Predator Ridge Hiking: Best Trails + Essential Info

Located on a hilly plateau between two magnificent lakes, Predator Ridge Resort is a stunning setting for hiking.

While it may not be wilderness, this gorgeous area near Vernon, BC, features over 35km of well maintained, carefully marked hiking trails. Most are multi-use; some are exclusively for hikers.

Better yet, many of the trails interconnect so you can make your hiking experience last as long as you like.

Gemma standing on a rock looking out at view from Okanagan Lake Lookout, Predator Ridge, with Okanagan Lake seen from left to right, with green mountains behind
Views from the Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop, Predator Ridge in summer

Easily accessed right from Highway 97, Predator Ridge is one of those classic ‘hiding in plain sight’ hiking destinations. JR and I had driven past so many times and wondered what lay beyond the hillside.

Having now visited multiple times, I thought it was about time to share our discovery and give you the lowdown on Predator Ridge’s hiking trails.

Tourism Vernon invited us to visited Predator Ridge and hosted our stay. Vernon is located on the traditional territory of the Syilx people of the Okanagan Nation.

View from Predator Ridge hiking trail towards rugged and hilly grasslands, with forest in foreground
Looking across the grasslands of Predator Ridge

The best Predator Ridge hiking trails

Predator Ridge is a resort community about twenty minutes drive south of Vernon, BC. Hiking and walking trails weave through residential areas, lakes and fairways to ascend the rocky ridges that give the resort its name. Beautiful views await!

Keep reading to discover five of our favourite Predator Ridge trails, beginning with the scenic Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop. Find a trail map on the Predator Ridge website.

JR walks away from camera on right (out of focus) with Okanagan Lake Lookout Trail and Granite Trail sign in foreground
The Okanagan Lake Loop Out Trail follows the Granite Trail for a short time

Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop

Length: 3km loop
Type of trail: Mix of hiking and multi-use
Rated: Black Diamond
What to expect: Steady ascent (80m gain), with some short and steep sections featuring loose rock
Parking: Dedicated parking lot on left hand side of Birdie Lake Drive

The Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop is definitely our favourite Predator Ridge trail. It takes about an hour, with plenty of stops to check out the epic vistas of Okanagan Lake, Terrace Mountain and the fairways of Predator Ridge.

I’d recommend hiking in a counter clockwise direction. The first section features a wide gravel path, which steadily climbs to a (signed) lookout and picnic bench. Return to the junction and then continue onto the narrower path to reach the ridge itself for even better panoramas.

The second half of the Okanagan Lookout Loop winds down to Birdie Lake. Alternatively, you could follow the multi-use Granite Trail back to the parking lot.

If you’re concerned about having enough time or fitness to complete the entire loop, I’d suggest hiking to the first lookout area. This section is the easiest to hike and would be 1km round trip.

Winding dirt trail leads through dry grasslands landscape, with scattered yellow wildflowers, trees and mountain views in the background
Granite Trail

Granite Trail

Length: 4.1km one-way
Type of trail: Multi-use
Rated: Black Diamond
What to expect: Dirt and rock path with sometimes steep, twisty sections
Parking: Dedicated parking lot on left hand side of Birdie Lake Drive (same as Okanagan Lake Lookout)

The Granite Trail offers an excellent, but challenging, extension to the Okanagan Lookout Loop. The first half has some significant twists and turns, as well as some steeper descents.

This route actually loses a total of 150m in elevation as it meanders down towards the Ellison Provincial Park boundary. So you’ll need to be prepared for a bit of a climb back up on the return journey!

Just beyond the half way point is a yoga platform, where you can take in the stunning views of Okanagan Lake.

The Granite Trail is multi-use, so be careful around blind corners and hills and listen out for approaching mountain bikers.

A woman in a blue tshirt stands on a rock in front of a lake and forested mountain view in Vernon, BC
Bay View Trail

Bay View Trail via Granite Trail, Rift Trail

Length: 1.3km loop (plus 8km return access)
Type of trail: Hiking only
Rated: Intermediate
What to expect: Dirt forested path, steps, steep rock section
Parking: Dedicated parking lot on left hand side of Birdie Lake Drive

The Bay View Trail is a brand new (2025) hiker only trail. This loop climbs up from the trailhead to reach a rock ridge overlooking Okanagan Lake.

