South Chilcotins: Volume 1

I call this post "Volume 1" because I'm sure I will have many other adventures to write about from the amazing South Chilcotin Mountains. What are the South Chilcotins you may ask? Quite simply, it is an area that is jam packed with awesomeness. Whether you're into hiking, biking, trail running, horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, this is the place to do it all. A long history of backcountry travel along this range, by wandering animals, as well as First Nations, prospectors, trappers, and more recently, guide-outfitters, ranchers, and tourism operators, has spurred the development of an extensive network of trails and routes, and access to what can only be described as a spectacular mountain wilderness.

Traversing Camel Pass.

 

A trip to the Chilcotins had been high on my list for some time. After reading numerous articles and drooling over photos of these incredible mountains, enough was enough; I had to experience it for myself. So we loaded up our mountain bikes and after a 3 hour drive north of Whistler, over some rugged gravel roads, we arrived at our campsite on Carpenter Lake.

After a night of camping at Gun Creek Campground, I awoke with a feeling of nervous anticipation about the long day ahead. The nervousness was mostly attributed to the fact that it was necessary to purchase a variety of Grizzly Bear deterrents the day before. Given that we have only friendly Black Bears in the Whistler area, this was to be my first expedition deep into Grizzly country. So, along with the regular backcountry essentials, we were fully stocked with bear spray and bear bangers. Just in case.

Enjoying the ride down the Lick Creek trail.

 

We began our 35km loop with are gradual climb along a creek that lead us into wide open alpine terrain and evertually over a few high mountain passes that involved a number of steep hike-a-bike sections. We continued travelling through alpine terrain for a number of hours and after countless "Oh my God, look at that!" views we had arrived. Arrived at the point where there was no more ascending to be done, rather only descending to be enjoyed. Words cannot describe the pure sense of joy that comes over you as you flow through this mountain playground, twisting and turning through the trees as kilometre after kilometre of buff singletrack reveals itself before you. And just when you think the trail is about to end, it doesn't. The fun just keeps going; in and out of the forest, along perfect ribbons of trail, brushing by alpine flowers in full bloom, trying to keep your eyes on the trail as you sneak a peak at the stunning alpine lake off in the distance. Just incredible.

Needless to say, I hope to make trip back to the Chilcotins in the future. Hopefully we can all enjoy this mountain paradise, but do so we'll need your help. You see, BC Parks is currently in the planning stages of the management plan this area. They are looking for your input into how we use the park now and how we would like to see the park used in the future. Even if you've never been to the South Chilcotins, please follow the link below to the BC Parks comment forms and spend a few minutes filling them out to help represent the interests of recreastion ethusiasts in this beautiful area.
LINK: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/mgmtplns/lillooet/lillooet_mp_online_comments_form.html

Thank you for you help!