Trip 321 - September 13, 2024 (Friday)

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park Visit

Near Gold Bridge, BC

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South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park Location: Near Gold Bridge, BC. This particular park entrance is off Tyaughton Lake Road, which begins off BC Highway 40 about 12 kilometers east of Gold Bridge, and 91 kilometers West of Lillooet.

Liked: Numerous great mountain and valley views, shade in the forest on the access road, not terribly difficult trails, no bugs.

Of Note: Remote wilderness area, high altitude trails, late season snow on the ground is possible, substantial mud early in the season is possible, navigation can be challenging due to numerous intersecting trails and limited signage - a GPS is highly recommended, grizzly country - make noise, very strong wind on much of the Ridge-O-Rama trail, some steep unbarricaded drop-offs, no shade in sub-alpine and alpine, trails at times steep, hiking poles and boots are highly recommended.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Backroad Mapbook (2019 edition) Park Coordinates : Page 51 (Gold Bridge) B1.

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South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park is a huge remote park located near the settlement of Gold Bridge, closer to the end of BC Highway 40, which starts 90+ km earlier in Lillooet. There are numerous long trails in the park, and we hiked a small portion of those in the south-eastern corner. To see much more than that one would have to prepare to spend at least one night camping, while we did a day trip, which consisted of hiking a part of High Trail, then Camel Pass Trail, and, finally, Ridge-O-Rama trail to complete the loop.

There were panoramic mountain views everywhere, looking impressive even despite a cloudy day. With the sun out, it would be even more impressive. What was surprising were several motorcycle tracks along our entire route, even where it was rather dangerous. We later learned that this area is popular with mountain bikers, but those tracks were certainly from a motorcycle. So, watch out while hiking in this mountainous area, lest you be run over by a motorcycle! Please, note that only hikers, horse riders, and bicycle riders are allowed in the park.

There are several access point to South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, and we used the one off Tyaughton Lake Road, which begins off BC Highway 40 about 12 kilometers East of Gold Bridge. There are no signs leading to the park, and several not-so-obvious turns, so check out our photo directions, as well as a video of the drive from Highway 40 to Cinnabar Mining Road, which leads to High Trail trailhead.

* All trail distances are based on a GPS odometer and are approximate.

34. Camel Pass Trail at the 320 meter mark.

Camel Pass Trail - South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park - near Gold Bridge BC Canada

35. A fine view to the left 40 meters later.

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park British Columbia Canada

36. At 420 meters of Camel Pass Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada.

Camel Pass Trail

37. Looking back at the 660 meter mark.

Hike in Gold Bridge BC Area - Camel Pass Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

38. Now looking forward 60 meters later.

British Columbia Hiking in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

39-40. There is a fine panoramic view from this location, and here are two panoramas, left to right.

Panoramic View South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

Here is our video of the views from this location.

41. At 1.10 km, we are approaching The Camel Pass.

Camel Pass Trail Hike in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park near Gold Bridge BC Canada

42-43. Now at 1.12 km with some and then lots of zoom. Sure looks like a camel!

Camel Rock in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

44-45. At 1.16 km, we have reached The Camel Pass. Coordinates: N 50⁰58.361' W 122⁰51.595'. Elevation: 2,150 meters. If we understand correctly, The Camel Pass trail ends here, Harris Ridge Trail begins ahead, and Ridge-O-Rama Trail, which is a part of the loop we hiked today, begins on the right side.

The Camel Pass in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park Sign

46. Looking back, we see The Camel Pass Trail, which we have just hiked, on the right side. On the left is Ridge-O-Rama Trail.

Camel Pass Trail at Ridge-O-Rama Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

Here is our video of the views from this location.

47. Starting Ridge-O-Rama Trail hike.

Ridge-O-Rama Trail

48. At the 75 meter mark of Ridge-O-Rama Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park.

Ridge-O-Rama Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

49. Looking back at the 115 meter mark.

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park British Columbia Canada

50. At 225 meters of Ridge-O-Rama Trail, we see the ridges ahead. It's not a very complicated hike, and motorcycles mentioned above made it here too. That said, motorized vehicles are not permitted in this park, and several stretches looked rather treacherous for motorized traffic.

Hiking in British Columbia - South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park - Ridge-O-Rama Trail

51. Looking right at 340 meters from the trailhead.

Hiking in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park

52. A panorama from the same spot.

Hiking in Canada - South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park - British Columbia

53. At 450 meters, the first ridge is here.

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park - Ridge-O-Rama Trail

54. Looking right from this location.

British Columbia Mountains

55-56. Looking forward at the 620 meter mark of Ridge-O-Rama Trail, then looking back.

South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park near Gold Bridge British Columbia Canada

57. At the 700 meter mark, we have reached the top of the mountain. Coordinates: N 50⁰58.416' W 122⁰51.076'. Elevation: 2,260 meters. Fine views all around.