The cliff edge is very steep so be careful to keep well back as you take in the amazing views. We watched hawks and eagles soar in the air currents.

It’s possible to hike the Bay View Trail in either direction – we went counter-clockwise. Both directions feature some elevation loss and gain, with several sets of stairs as well as some uneven rock stairs. Most of the route is forested.

To access the Bay View Trail, you must first hike about two thirds along the Granite Trail before swapping over to the Rift Trail. It’s downhill almost all the way to the Bay View itself (so uphill all the way back to the parking), about 200m elevation difference total.

At the time of our visit (April 2025), signage on the Bay View was limited – the trailhead was marked with a handwritten sign stating ‘return hiking only, no biking.’

Looking over sparse trees from ridge towards Okanagan Lake below, which is surrounded by rolling hills
Looking towards the end of Okanagan Lake from the Longspoon Loop, Predator Ridge

Longspoon Loop

Length: 1.7km
Type of trail: Hiking only
Rated: Blue
What to expect: Forested dirt path, with quick elevation gain (70m total)
Parking: Parallel parking spots on Longspoon Drive

The Longspoon Loop offers a quick ascent up to a ridge with some lovely unobstructed views towards the end of Okanagan Lake.

Hiking in a clockwise direction from the parking area on Longspoon Drive, the narrow trail starts with some short switchbacks. The path is shaded here, which meant there was a little leftover snow in March.

It’s not long before you reach the best lookout spot (500m distance). Just a few minutes further is the Ellison-Ridge Connector trail junction.

View from the observation platform on Birdie Lake, Predator Ridge. Part of the lake is still frozen and some houses can be seen at the other end of the lake.
Birdie Lake in early spring

Birdie Lake Loop

Length: 1km loop
Type of trail: Multi-use
Rated: Green
What to expect: Easy, mostly level trail with wide path
Parking: Small parking area on right hand side of Birdie Lake Drive

This short path circuits Birdie Lake, a waterbody in the heart of Predator Ridge.

This tranquil spot was once part of a golf course until it was reclaimed about ten years ago. Native species were planted and sandy beach habitat restored for the resident western painted turtles.

The lake is popular with migrating birds, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. There is an observation platform at the northern end, with some interpretive signage.

The Birdie Lake Loop makes for a pleasant add-on to create a longer hike in the Predator Ridge area.

Looking down beyond trees towards Okanagan Lake, which is surrounded by mountains and hills, some with snow on the top
Okanagan Lake as seen on the Okanagan Lake Lookout Loop, Predator Ridge

Other local hiking trails

Looking for a longer hiking adventure? Predator Ridge’s hiking trail network connects to a number of other local options.

Ellison Provincial Park

As mentioned above, the Ridge Trail and Granite Trail both reach the boundaries of Ellison Provincial Park, where there is more than 45km of additional trails.

The Ellison network is primarily used by mountain bikers, with a map available on the North Okanagan Cycling Society website.

JR sits on a rock next to Okanagan Lake looking out towards snow capped mountains in the background. The lake surface is very calm.
One of the Okanagan Lake beaches in Ellison Provincial Park, which is accessible from Predator Ridge

Sparkling Hill Resort

The fabulous Sparkling Hill Resort is located immediately adjacent to Predator Ridge Resort.

Four short trails (click for PDF trail map) surround the main building, offering perspectives of Okanagan Lake, Predator Ridge and the resort itself.

The Sparkling Loop (1.2km) is an ideal place to start, following on to the Deer Trail (.8km) and the Bobcat Trail (0.9km) for an extended hike. The Falcon Point Trail can be used to circle back round to Predator Ridge Resort (1.4km).

Looking over a wooden fence towards grasslands scenery at Predator Ridge resort
Predator Ridge has almost 360 degree views of the surrounding hills and mountains

Hiking at Predator Ridge: What to expect

Predator Ridge’s hiking trails are located in a semi-urban setting, offering surprisingly impressive views while still being close to community amenities.

