The Batchelor Range runs from the grasslands of the Deep Lake area all the way to the Batchelor Hills subdivision.   There are a series of steep hills and any route that traverses the hills will have lots of elevation gain and loss.   We chose a loop route that had 1900 feet gained and 1900 feet lost over 11 km.

The route wound around the southern end of the range to the benchland that extends out above Westsyde.   The hills of the Batchelor Range stand high above the double track (which is the Trans Mountain Pipeline right of way).   At N50 45.193 W120 21.896  a track winds steeply up into the range, gaining 240m in 2km.   From the top, the grasslands extend north and west.

The route follows double tracks and single tracks made by 4×4’s, ATV’s, and motorcycles, but they are few in mid-March.   Along the way are seasonal ponds, reflecting the sky, hills, snags, and trees.

There is no easy way back.   We climbed and descended steeply all the way back to our vehicles.

On the south-facing slopes, spring wildflowers were blooming.   Sage buttercups were followed by yellow bells and lemonweed and now arrow-leaf balsam root was making its first appearance.

Hiking the Batchelor Range is a good fitness challenge in any season.   The southern end is often busy with motorized activity so the best months are February-March and October-November.