A new hiking trail will be open in the Nelson area sometime this summer. The Kootenay Mountaineering Club received $14,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust to develop a trail along the west ridge of White Queen mountain. Chris Cowan is the Trails Director with the Club and explains why that spot was chosen.
“There is a popular winter route up to White Queen and Mount Beaty. In the summer time, you can do it but it’s very very bushy and there’s lots of dead fall and bush and it’s very steep.”
The trail head is located on the way to White Water Ski Resort and the work is expected to be finished for August. Cowan feels it’s a convenient spot that should get good use.
“It’s close to Nelson so we think it will be pretty popular, a bit challenging and there’s great views off the top. There’s some nice large meadows up there so it’s particularly nice in the fall.”
Only part of the full 12 kilometer loop will be developed this summer. The second section requires a more complicated process to develop as it’s located in a park and will need an assessment on the impacts to wildlife and the environment.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay also chipped in with funds.