Trail Info

Trails | Find the Trailhead | School of Pulpit Rock | Weather and Conditions

The Trails

Pulpit Rock Trail

Pulpit Rock is easily the most popular trail in Nelson. With lots of switch-backs, the trail provides a good work-out before it ends on top of Pulpit Rock with a big view over town. Learn more on West Kootenay Hiking.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.76km (round trip)

Avg Grade: 18.2%

Lowest Elevation: 556m

Highest Elevation: 898m

Elevation Gain: 342m

Flagpole Trail

An extension of the Pulpit Rock Trail, the Flagpole Trail network can be hiked as a loop with a difficult or moderate route to the top. This trail provides big views west over the Kootenay River Valley. The wildflowers are great in May! Learn more on West Kootenay Hiking.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7.18 km (round trip)

Avg Grade: 25.1%

Lowest Elevation: 556m

Highest Elevation: 1,231m

Elevation Gain: 675m

Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)

Going even further from the Flagpole Trail, you can hike all the way to the top of Elephant Mountain on the CBC Tower Trail. This is a challenging hike and takes 6-8 hours. Learn more on West Kootenay Hiking.

Difficulty: Difficult

Trailhead: Pulpit Rock Trailhead or Lyon’s Bluff Trailhead

Distance: 11.9km

Lowest Elevation: 560m

Highest Elevation: 1,686m

Elevation Gain: 1,126m

Find the Trailhead

From Nelson

Follow Highway 3A across the Big Orange Bridge and then turn onto Johnstone Road. Reach the trailhead 3km down the road. There is an overflow parking area.

School of Pulpit Rock

Hike it and like it – This is a recreational trail for hiking use only. Please, no bikes, skiing, horses, hunting, motorized vehicles, etc.
This ain’t a walk on the beach – Please read and respect all conditions, warnings, and recommendations. Be responsible! Be prepared!
Just leave your footprints – Please leave only footprints and sweat droplets behind on the trail. Take home all garbage and doggie doo bags. Do not disturb, remove, or mark any of the natural environment.
No bush bashing – Stay on the designated trail. Respect wilderness areas. Avoid shortcuts. Do not trespass onto private land.
Keep your hands to yourself – Respect wildlife. Do not approach, touch or feed any living creatures.
Mind the munchkins – Watch and keep all of your children, both big and small, near you at all times to protect them from falling, getting separated or succumbing to wilderness hazards.
Get Wet – Carry sufficient hydration supplies. There is no drinkable water available on the trail. Do not drink ground water due to the risk of bacteria or other parasites.
Butt why? Why butt? – Enjoy the fresh mountain air and avoid smoking. If you do smoke, ensure all cigarettes are fully extinguished. Please obey all fire restrictions.
Don’t know it? Don’t eat it! – Do not touch or eat any plants, berries or mushrooms that could be poisonous.
Smile – Respect other hikers. We’re a polite bunch here on Pulpit Rock.
Park it at home – There are no restrooms on the trail. Please use facilities prior to starting your hike. Learn about proper backcountry waste disposal techniques before venturing on longer hikes.
Share the trip – Advise someone of your hiking plans. Immediately after completing your hike, inform them you have returned safely… especially if venturing past the flag pole.
Ticked Off – Check for the presence of wood ticks on your body or clothing after your hike is complete.
Dogging it – Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. People who bring their pets on the trail are responsible for controlling their pet’s behaviour.
Party on the patio – At home or at the bar that is! Do not consume alcohol or other drugs while, or just before, hiking the trail. Your sense of balance and direction could become impaired leading to injuries or disorientation.
What’s up Doc? – Those with health conditions should seek medical advice prior to hiking the trail.
In case of emergency, dial 911.

Trail Weather & Conditions

Extra caution is required under the following conditions:

Warm weather – As the temperature increases, additional hydration supplies are recommended to reduce the risks associated with dehydration and heat exhaustion. Please remember to take all containers and packaging home with you. Appropriate protection from the sun to prevent sunburn, including sunscreen and a brimmed hat, may also be required.

Rainfall/water – Rainfall and water on the trail increases the risk of slips, falls and injuries due to reduced tractions and loosening of trail materials. Be especially carefully when stepping onto rocks covered with moisture. Appropriate footwear and hiking poles may reduce some of the risk.

Cold weather – Cold weather requires appropriate clothing and footwear to stay warm and to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Snow, slush, hail or ice present on the trail can lead to additional risks as outlined below.

Hiking is not recommended under the following conditions:

Snow/Slush/Hail – Snow, slush and hail can conceal hazards (rocks, ice, holes, etc) and cause the trail to be very slippery or suddenly give way. Deep snow can also require more physical efforts to move through and lead to exhaustion. Appropriate training, footwear, traction devices and hiking poles are recommended for those who choose to proceed.

Hiking is strongly not recommended under the following conditions:

Ice – Ice, whether visible or hidden under snow, slush, hail, soil, vegetation or other covering, can be extremely slippery and is an especially treacherous hazard on all sections of the Pulpit Rock trail. Descents require extreme caution – remember if you have difficulty going up, it is much more difficult coming down. Appropriate training, footwear, traction decives and balance devices (e.g., poles) are strongly recommended for those who choose to proceed in icy conditions.

Darkness/Nightfall – Hiking after nightfall and in dark conditions is not recommended due to increased risks of injury. Please allow for plenty of time to complete your hike prior to nightfall. If hiking in the afternoon, be prepared by bringing along a headlamp or flashlight.

Storms/Wind/Lightning – the probability of falling branches or trees striking hikers increases greatly during storms, strong winds and lightning activity. Storms and winds can also cause a loss of balance. Lightning strikes can be fatal. Cold weather often accompanies storms and strong winds.

Pulpit Rock