Monica Meadows

Getting There

Directions from Kaslo, BC:  Drive north toward highway 31N from the junction with highway 31A. At 21.4 miles (3.7 miles past Lardeau), turn right (east) onto Argenta Road. At 22.3 miles (.8 mile from highway), cross Duncan River Bridge, where the pavement ends. At 22.8 miles, reach a junction  and proceed straight, continuing along the SE shore of Duncan Lake.  Proceed straight reaching a Y at 28.8 miles, where you turn right and ascend Duncan-Glacier Creek FS road.  At 35.4 miles, pass the spur road on the left, and proceed straight toward Monica Meadows/Jumbo Pass.  At 43.7 miles, reach a signed junction (KM 34) for Monica Meadows and Jumbo Pass, turning left here to Monica Meadows trailhead.  At 44.8 miles, take the right fork on Monica Road.  Expect several deep water bars and ruts the rest of the way, until reaching a level stretch near the trailhead. High clearance AWD or preferably 4WD vehicle is required  between here and the trailhead - on moderate to steep grade, and to travel over/around rough road sections. At 47 miles, reach the signed trailhead and parking at 5,900 feet.  Glacier Creek FS road is narrow with steep drop offs in some sections. Not  recommended for travel during wet, very muddy conditions.

Recommended guidebooks:  Don’t Waste Your Time in the West Kootenays (Copeland) is preferred more detailed guide, 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest (Landers)

Topo map (1:50,000):  Duncan Lake 82K/7.  

On the trail

Leave no trace backcountry practices are a must in this area of sensitive, easily damaged fragile meadows and subalpine forests. Day hiking and minimal to no overnight camping  recommended to minimize impact. The area is popular during peak summer wildflower blooms (approx mid-July through early-August) and during early autumn's golden alpine larch (approx September week 3-4 prime color to early October).  

Bear safe travel and camping practices are a must.

Chicken wire vehicle wraps (secured with sticks and stones) recommended for overnight parking at trailhead, to porcupine-proof  to avoid chewing damage on brake lines, hoses, wiring, undercoating, or tires. See online chicken wire wrap tips on West Kootenay Hiking or other websites.

Nearby front country camping:

• Glacier Creek campground along Duncan Lake's SE shore, just  past left fork 8.5 miles following Duncan Creek bridge crossing. 
• More camp options:  Monica Meadows trailhead parking area with table and pit toilet, two provincial parks (Davis Creek and Ledge) along NW shore of Kootenay Lake.

Trail description:   This well-graded trail switchbacks  initially up a steep slope through subalpine forest with occasional openings to surrounding glacier-clad peaks. The trail levels at 7,020 feet and contours east.  The forest opens with expanding subalpine meadows, and larch stands appear at 1.9 miles where you reach end of established trail.  Rustic flat camp sites set inside group of trees near trail end and before entering more fragile alpine above - sites include pit toilet and metal food cache. Just beyond camp, vistas expand in all directions. Hiking northwest, about 30 minutes from end of trail, you crest a ridge (7,800 feet) with a few trees. Mount Monica is viewed north across a small basin.  Scramblers may  navigate  down through basin, curving northwest then north to enter Starbird Pass (north of Mount Monica). Allow a minimum of 2 hours to reach the pass. From the ridge,  ascent west for  a supreme panorama view of peaks, as well as a view of the Macbeth Icefield. South down valley is the vast Horseshoe Glacier and summits of several more peaks. Meadows slope west from the viewpoint. Descend slightly here and continue wandering as desired to take in more of the spectacular setting.  Another extension to explore is to hike east of the main meadows, toward the wall extending southeast from Mount Monica.  Look for a lake in this upper basin and two more lakes below.

 See more trail details and photo links at:  

• https://offtracktravel.ca/monica-meadows-trail-kaslo-bc/
• https://www.mountainart.ca/products/purcell-larch-wonder

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft
• High Point: 7,800 ft

• Land Manager: British Columbia Recreation
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12