For nearly 3 years I have had 5040 peak on my bucket list for a future backpacking trip. I have made up my mind that it will no longer sit in my list, and I am officially doing it this summer. I have a group of friends who are going to do it with me, and we are excited to tackle this hike. To prepare me for it, I am going to research and find as much information as I can about it, that way when I am ready to do the hike in July, I can check my blog to mentally prepare myself, and pack all the necessary gear.
According to AllTrails.com, 5040 Peak via the Cobalt Lake Trail is an 8.4km out-and-back trip, with 933m of elevation gain. It is estimated to take just under 5 hours to complete. It sounds like most people do this hike in a day, but from my past experience, I have found that (if weather permits) it is so much more enjoyable to do a half-day hike, but then camp at the summit and enjoy the sunset and the next day’s sunrise as well.
Location: The trailhead starts approximately 9km down Marion Creek Forest Service Road, and 4×4 is recommended. Thankfully I have a 4×4 vehicle so that should not be an issue. 
The mountain is located in the center of Vancouver Island, approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Victoria, or a 2 hour drive from Nanaimo.
Things to note: There is a bear cache at the upper campground, as well as a compositing pit toilet. Bringing lots of water is recommended, as the trail is very steep, and there is only one waterfall approximately midway through the hike where water can be collected and filtered. Apparently the mosquitos are HORRIBLE. Every website I check out, the mosquitos seem to be a common factor if you hike 5040 in the summer. So, bug spray evidently is an absolute must.
Once I complete this hike this summer I will come back to this post and add in all the pictures I will take! Getting very excited from planning this epic trip out!
