Where is Camel’s Hump & Why Visit?
The Camel’s Hump hike is a scenic and moderately challenging trail near the town of Lumby in British Columbia. This compact but rewarding route features two camel-like peaks, scenic lookout points, and a helipad at the summit. On a sunny Saturday morning in mid-July, my husband and I drove from Vernon to explore this hidden gem.
Getting There & Parking
Forest Service Road Conditions
Many BC trails begin off Forest Service Roads (FSR). To reach the trailhead reliably, we used both Google Maps and AllTrails GPS because Google often stops before the FSR begins.
The FSR leading to the trailhead is about 6 km—narrow, gravelly, and dotted with potholes. We decided to park about 1.1 km before the official trailhead where two trucks had already stopped – very wise, as the road ahead had 6 big puddles.
Recommendation: use a 4×4 or high-clearance SUV, especially in damp conditions – some sections could be axle-deep mud.
Turn-by-Turn Directions (per Vernon Outdoors Club)
- From Vernon, drive east on Hwy 6 toward Lumby.
- At Hwy 6 & 15 St/Middleton Rd traffic lights, reset your trip meter to 0 km.
- Continue through Lumby on Hwy 6.
- At 24.5 km, turn right onto Creighton Valley Road.
- At 41.3 km, turn left onto Clier Lake FSR.
- At 42.1 km, turn left onto Camel’s Hump FSR.
- At 43.2 km, take the left fork.
- At 44.8 km, stay left.
- At 46.6 km, stay left again.
- At 47.1 km, park on the left—there’s a small parking spot just beyond that.
- From here, it’s a ~1.1 km walk up the forestry road to the trailhead.
Our Hike Experience
From the “official” parking spot, the Camel’s Hump hike is about 5.5 km round trip and climbs over two hump-shaped peaks with a “saddle” in between. If starting before the parking lot our record is 8.5 km return.
- First Hump: Reaching the first summit, we found a small green communication tower and a great viewpoint overlooking Lumby, Lavington, and Vernon. From here, you can see the steeper second peak ahead.
- Second (Main) Hump: After descending and ascending again, we reached the main summit. Another green tower stood here, plus a helipad resembling a large campground platform. These solar-powered towers are part of emergency service systems, serviced via helicopter for battery and equipment maintenance.
From the top, a short side loop reveals sweeping views south toward Mabel Lake Valley and the SilverStar ski area. And if you peer further, you catch glimpses of the Monashee Mountains from the helipad.
Highlights of Camel’s Hump Hike
- Two distinctive “camel” peaks with a saddle
- Multiple lookout points with scenic panoramas
- Communication towers and a helipad adding unique character
- Forest canopy keeps shade cover even on summer days
- Moderate length and elevation make it great for a half‑day adventure
According to my AllTrails record, including the initial forestry-road walk, we covered 8.5 km with 538 m elevation gain in 2 h 44 min. Highlights included basalt rock formations, forest sections, the twin green towers, and surprising enjoyment of the helipad at the summit.
Gear We Brought
Although short, Camel’s Hump hike has mixed terrain—forest, rocky slopes, and exposed summit:
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Bear spray or a bell (forest is dense)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (sun exposure on peaks)
- Bug repellent
- At least 1 L water (summer heat calls for more)
- Snacks or energy bars
- Trekking poles (helpful on steeper terrain)
Nearby Accommodation
Planning more hikes around Vernon, Lumby, or Cherryville after Camel’s Hump hike? Staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the region’s hidden trails, scenic lakes, and alpine viewpoints. From short lookout hikes to full-day backcountry adventures, there’s plenty to discover.
Here are some ideas to plan your next day:
- Twin Lakes Trail: A Local Alpine Gem
- Bluenose Mountain in Lavington
- Becker Lake on Vernon Hill
- Backcountry Essentials for Okanagan Hikes
Need a place to stay?
Browse nearby hotels, cabins, and lodges via Booking.com (affiliate link) – ideal for you spending the weekend.
Summary
Camel’s Hump hike is short but fun – perfect for a quick weekend trip. We loved how it blends just enough uphill challenge with awesome rewards: twin peaks, green towers, and wide-open views in every direction. The 360° panorama from the top took our breath away. If you’re anywhere near Vernon or Kelowna, this is a hike we’d happily do again — fun, scenic, and totally worth it.
