Hankin-Evelyn Loop

9.00 km
861m gain
5.50 hours
Level 4.0/5
4.0/5
Difficulty
Hard
9.00
Distance
kilometres
861
Elevation Gain
metres
5.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Located within the Hankin-Evelyn Backcountry Trails Recreation Site, this demanding alpine loop offers one of the area's most rewarding mountain adventures. The route features a continuous climb of more than 1,000 metres, leading hikers to the highest summit in the recreation area, where sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and wilderness provide an unforgettable reward for the effort.


The ascent is long and steady, requiring good fitness and endurance, while the return route is shorter but begins with a steeper descent before gradually easing into lower elevations. Along the way, you'll travel through forests, alpine meadows, and open mountain terrain, experiencing the diverse landscapes that make Hankin-Evelyn a favorite destination for backcountry enthusiasts.


Trail intersections and sections of the route can be difficult to follow, particularly in open alpine areas, so downloading an offline trail map or carrying a GPS device is highly recommended. For those seeking a less strenuous outing, the recreation site also offers numerous lower-elevation trails that provide excellent hiking opportunities.

During the winter months, the Hankin-Evelyn Backcountry Trails Recreation Site is dedicated to cross-country skiing and other winter recreation. Hiking is best enjoyed during the snow-free season, when the trails are most accessible and the alpine scenery is at its finest.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

 From Smithers, drive north on Highway 16 for approximately 21km and turn left onto Kitseguecla Lake Road (watch for the sign). Turn left again just after the railway tracks. Drive 8km along Kitseguecla Lake Road — just past the 8km signpost, go past a driveway on the left, then turn left onto the 6008 Road (also signed as Uptrack Forest Service Road). Follow signs for Hankin-Evelyn for approximately 6km to the small parking area at the Hankin Mountain trailhead. Total distance from Smithers is approximately 34km.

Parking

A small parking area is located at the end of the access road at the Hankin Mountain trailhead. Parking is free. The access road is plowed in winter thanks to local business sponsors. No toilets or formal facilities at the trailhead — the nearest services are in Smithers. A beacon checkpoint is located at the parking lot entrance to the trail network.

Safety & Preparation

This is a hard, sustained alpine route — only experienced hikers in good physical condition should attempt the full loop. Trails can be difficult to follow in places; carry a downloaded GPX track and paper map. The alpine terrain is exposed — weather can change rapidly, afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and snow can persist well into July. Wear layers and carry rain gear regardless of the forecast. You are entering avalanche-prone terrain — in winter and spring, always carry avalanche safety gear (transceiver, probe, shovel), know how to use it, and check avalanche forecasts at avalanche.ca before heading out. Bears (black bear and grizzly) are present in this area — carry bear spray and make noise. In winter this area is non-motorized only — no snowmobiles permitted. 

GPX downloaded