Ahhh… back to the mountains for a great early autumn hike.
Mount Frosty is known as a great hike in Manning Provincial Park, but it is even better known for its spectacular display of golden larches in the autumn. Larches are unusual conifers because they change colour and lose their needles each year. Some have been dated at 2,000 years old!
The trailhead starts at the Lightning Lake picnic area and heads up into the mountains. The first 5 km are a gradual climb and are not particularly steep, just a continual climb. Then there is a 2 km stretch that is fairly flat, with only minor elevation gain.
After that, the trail continues to climb. You will start to see the larches just below 2,000 m elevation, and if you time it right, like I did, you will get a wonderful display for the rest of your hike to the summit.
The trail starts to get rocky at about 2,200 m elevation. At this point, you make your way up to the ridge and then across the ridge to the peak. Be careful here, as some of the rocks are unstable.
The views from the ridge and peak are impressive, with 360° views of the surrounding mountains. I highly recommend this hike anytime, but especially on a sunny autumn day.
The Stats
| Distance | 22 km return |
| Time | 8 hours, including lots of photography breaks |
| Low point | 1,250 m |
| High point | 2,408 m |
| Elevation gain | 1,158 m |
| Cumulative elevation gain | 1,625 m |
| Trailhead | 49° 03’ 44” N, 120° 49’ 29.5” W (Google Map) |
The Photos
Before You Go
Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan, including your route details and estimated return time, with someone you trust.
Bring your smartphone fully charged, and put it in airplane mode while hiking to conserve battery power. I always bring backup battery packs for extra peace of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS-capable device. I use my smartphone with a GPS app. GPS will continue to work in airplane mode, but make sure you download any required maps before leaving cellular coverage and learn how to use the app before your hike.
For anyone new to hiking, there is an important principle that hikers follow called Leave No Trace, or LNT. The basic idea is to pack out what you pack in and respect the natural environment so future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, check out this blog by a certified Leave No Trace Trainer.