Immediately to the north of Kamloops lies a sloping plateau area with very few trees.   It is on the border between lowland sagebrush and grasslands and also borders on Lac du Bois Provincial Park.   It has been frequented by off-road vehicles and used to be the location for bush parties or shooting at targets.   The off-road motorcycle/ATV activity has moved to the east side (of the Lac du Bois Road) and shooting has (in theory) moved out of this area.   In the summer, it can be a blazing hot area and sometimes some “yahoo-activity” can still be seen, but it is a good area for shoulder-season hiking and biking.   From October through March the area has few visitors.   Because the slopes are south-facing and treeless, the snow remains thin and it is the first hiking area to clear in March.   We have also hiked here mid-winter (just avoid north slope traverses).

Our favorite loop is Bachelor Pass, but we have also enjoyed the single track that veers out to the gully east of Mt. Mara.   The trails go all the way to the Pruden Pass Road, though there may be gates to go through higher up.   The lower half of the area is open to hiking and biking.    Another post (see November posts in the Archives) has already been done for the Bachelor Pass Loop and a an additional post will show the routes in the north half of this area.

If you take your dog for a walk, watch for prickly pear cactus.   We have seen a lot of coyotes (everywhere) and deer.    In the winter, the potential for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is short.    The south slopes lose snow quickly, and the surface can be quite rocky.   We would be reluctant to hike or bike here in the summer.   The first wildflowers to emerge in the whole Kamloops area are the sage buttercups in this area in early March.

Park just off the side road which heads west at the curve in the road.   Watch for us in early March with our cameras slung next to our daypacks.