Giant's Head Hike

Giants Head Hike

Sorry about missing posting on Tuesday or Wednesday, computer was down.

As I walked up the Giants Head Park road, it soon became apparent that this hike should really be an all day affair. I was greeted at every turn with a view just itching for me to reach for my camera. I was on a mission to reach the top, though, and had only a couple of hours to spare. It hike is good for those wanting to keep fit yet gentle enough for most if given enough time. Be sure to take a good supply of water and some snacks, but most of all take your camera.

Today was nearly the end of March and a few yellow buttercups were poking out of the ground. These next two months will see the progression of spring flowers slowly work their way up the hillside while across the valley bottoms orchards will be coming into bloom, sail boats will be plying the lakes and from the summit you will be able to search the ski hills with binoculars to see how the skiing is going.

The road is locked for the winter months and I believe opens around the middle of April. Seeing at these areas have to be posted and partially closed to the public is always saddening, as we all suffer for the actions of a few who do not respect the country. Once open for the season the gates are still closed from 11 PM to 8 AM daily. This is too bad for even those physically less able will miss out on some great sunrises and sunsets from the summit, not to mention it would likely be a great place to see the annual meteor showers.

Even though I am not in great shape at the moment I made the trek from the bottom gate to the summit and back in just a little over an hour and a half. The first section, which is a paved road to a parking lot and picnic facilities, is 2.5 kilometres in length with a vertical rise of 251 meters. It is fairly narrow and winds its way up the mountainside offering many great views. There are a few picnic tables along the way where hikers can sit for a rest and a snack.

The terrain is semi-open with bunch grass, wild flowers, fir and pine trees and, yes, even here some knap weed. In some areas there are nice ponderosa pine which are fairly immune to wild fires, but in other sections the trees are fairly close together with a lot of dead lower branches which would easily allow a fire to ladder up and tree. Do keep this in mind and if you must smoke use and ashtray. My wife, bless her, always used a tin when ever she was out and about, leaving no chance of fire and no unsightly butts on the ground.
The picnic and parking area is reasonably large and has some restroom facilities, although I did not check them out to see if they were left open year round.

Having reached this far, carry on to the summit for more beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.The trail continues from the parking lot to the summit, again winding around, and although not too good for using a walker, canes or walking poles should allow your elderly relative access to the top. The trail in about 490 metres and the last bit rises 63 metres from the parking lot.

Several sections are cabled-off as the drop is fairly high and steep. Many metal tubes have been installed pointing to different points of interest. From here you can see Big White, Mount Baldy and Apex ski hills among many others. Makes one want to get out and explore some more of this beautiful country.