Why Giant’s Head Mountain Might Be the Most Underrated Hike in the Okanagan
Most people drive straight through Summerland without ever realizing one of the best viewpoints in the Okanagan is sitting right above them.
Giant’s Head Mountain dominates the skyline of this small lakeside town, but somehow still flies under the radar compared to more well-known hikes across the valley. And that’s exactly what makes it so good.
This isn’t a long, all-day commitment. It’s the kind of place where you can get a full 360° view of Okanagan Lake, rolling vineyards, and surrounding mountains in under a couple of hours, or even faster if you choose the right route.
What really sets it apart though is the flexibility. You’re not locked into one trail or one experience. Whether you want a steep, leg-burning climb, a scenic ridge walk, or a quick and easy route to the summit, this mountain gives you options. Depending on the day, we’ve done all the routes!
And somehow, despite all of that, it still doesn’t get the same attention as other hikes in the region. We’ve had so many conversations with friends where we’re discussing local hikes, and this is one we couldn’t believe they had never heard of…
Giant’s Head Mountain at a Glance: What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a hike up Giant’s Head Mountain, here’s a quick snapshot breakdown of everything you need to know before you go.
- Right in the heart of Summerland in the Okanagan Valley
- About 15 minutes from Penticton, and 40 minutes from Kelowna.
- Multiple interconnected trails to the summit
- Options range from short and steep to longer and gradual
- You can mix routes to create your own loop
A hike here can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the route and if you choose to drive up. The summit can be accessible quickly compared to most Okanagan hikes!
The Story Behind Giant’s Head Mountain
Giant’s Head Mountain is more than just a beautiful hike, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the South Okanagan. Growing up here, we would always point out the towering curved peak from across the lake.
The mountain itself is an ancient volcanic formation, shaped over thousands of years by glacial activity. Its name comes from the distinct profile on the south face, where the rock formation resembles the shape of a giant lying on its back. Its truly a magical sight!
Long before it became a hiking destination, this area held cultural significance for the local indigenous Syilx Okanagan people, who have lived on and cared for this land for generations.
In 1967, the area was officially established as a municipal park, and a time capsule was placed at the summit, set to be opened in 2067!
Today, it’s a place where natural history, local culture, and outdoor recreation all come together, whether you realize it or not as you hike it. More recently, the federal government alongside the city of Summerland invested another 1.6 million dollars into preserving, maintaining, and expanding certain areas of the mountain for even more visitors to enjoy for many more years.
Why This Trail Network Is So Unique
Besides its shape and historical significance, this hiking area stands out in other ways too.Most hikes in the Okanagan give you one way up and one way down, but Giant’s Head is completely different. Instead of a single trail, you’re working with a network of interconnected routes that let you build your own experience depending on how much time and energy you have.
You can:
- go straight up for a quick, steep workout
- take a longer, more scenic route with varied terrain
- or mix multiple trails into a loop
It’s one of the few hikes in the region where you can come back multiple times and have a completely different experience each time. And with ongoing trail improvements and maintenance, it’s only getting better!
Giant’s Head Trail Breakdown: Which Route Should You Take?
One of the best things about Giant’s Head Mountain is that there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. Depending on the day, I choose route that vary from a leasurely stroll on the road, driving to the viewpoint at the top, or my favourite trail for a bit of a challenge “The Grind Trail”
Here’s how to choose the best route for your visit:
For the Fastest Summit: The Roadway Route
- You can walk OR drive up the road
- Parking is close to the summit, with a short walk from there
- Least technical option with a gradual, steady incline
- Great if you want views without a big effort
This is the easiest way to reach the top and a solid option if you’re short on time, are visiting with older family members or those with less mobility, or just looking for a casual hike!
For a Challenge: The Grind
- Short but steep
- More direct climb to the summit
- Best for a quick workout
If you want something that feels more like a workout than a walk, this is your route.
For the Best Views Along the Way: East Ridge Trail
- Longer and more scenic
- More variation in terrain
- Less direct, but so rewarding
This is one of the best routes if you actually want to enjoy the hike and not just rush to the top.
For a Balanced Option: Friendly Giant Trail
- Moderate difficulty
- Good mix of incline and scenery
- Great middle-ground option
Perfect if you want something a bit more engaging without going all-in on the steep routes.
At the Summit: Upper Loop
At the Summit: Upper Loop
- Easy trail around the top
- Multiple viewpoints
- Great spot to take your time and explore
👉 Pro Tip: If you want the best overall experience, combine routes. Go up one way and come down another! It completely changes the hike. I usually do the grind trail up, and take the roadway down. The beauty is, you can’t go wrong!
What to Expect at the Summit
The summit is where this hike really pays off! Theses are some of my favourite views of the valley you can find. Some may say the views of the lake are the same no matter where you are, but I truly find each Okanagan summit to offer something different!
From the top, you get a full 360° view of the Okanagan Valley stretching across Okanagan Lake, surrounding vineyards, and the rolling hills that define Summerland.
It’s one of those viewpoints that feels bigger than you expect, especially considering how accessible it can be.
There are multiple lookout points around the summit, so it’s worth taking your time to explore. We love to check out the telescopes that point to various iconic landmarks, and there are also a few picnic tables if you want to bring some lunch as a reward!
And if you look closely, you’ll find the time capsule placed here in 1967, still waiting to be opened. It will be a truly special day to attend the opening of the time capsule, and I do plan on being present! Maybe i’ll stlll be writing on here at 66 years old and can share about it!
Tips for Hiking Giant’s Head Mountain
A few things to know before you go:
- Bring water → many sections are exposed with little shade
- Go early or late → less heat, better lighting, fewer people
- Watch your footing → some trails are loose and steep (classic dusty Okanagan trails)
- Check road access → the summit road isn’t always open for cars!
- Keep dogs on leash → be cautious of wildlife and other hikers
How to Plan Your Visit to Summerland
If you come to Summerland and only hike Giants Head, it will be a stunning day that is well worth your time, but I HIGHLY recommend spending some time after exploring more of what Summerland has to offer.
After your hike, you can:
- explore local wineries and breweries around Summerland (Dirty Laundry, Lunessence, and Detonate are just a few I recommend)
- spend time down by Okanagan Lake – Sunoka beach is the perfect spot for a family BBQ or chill day on the water
- Grab coffee at the Beanery and check out the local shops downtown
- Grab a bite to eat in town at Giants Head Brewing or Shaunnays Cove on the water.
This area is easy to build into a half-day or full-day trip without needing to go far. Summerland is an Okanagan gem you won’t want to just drive past.
Is Giant’s Head Mountain Worth It?
Short answer: YES! There is a reason this is one of my top go-to spots.
But more than that, it’s one of the most overlooked hikes in the Okanagan. I can hardly believe how many locals I chat with who have never heard of this mountain.
You get incredible views, flexible trail options, and a hike that works for almost any skill level… all without the crowds you’ll find in more well-known spots like Knox mountain in Kelowna.
If you’re exploring the South Okanagan, this is one place that absolutely deserves a spot on your list!
Planning a full Okanagan trip? We’ve put together a complete guide to the best hikes, viewpoints, and trails around Kelowna. Check it out here!