Hike to Mount Assiniboine

There are a handful of trails to get to Mount Assiniboine, but the most common is by way of Sunshine Village Ski Resort. There are bear boxes and outhouses at the campgrounds along the trail to Lake Magog and every campground has overflow camping. The overall elevation gain is only 1300 feet, but this trail goes up and down constantly. Citadel pass is a 2000 foot elevation change. Some people take a helicopter out once they reach Magog, but I'm writing this hike for people who are ballin on a budget.

Day One: Sunshine Village to Og Lake (15 mi)

To start the 34 mile round trip adventure, park in the Gondola lot at Sunshine Village and take either the shuttle or the Gondola to the mid-mountain lodge. (Shuttle is $15 one way and Gondola is about $20) If you don't do this, you will have an extra four miles of sub-par hiking to do. At the mid-mountain lodge, follow the trail to the top of the resort and over the Continental Divide. The trail splits up here, so follow the left trail to Citadel Pass. After crossing the pass, some people decide to camp at Porcupine Campground (free) which is at the bottom of the pass. Others continue hiking to Valley of the Rocks and Og Lake. Make sure to get water before Valley of the Rocks because there weren't any running streams or ponds for about 5 miles in mid August. The Og lake campground has about 15 tent pads, an outhouse, bear boxes, a cooking area, and beautiful lakeside views. This campground has a charge of $10 that is paid on scout's honor.

Day Two: Day hike to Lake Magog and Nub Peak (13 mi)

Leave your tent set up at Og and bring a day pack to Lake Magog and Nub Peak. After leaving Og, you will walk through beautiful meadows until reaching the forest that surrounds Magog. Shortly after entering the forest, take a right to go to Nub Peak. Nub Peak was my favorite part of the trail, and to date, the most beautiful sight my eyes have seen. After you're ready to leave the peak, follow the trail back to Og Lake.

Day Three: Og Lake to Sunshine Village (15 mi)

Day three is brutal and I would advise an early start. Follow the trail back to Sunshine Village. Citadel Pass is a real leg burner so be prepared! Be sure to get back to the mid-mountain lodge at Sunshine Village before the shuttles close or you will have to take the long walk down to the lot!