The first trails to dry out and be good for hiking and biking are the lower Barren Hills, above the North Shore.   These slopes are south-facing, treeless, and open.   Older double tracks and newer single tracks (bikes) traverse the hills, keeping much of the route gently rolling,  avoiding steep climbs.   It is easy to get a 8km out and back route, although you may have to do it more than once to find the best of  all the route choices presented to you..   We hiked west as far as we could go, then chose to add a loop route up over a hill to hike 14.7km over 3.3 hours.   On March 3rd, all of the trails were damp, but not muddy.   We only saw snow on the north side of the upper hill.

The route features good views all the way, especially on the upper west side.   A few scrubby junipers can be seen in gullies, but the rest of the landscape is sagebrush, cactus, rabbit brush, and grassland.   This is a hot route in summer, but a fine option in early spring and late fall.   Many route variations can be taken, but the one shown here minimizes climbing (except for the last loop on the upper left.   Mountain bikers know this area.   In fact, the Kamloops Bike Riders Association has been in discussion with BC Parks to designate some of the route and some of the trails above as bike trails.  Having non-motorized multi-use trails is a very positive addition to our area, so lend your support if you can.

There are serveral trailhead options to access these trails.   We started at the lowest one because of the early date, but the another access route not far up the Lac du Bois Road is also snow-free and dry at this time.,   The upper ones are still wet and won’t be suitable until April.

The lowest trailhead is at the first gate on the left.   Park just inside the gate and start on the double track on the right of the road, leading south-southwest,   Follow the tracks and aim west at each intersection.   After a winter of snow, it is nice to be back on the dirt tracks.