This is a magnificent view hike starting at the top of the Coquahalla highway at the Zopkios rest area (exit 217).  This is a 10 km round trip with a height gain of some 700 m.   It is a steep and demanding hike right from the start of the trail, a well trodden trail through tall trees at first with the first 1.5 km extremely steep.  A good place for a break here.   Then at after thicket of smaller trees the views open up and the grade eases and you are striding along in fine subalpine meadows.   From here the hike is sheer pleasure as you make your way up and down over granite slabs and heathery meadows with views of Needle Peak and its precipitous face ahead, and the mountains with the Himalayan animal names to your rear.   At about 1850 m the trail turns downhill along a short ridge to Flatiron Lake.

After a well earned rest we will continue up along a short ridge for extensive views of the peaks around the area.   Bring plenty of water for the climb but if the lakes are open you can refill at the top; bring filters or purifying tablets.

There may well be some residual snow and mud patches this early in the season so good boots and poles are essential.   Also probably some of those pesky little mozzies will be around as the spring/summer flowers will be starting.   If there is a lot of snow we may well not be able to get down to the lake but will still make the ridge beforehand for the magnificent views.

The drive from Kamloops is about 1 1/2 hours.   We will meet at the Hillside Drive meet up location across the road from the mall in the Hillside drive parking area.