turn-off is just before the 'Welcome to Sicamous' sign on the FSR on the right-hand side. If you are coming from Revelstoke, the welcome sign is about 1km from the Sicamous bridge on the left-hand side (**It is recommended to drive 3km past the sign to the rest area to turn around as there is no turning lane off the highway**). It is 400m on the FSR, stay right at the fork (follow the trail sign).
Hyde Mountain Lookout Trailhead
There's a small parking lot and the start of the trailhead is just down the road a little. Walk until you see the trailhead sign where there's also a larger map of the area (this trail connects to Larch Hill Traverse-a 38km cross-country trail).
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i. Those 33 Switchbacks
Okay before you start panicking, they're not as bad as you're imagining them to be. These switchbacks will take you uphill for 3.6km but it's a pleasant incline and quite doable for most people. The trail is well-used and marked, however, follow the orange trail markers in the trees.
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ii. Forest Service Road
Around the 4km mark, you will venture out of the trees and onto a Forest Service Road (this is where you can connect to the Larch Hill Traverse). Follow the road until you get to the signpost for Larch Hill Traverse. Go left, back into the trees (you can also stay on the road and follow that around) before connecting back again with the FSR. The road will slowly start to narrow as you enter back into the forest, eventually turning into a foot trail. Follow the foot trail until you get to an opening where you overlook Mara Lake and the North Okanagan.
Note: there are berry bushes along the FSR which attract bears. Please proceed with caution when using this section.
iii. Mara Lake Viewpoint
There will be an opening where the trail ends, along with a few man-made benches to get in the fall views of Mara Lake and the North Okanagan. Likewise, have your lunch here, taking in the view.
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Hyde Mountain Lookout is the perfect fall hike to view some golden larches while getting in a breathtaking view and some exercise.
Hiking during fall does have a higher chance of unpredictable weather, always check the weather before you go. If you're looking for more tips on hiking in different weather, check out the Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Cooler Weather or the Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather the next time you explore.