Overview: Sugarloaf Mountain is a moderately difficult backcountry route that offers incredible views throughout with limited time spent sub-alpine. A capable 4x4 is required to reach the trailhead. Water sources are limited; however, a gorgeous lake can be reached via a challenging boulder field descent.
Summary of Route:
- Type: Out and back, alpine ridge camping
- Rating: 5/5
- Season: Summer
- Length: 8.4km one way, not including detour to lake
- Duration: 1 night
- Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Access to Sugarloaf Mountain is found north of Pemberton, British Columbia. Travel north from Pemberton on Pemberton Meadows Road for approximately 7.5km’s, turning left onto Miller Bench FSR. Miller Bench FSR is a gravel road in excellent condition for the first 3km’s. After this initial 3km’s, Miller Bench FSR climbs for the remainder of the 11.7km’s approach and a 4x4 is necessary. For the most part, follow the FSR in best condition. Alternatively, utilize an app such as GAIA for navigation. Google maps will only take you part of the way to the trailhead despite utilizing GPS coordinates (50.38103, -122.91809) for the trailhead.
The Hike:
Once you have reached the end of Miller Bench FSR you will notice the Sugarloaf Mountain trailhead clearly on your right. The route begins with a gradual climb through tree’s and is well marked and well trod throughout this portion.
After approximately 1.5km of travel you will begin to enter the sub-alpine. Tree’s switch to shrubs and before long you will enter alpine meadows. Shortly after this point you will encounter the first cabin on this route. In August 2023, there was a small pond shortly before this cabin and another in the vicinity of this cabin. Neither were ideal for a water source but suitable for pets or in desperation.
Continuing to follow the obvious trail up the ridge you will climb for another 100m and approximately 1km until you reach the next cabin. At this point view in all directions can be had. This cabin is in vastly superior condition to the first cabin and could be utilized for accommodation if needed. Another small pond can be found north west of this cabin if needed.
The remainder of this hike is an alpine ridge hike with beautiful views in all directions. At portions the trail disappears; however, continue to proceed along the obvious ridge and it will return. At points social trails guide along no fall areas and caution is required. There are essentially two nubs that you will ascend and descend on this portion of the route.
Following the ascent of the second nub, you will gain views of a gorgeous lake to your north. Access to this lake is possible; however, it requires traversing a relatively challenging scree/boulder slope (last photo below). This detour is not recommended for those travelling with older or inexperienced dogs. Should you be able reach the lake, plenty of wonderful campsites await. Rainbow trout were active even during the warm hours of the day when we completed this hike. Bugs were distinctly fewer lakeside than along the ridge approach to Sugarloaf Mountain.
While campsites can be had throughout the ridge hike, we recommend camping on the ridge overlooking this lake. This will allow you to descend to the lake without a pack and refill your water supplies if you are unwilling to carry sufficient water for the entirety of your trip. Camping on this ridge will also allow longer sun exposure and enjoyment of some sunset colors.
