Swansea Slopes
Three levels of trails availble on Swansea Mountain for hikers and cyclists. SWANSEA LOOKOUT TRAILHiking distance: 0.5 kmsElevation gain: 105 metresHiking time: 20 minutesThis short switchbacked trail leads from roads end,(5kms from teh Windermere Loop Road), to the summit of Mount Swansea. Exilirating panoramic views of the Columbia Valley 1000 metres below. In the early 1900s copper was mined on a claim near the present day parking area. In 1924, Mt. Swansea was established as a BC Forest Service fire lookout(1952 to 1992).The mountain is internationally known as a premier hang gliding and parasailing launch. The first pilot to launch from the mountain was H. Portman in teh early 1970s. For safety reasons, please keep clear of the launch ramps. SWANSEA SLOPES TRAILHiking distance: 10.3 kmsElevation gain: 745+ metresHiking time: 2 to 4 hours depending on route taken.A loop trail can be travelled by energetic hikers from the mountain base to summitand back down via a second south summit. Steep, and sometimes undefined trail. Route marking and improvements planned for 2012. CYCLING TRAILSSeveral downhill trails offer early season riding. Parking options include mountain base, at the 2km mark for real early season trail access and 5km parking area near the summit. Maps available. Improvements to trails and new flow trail to be completed in 2012 thanks to the hard work of the Columbia Valley Cycling Society. Mt. Swansea offers black diamond terrain to test expert DH riders. Plenty of challenges await on the seven DH trails, including the steep descents of the ?Booty Call? trail, the rocky, sandy slopes of ?Gravy Train,? and plenty of wide open fun on ?Hula Girl?. Body armour is recommended on all Mt. Swansea trails.
Addr.: Driving time from Invermere: 20 minutesFrom the crossroads of invermere and Hwy 93/95 travel south 2.7 kms to teh Windermere Loop Road. Turn left here and cross over Swansea Road. Travel 3.2 kms where a left turn will take you over a mine haul road (closed to public use)and on to the signed Mt. Swansea Forest Service Road. Optional parking areas: mountain base, 2kms, or 5 kms. Road is accessible to high clearance 2WD vehicles. Drive carefully with headlights on. INVERMERE, BC
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Lat: 50.4880886
Lon: -115.9504942