The launch pad for one of BC's most ridiculous wildflower displays. The trail starts at 1,700m elevation, so you're already high when you arrive — most of the elevation gain is done by your car. To get here you'll drive 17km of gravel forest service road off Clearwater Valley Road — high-clearance recommended, but most rental SUVs handle it fine in dry summer conditions. The road gets rough after rain and is usually snowed in until mid-June. No cell service past the turnoff, no fuel, no facilities beyond a pit toilet — fill up and load up in Clearwater.

The hike itself is a 6.5km round trip to the main meadows, gaining about 400m. Give yourself 3-4 hours to really soak it in. Peak bloom is mid-July to first week of August — Indian paintbrush, lupine, glacier lilies, valerian, and arnica exploding across open alpine meadows with the Trophy Mountains as the backdrop. Come a week too early and the snow is still melting; a week too late and the blooms are past. Miss the window and it's still a beautiful walk, just not the postcard.

Push past the meadows if you have legs left — Sheila Lake sits in a glacial cirque another 2km on, and the ridge above it gives you 360° views of the Cariboo Mountains. For the full send, continue to Table Mountain (add 4km return).

Essentials: bug spray (mosquitoes and horseflies are no joke in July), layers (snow possible in August at this elevation), water and snacks (no water sources on trail), and bear spray. Park closes the gate at dusk — don't get locked in. Sunrise from the meadows is one of BC's best-kept secrets if you're willing to camp at the trailhead the night before.