Hiking Mount Outram in Manning Provincial Park BC
If you’re looking for a type-2-fun kind of day hike in Manning Provincial Park, Mount Outram delivers—big time. Steep elevation, rugged terrain, and summit views that make you forget the pain (well… almost). I hiked this beast in July 2020 with my friend Ray and a new hiking friend, Emma, who I’d just met on Instagram shortly before the pandemic kicked off. The world felt weird back then—distanced, uncertain, with on-again-off-again travel advisories. But hiking? Hiking still made sense.
And this one—Mount Outram—was unforgettable.
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
Trail Stats
📍 Location: E.C. Manning Provincial Park, BC
🥾 Distance: ~22 km round trip
⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~1,950 m
⏱️ Time: 9–12 hours (we took our time!)
⚠️ Difficulty: Very challenging
🧭 Trailhead Coordinates: 49.0423, -120.9054
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
Our Day on the Trail
We hit the trail bright and early, knowing we had a big day ahead. The trail wastes no time—it climbs steadily (and relentlessly) through dense forest for what feels like forever. It was nice to be out of the sun, but let’s be real: the forest section is kind of a slog.
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
After what felt like an eternity of uphill switchbacks, we finally broke out of the trees and caught our first glimpse of the alpine—and just like that, morale skyrocketed. A small tarn greeted us, its muddy-coloured water shimmering below the first ridge. From here, the trail turns into a rugged scramble of scree and boulders as you make your way to the summit block.
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
The summit views? Unreal. We spent a long time bouncing between sub-peaks, soaking in panoramic views of endless ridgelines and distant valleys. From the summit, we spotted a brilliant blue alpine lake nestled far below—and of course, I convinced my hiking buddies to go check it out.
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
This part wasn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser.
Off-Trail Adventures
There was no trail to the lake—just patchy game trails and wildflower-strewn slopes. We spaced out to minimize impact on the fragile alpine, tumbling our way down toward the lake, which we had entirely to ourselves. Ray jumped in, while Emma and I explored the rocky shoreline and imagined what it’d be like to camp out there. We saw signs that others had, but it’s a big climb to carry a heavy pack.
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
Mount Outram Trail, Manning Provincial Park
On our way back, I had the brilliant idea to rejoin the trail lower down rather than backtracking the way we came. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say this was mistake #2. The terrain was rough, the descent was never-ending, and by the time we got back to the car, I was beyond spent.
Would I do it again? 100%. But maybe I’d stick to the trail next time. 😉 Who am I kidding.
How to Get There
From Vancouver: Drive east on Hwy 1 to Hope, then merge onto Hwy 3 (Crowsnest Highway) toward Manning Park. The drive is about 2.5–3 hours.
From Kelowna: Head south on Hwy 97 to Osoyoos, then west on Hwy 3. The drive takes roughly 3.5 hours.
Trailhead Access:
The trailhead is located near the West Gate of Manning Park. There’s a small pullout for parking, but no amenities—come prepared.
Know Before You Go
🥵 This is a long, steep hike. Train accordingly and start early.
☀️ The majority of the elevation is in the forest, but the final third is exposed—bring sun protection and plenty of water.
🧭 There is no signage beyond the lake. If you’re planning to explore off-trail, bring a GPS and know how to use it.
🏕️ There are no designated campsites on this trail, though some people do bivy at the tarn or summit. Be bear-aware and follow Leave No Trace practices.
Mount Outram is a classic for a reason. It’s big, bold, and absolutely beautiful—everything you want in a summit day. Bring strong legs, a sense of adventure, and friends who (mostly) forgive off-trail detours.
Gear
I’ve put together a Day Hiking Checklist with a complete list of gear recommendations.
Interested in the Ultimate BC Road Trip?
Check out our complete Best of BC Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