Hiking trail leading uphill, lined by small trees, one of which (close to camera) has a Predator Ridge trail sign with no bike symbol
Starting the Longspoon Loop hike, Predator Ridge

Navigation

The designated trails are very well signed, with signposts at all trail junctions and a map in the Okanagan Lookout parking lot. You can find a trail map on the Predator Ridge website.

You’ll find many of the trails featured on Organic Maps, our favourite navigation app. Be sure to download the area maps in advance so you can use the app offline.

Predator Ridge suggests using TrailForks for navigation. Please note that not all trails, such as the Bay View, are featured on there yet.

With a;; that being said, it can sometimes be tricky to keep on the correct path on some of the higher elevation trails (such as the Okanagan Lookout Loop) due to their rocky nature. Retrace your steps if you go wrong.

Granite Trail view of Predator Ridge community, with rows of houses on sloped terrain, lake, spring flowers and trees
Predator Ridge community views from the Granite Trail

Difficulty

Predator Ridge rates the difficulty of trails using the same system as ski resorts. Green are the easiest, blue are more challenging and Black Diamond are the most challenging.

We regularly hike trails of varying difficulties and found the rating system to err on the side of caution. We found the biggest challenges on the Black Diamond trails to be loose rock and some steep sections.

Elevated view of sun rising behind mountain with golden rays travelling towards camera, lighting up forest and grasslands landscape
Sunrise over Predator Ridge

When to go

The best time to hike the Predator Ride trails is April to October.

Most of the hiking trails at Predator Ridge feature a mix of forest and ridge hiking. This means that there is intermittent shade. It’s a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen and water, especially during the warmer months.

In spring (particularly in late March/early April), there may be temporary trail closures to reduce thaw damage. These closures are usually limited to bike users only.

Close up of deer in forest while hiking the Predator Ridge trails
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the Predator Ridge trails!

Important to know

There is reliable phone signal in the Predator Ridge area, but it’s still a good idea to tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to come back.

Good news for dog lovers! All of the Predator Ridge trails are dog friendly, so you can bring your pooch along. Dogs are required to be on a leash and please remember to pick up after them.

Trail photo looking over Predator Ridge houses towards forested ridge with more houses and Sparkling Hill Resort
Looking towards Sparkling Hill Resort from Predator Ridge

Other things to do at Predator Ridge

Predator Ridge isn’t just a hiking destination – there are plenty of other fun things to do across the resort’s 1,200 acres. Here are my top picks!

Biking

More than two thirds of the Predator Ridge trails are multi-use, meaning that bike users can enjoy them too.

Predator Ridge describes the difficulty rating as ‘fit beginner/intermediate.’ Please note that there are a few places that are designated one-way to help manage bike flow.

Bike rentals are available from the Bike Shop located next to the Commons Racquet Clubhouse (the big bubble-like building near the entrance of Predator Ridge). As well as hardtail mountain bikes, there are electric assist options which offer an extra boost on uphill climbs.

The Bike Shop usually opens for the season in April. Bike rentals must be prebooked online.

The biking trails around Predator Ridge are just the tip of the iceberg for riding opportunities in the area.

Ellison Provincial Park, for example, has over 45km of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails and can be accessed directly from the Granite and Ridge Trails.

JR standing on electric assist cruiser bike next to Kalamalka Lake, looking towards hills in the distance
Biking the Okanagan Rail Trail with one of Predator Ridge’s e-cruiser bikes

Okanagan Rail Trail and Bike Shuttle

Predator Ridge is just a stone’s throw from the Okanagan Rail Trail. When finished, this 52km long path will run from Coldstream (on the edge of Vernon) all the way to Kelowna.

The former railway line has an exceptionally gentle grade (1.3% max), making it perfect for all ages and abilities.

The section closest to Predator Ridge runs alongside beautiful Kalamalka Lake. The most effortless way to access the Okanagan Rail Trail from Predator Ridge is to use the dedicated Bike Shuttle, which drops passengers in Coldstream in the morning and then provides a pick-up 3.5 hours (and 27km later) in Lake Country.

