A steep climb leads to almost unlimited ridge walking along the ridge above Cobalt Creek and Vowell Creek. Spectacular views. Also gives access to two lakes.

Trailhead
1.3 km past the park turnoff, (or 1.6 km back along the road from the parking lot) there is an obvious trail on the uphill side of the road, complete with sign that says “Cobalt Lake trail 4 hours.” There is also a hiker registry box. On the other side of the road is a stone lined path so guests at the nearby CMH Bugaboo Lodge won’t get lost on their way home.

Trail
The trail switchbacks up the steep hillside, most of which is an old cutblock. The trail is mostly in good shape, although the brush is starting to encroach and there is one huge piece of windfall to climb over. After gaining more than 600 metres up the hillside, the trail suddenly flattens out in the bottom of a bowl. Continue for 100 metres until you reach an important junction, marked by signs that have been propped against a tree. At the junction, the trail to Cobalt Lake turns right, while the trail to Walter Lake goes straight. [read more]

Walter Lake: 425 metres past the junction sits Walter Lake, a lovely pond nestled below a rocky ridge. It makes a serene lunch spot.

To continue to Cobalt Ridge, turn right at the junction and work your way along the trail to the back of the alpine bowl. Once you reach the headwall, the trail switchbacks up the steep hill to the ridge on the top, gaining another 200 metres elevation in the process. The trail is well built, but it’s a grunt.

Once you reach the ridge, most of your attention will be taken up by the stunning view of the Bugs landscape of ice and rock. Take a second to note where the trail down meets the ridge. It isn’t obvious on your return, because a trail goes all the way along the ridge to the next peak as well. And, when the bowl is in shadow in late afternoon, it is very hard to see the trail. (If you are reading this on the way down, the trail breaks off before the lowest point on the ridge. It is at 186232 if you are following along on your GPS.)

The views get even better, but not without just a bit more work. Turn right and follow the trail up the ridge to the right. The trail gets indistinct in the alpine meadows here, and it is not necessary to climb all the way to the first minor peak. Cut across to the next col and then mosey northward along the ridge. Most of the work is done now, so you can just enjoy the views.

From the map, it looks like you can mosey for about 12 km north along the east side of Vowell Creek.

Cobalt Lake: Some people make Cobalt Lake their destination. You get a great view of it from the ridge, but if you want to stand next to it, there is some more work to be done. Continue north along the ridge until you are above the col between Cobalt Creek and Vowell Creek. Drop down to the col and head south, dropping down into Cobalt Creek. The easiest route is probably on the rib between the two gullies here. When you reach the bottom, angle right to skirt the bottom of the rocky bluff, and then drop down again to the marshy area below the exit waterfall from the lake. Climb up to the south (left) of the waterfall to get to the lake.

From the lights in Golden, drive south on Highway 95
63.0 km at the Hamlet of Spillimacheen turn right on the Westside Road and cross the Columbia River valley.[read more]

Set your Odometer to “0” here.
2.3 km turn left on the Westside Road (do not take the Giant Mine Road).
7 km take the right hand fork of the Y junction.
9.5 km you reach a four way intersection where you will set your odometer to “0” (again).

Alternative approach:
From the lights in Golden, drive 75.8 km south on Highway 95 to Brisco and turn right on Brisco Road.
Set your odometer to “0”
7 km pass a steep road leading up on your left.
8.5 km turn left onto Westside Rd
11.1 km you will reach the four way intersection described above. Set your odometer to “0” (again). Turn right onto Bugaboo FSR and follow the directions above.

About that chicken wire: Visitors never believe this, but it’s true. The local porcupines will eat the rubber parts of your car to get the road salt. This could very well make your car undriveable. The solution? Wrap your car in chicken wire, and anchor it with rocks and pieces of wood. There will be plenty of examples for you to follow. (For day trippers, this precaution might not be necessary.)