Hiking around Penticton at a glance
Penticton has walks for every energy level. The shortest is a lookout walk on Munson Mountain, and the Skaha Bluffs have cliff terrain. On the Summerland side, Giant's Head rises above orchards. Plan around heat, carry your own water and stay on marked paths.
The old railway grade of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a separate topic with its own closures. This page covers the hills and viewpoints.
Guided hikes and outdoor tours around Penticton
Guided walks, bike and nature outings around Penticton and the Okanagan, with live prices and availability.
Munson Mountain
Munson Mountain is the quick one. It is about 1 km there and back from the parking lot to the summit lookout at the PENTICTON sign. You reach it by Munson Mountain Road from Middle Bench Road North. The paths are paved and gravel, and there are benches and a viewpoint. It suits an evening or a first look at the two lakes.
Skaha Bluffs Park
Skaha Bluffs Park is a provincial park south of Penticton, east of Skaha Lake, with access by Lakeside Road and Smythe Road. It is known for climbing, which is allowed only in the north part and banned in the southern Gillies Creek area. Walkers use the marked trails and stay out of the cliff terrain.
- Gate: The access gate is usually closed from mid-November to mid-March, and every day from dusk to dawn.
- Parking: No overnight parking and no parking along the single-lane access road. Overflow parking is at the bottom on Smythe Road.
- Rules: Dogs on a leash, no camping, no campfires, no drinking water at the park. Bring all the water you need.
- Terrain: Routes to the cliffs can be steep with a risk of falling. Keep clear of bighorn sheep.
For the lake itself, the beach and the town of Okanagan Falls, see the Skaha Lake guide.
Campbell Mountain
Campbell Mountain is a green area close to town for shorter walks and mountain bike trails. Choose paths by the signs on site and check the current trail map locally before you go.
Giant's Head Mountain in Summerland
Giant's Head rises 845 m above sea level over the orchards of Summerland. The municipal trails are the Confederation Trail and the Centennial Trail. You drive up Giant's Head Road and Milne Road, then walk the last part to the summit. The road is open from 15 April to 30 October, from noon to 9 p.m., and not to vehicles on Sundays. Check these times before you leave, since they are a seasonal rule.
Other parks in Summerland have been affected by the wildfire, so read the notes on Summerland and the wider closures on the Rail Trail page.
Walks compared
Details for 2026. Conditions can change.
| Walk | Type | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Munson Mountain lookout | Short viewpoint walk, 1 km return | Paved and gravel paths, benches |
| Skaha Bluffs | Marked trails and climbing | Gate closed mid-November to mid-March; leash for dogs |
| Campbell Mountain | Short walks and bike trails | Follow local signs |
| Giant's Head | Summit walk | Road open 15 April to 30 October, noon to 9 p.m. |
For most visitors, Munson Mountain is the easy first walk and the Skaha Bluffs are the place for a longer day outdoors. See also the weather page to choose a season.
Wildlife, fire and safety
BC Parks recommends staying at least 30 m from wild sheep, deer, elk and moose, and at least 100 m from predators such as bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars. Do not feed animals or walk up to them. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Fire rules change through the season. Check the current BC Wildfire Service restrictions before every trip, and remember that campfires are banned in Skaha Bluffs Park whatever the general rule. There is no fixed smoke-free window, so plan with flexibility in summer.
Hiking near Penticton: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest hike near Penticton?
The Munson Mountain lookout is about 1 km return from the parking lot, on paved and gravel paths with benches.
Can I hike in Skaha Bluffs Park all year?
The access gate is usually closed from mid-November to mid-March and every day from dusk to dawn. Outside those times the marked trails are open to walkers.
Can I camp in Skaha Bluffs Park?
No. Camping, overnight parking and campfires are not allowed. Camping options are covered on the where to stay page.
How close can I get to wildlife?
At least 30 m from sheep, deer, elk and moose, and at least 100 m from bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars.
When is the road to Giant's Head open?
From 15 April to 30 October, noon to 9 p.m., and not to vehicles on Sundays. The last part to the summit is on foot.
Do I need a day-use pass for Skaha Bluffs?
The park is not on the 2026 list of BC parks that require a day-use pass. That does not guarantee a parking space.