No bike? No problem. The Predator Ridge Bike Shop rents a range of cruiser bikes, including some with electric assist. JR tried out one of the latter and it may be hard for him to switch back…

Sometime in the near future, Predator Ridge will be directly connected to the Okanagan Rail Trail for even easier access!

Snowshoeing

In the winter months (Dec-Feb), Predator Ridge’s hiking trails become snowshoe trails.

The trail network actually grows to include a number of additional winter-only routes, such as the Redtail Trail (4km), the Falcon Point Trail (1.4km) and the Redtail Bailout (2km).

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Commons Racquet Clubhouse.

Golfing

Just in case you didn’t already know, Predator Ridge is one of Canada’s best golf resorts. There are two award winning courses, offering 36 holes of championship golf.

I may not be much of a golfer myself, but if there was ever place to play golf, this would be my choice! The setting is simply gorgeous.

Elevated view looking down from restaurant patio towards very green golf course, with rolling hills in background
The stunning views from the Range Lounge and Grill patio at Predator Ridge

Dining

You don’t have to go far for a post-hike meal. There are two awesome places to eat right in Predator Ridge Resort.

Upscale but unpretentious, the Range Lounge and Grill serves globally inspired dishes made with local ingredients whenever possible.

The menu is pretty big and ranges from comfort food (burgers, wings, pasta) to elevated favourites (steak, fish, ribs and more). There are usually theme nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights – we can vouch for the sushi!

On sunny days, be sure to claim a spot on the spacious patio which has incredible views of one of Predator’s golf courses.

Consider fueling up before your hike with brunch at the Range (check times and availability first).

Just across the courtyard is Pallino’s, a casual Italian-themed bistro. This casual pizza place serves up chewy, thin crust bases with fresh, innovative toppings. Take-out is available.

If you just need a snack, head to the Commonage Market. As well as fresh pastries and coffee, they also have locally made picnic supplies.

Read Next: Where to Eat and Drink in Vernon

Side view of two person soaker tub in front of floor to ceiling windows looking out to rolling grassland scenery
Sparkling Hill Resort has simply gorgeous rooms, with the highlight being the two person soaker tub in front of floor to ceiling windows

Stay overnight

To get the most out of the Predator Ridge area, you can even stay overnight.

This section includes some affiliate links. If you make a booking via one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Located in the center of everything is Predator Ridge Lodge, which features pet friendly high-end studio, one bedroom and two bedroom condo suites. You can set out for the hiking trails right from your suite!

Guests have exclusive use of the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, and Predator Ridge’s restaurants are practically next door. We stayed at Predator Ridge during a fall visit to Vernon.

Combine your Predator Ridge hiking experience with relaxation at Sparkling Hill Resort.

Situated in the northwestern corner of Predator Ridge, Sparkling Hill is an adults only resort with luxurious modern rooms, each featuring a two person soaker with a view! Entry into the KurSpa, the largest in Canada, is also included.

An up and coming hiking destination, Predator Ridge has more than 30km of carefully maintained trails, most with epic views of Okanagan Lake and snow capped mountains. Click here to discover everything you need to know about hiking at Predator Ridge, British Columbia, Canada! offtracktravel.ca
Easily accessed right from Highway 97, Predator Ridge is one of those classic 'hiding in plain sight' hiking destinations. Click here to discover why you should check out the hiking trails at Predator Ridge, near Vernon, British Columbia (Canada). offtracktravel.ca
Located on a hilly plateau between two magnificent lakes in British Columbia, Canada, Predator Ridge Resort is a stunning setting for hiking. While it may not be wilderness, this gorgeous area near Vernon, BC, features over 35km of well maintained, carefully marked hiking trails. Click here to discover everything you need to know!

Check out these other Vernon posts next:

34 Awesome Things to Do in Vernon

9 Fast and Fun Hikes in Vernon

Vernon in Fall: What to Do, See and Eat

Hiking the Pinnacle Lake Trail near Cherryville

Hiking to Twin Lakes in the Monashee Mountains

Okanagan Valley Road Trip: What to Do and Where to Stop

A Local’s Guide to the Best Okanagan Valley Wineries

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