Alpaca, Lama, Zupjok

July 26, 2025 -- Coquihalla Recreational Area

Stats: 20.24 km / 1393m gain / 2060m high / 6:30 hours MT

Three in one. Once on the Zupjok Ridge, we followed it to Alpaca, going up and over Lama on the way there. Conditions couldn't have been better; not-too-hot temperatures, no snow on the trail, no bugs and lots of sunshine. This is the first time I hiked this route in the summer, having done Zupjok countless times on snowhoes.

So that's what the bridge looks like.

Leaving the steep trail in the forest on Zupjok's slopes.

Almost on the summit, looking at Alpaca, Vicuna & Guanaco Peaks -- northeast.

It took us two hours to get to the Zupjok summit. We estimated another three to get to Alpaca but it took 2:30 hours (including breaks).

The Anderson Group -- southwest.

Beyond this point was uncharted territory for me. This was the first of three dips on the ridge.

Looking back at Zupjok -- east.

There was also an almost vertical short trail close to this point. This was Carmen's 6th time doing Alpaca. She advised this route.

north

Made it! It took us 4 hours (3:30 MT) to get to the summit.

Nearby Vicuna & Guanaco Peaks.

Group shot, back row, left to right: Owen W, Karen S, Janice H, Vic, Mary R

Front row: Carmen S, Tammy W, Rose, me

A nice warm spot for lunch. We could even recline.

Beginning the mostly downhill journey. Left are Yak, Nak & Thar Peaks. Farther back are Jim Kelly & Coquihalla Mtns and right are Markhor & the Needle (we'd just hiked there 3 days prior) -- east to southeast.

Behind Zupok is the Needle & Flat Iron.

Vicuna looks so thin from this angle. Like a shark's fin.

Going down that short vertical path. Then we were bracing ourselves for the first of three brutal pieces of uphill.

I poked my pole in this large mound and discovered it was pure moss, not rock.

southeast

A seam in the rock.

Phew. Back on Zupjok summit where we had our final break. From there on it was all downhill.

Fireleaf Leptarrhena Hawkweed

This was my second time this week that we were sitting at this picnic table at exit 217. It was my first time with this group of which I know almost all of the members. Doing the traditional toast to another great time with great people!