Where's the cabin?

There are two routes into Shangrila. Jeffery Creek Trail is shorter and is used more frequently. Little Shovel Pass is more scenic.

All guests should be familiar with the current and forecast weather conditions and avalanche conditions.

JEFFERY CREEK TRAIL

This is the shorter and more commonly used route. It is more direct, but less scenic. There are a couple of variations to choose from depending on snow conditions and time of year.

The Shangrila Access & Use Guide includes trail descriptions and an overview map. The overview map is not suitable for navigation purposes.

This access starts at Rosemary's Rock, about a mile before the first bridge across the Maligne River above Medicine Lake. There is a small parking lot just past the curve of the road that is at Rosemary’s Rock itself. Most years, a natural ice bridge will form here that provides a shorter route. Safety is a consideration here as this is an ice bridge across moving water.

After crossing the ice bridge, follow the flagged trail to the junction of the summer trail.  At this point follow the flagging to the Creek (approximately 50m) and continue up the creek. As you approach the cabin, a clearly visible sign with an arrow marks where the trail leaves Jeffery Creek.  This portion of the trail is also clearly flagged. 

Travel up and down Jeffery's Creek is preferred for safety. It is, none the less, still a test of your abilities and generously called an Intermediate trail. As with any travel in the backcountry guests are expected to have and be able to use maps to navigate this area.

Alternate Access Routes

In years when the ice bridge does not form, or for early season access, we solve the problem of crossing the Maligne River by driving approximately one mile further to the first bridge. Here there is a summer picnic spot with primitive toilets and parking on the left side of the highway. Walk across the bridge and immediately descend the west bank and follow the flagged Alternate Access Trail. This route will add about a mile to your trip. The trail interests with the Jeffery Creek trail shortly before the junction of the summer trail.  At the junction of the summer trial, access Jeffery Creek.

Very early visitors to Shangrila may encounter snow conditions such that the trail in Jeffery Creek is not usable. The option then is the Summer trail for both in and out. The summer trail is also flagged and the trail accesses Jeffery Creek further up the valley. The ski out is challenging as the trail is steep and narrow and trees are plentiful. Please ski with extreme caution.

LITTLE SHOVEL PASS

This route follows the scenic Skyline Trail from Maligne Lake, over Little Shovel Pass and down to the Snowbowl.  Plan on spending most of the day getting to the cabin by this route. This route will take you through Challenging Avalanche Terrain.

Route finding skills will be necessary, as this trail is used less frequently than the Jeffery Creek Trail and the cabin is not visible from the Skyline trail.