Sanca Creek Trail (Creston)

Site Description:The trail, leading you generally NE through fir forest, is distinct though rocky and narrow in places, with a moderate ascent and some rock-hopping and log balancing across small waterways. There is a lovely wooden bridge across Sanca Creek after about 10 minutes hiking. About halfway up the trail you will cross the boundary into Kianuko Provincial Park. The trail becomes steeper. After about 1 hours hiking, you will reach the first lake. Some hikers will be happy to picnic here and then return. You may wish to wander along farther, to the right side of the first lake, or north towards Haystack Mountain on the left side through the marshy meadows. 4 hours return to lakes, 5- 6 hours return to saddle below Haystack peak, 6-8 hours return to summit. Distance to summit 4.5 km, elevation gain 1010 metres.

Driving Directions:The access starts on Highway 3A between Sanca and Sirdar, on the Sanca Creek Forest Service Road. Kilometre 0 is at Sanca Creek Road, just north of Sanca Creek Bridge. This good gravel road follows the Sanca Creek ravine deep into the Purcell range, and the main road is fairly obvious. Keep straight at 2.8 km, stay left at 9.5 km, and proceed straight at 9.8 km (where a 10 km sign may be visible.) At 14 km keep right, where the road is signposted for Haystack. At 15.6 km the road turns right, crosses a bridge, and becomes steeper and rougher. Reach the trailhead parking at km 17.6 (1673 metres elevation).