The Coquihalla summits is a nice adventure destination for those from the BC interior who want to meet up with old friends from the lower mainland. Such was the case of Steve + Kevin, breaking away from family routine to get down to conquering.
Needle peak is probably the most popular hike given its convenient access from the Zopkios parking lot. Having never hiked in the Summits before this was a logical first choice. It’s a bit difficult to find the trailhead but after getting on the well worn path there is no time wasted before heading straight upwards.
There isn’t much respite until you reach a bit of a saddle between Needle and Flatiron peaks. We went pretty hard and made it to the summit in just over 2 hours. A rush that put us in the middle of the clouds without a view.
With no signs that the weather was going to improve and still having the whole day left, we decided to backtrack and go up to the top of Flatiron. All in all we were a bit disappointed that it wasn’t more of a challenge. When it started to snow, that was a clear sign that it was just going to be one of those days.
Notes on Markhor Traverse:
It is possible to make the Needle Peak scramble a loop including Markhor Peak. Be strongly cautioned that there are serious mountaineering sections to achieve the traverse. Experienced scramblers can do it without ropes but most bring at least one 20m rope along with other basic climbing gear. The traverse is usually accomplished in a clockwise direction starting with Markhor Peak first and continuing on to Needle.
