There are a number of trails off the end of McLeod Drive – Uplands Drive.   Some are single tracks on the grasslands bench and some climb the steep rocky hills above.   On a mild July day, I hiked two of the Uplands Hills to enjoy the forest, ridges, and viewpoints.

The trailhead area follows the gasline track west.   A single track climbs south between two of the hills and then there are a number of forks to choose from.   The one to the upper right goes to a hill I call Altius Hill, an open hilltop under a rocky cirque of Sunrise Mountain.  

From the top there are fine views down the South Thompson River Valley.

There are also viewpoints to the north and to the east with a little bit of extra hiking.  

I returned the way I came, but then did a loop route on a lower ridge overlooking the grasslands bench.    The whole hike was only 4.3 km, but with some steep sections.    There are more routes and hilltops to explore, so I will be back again for another day of hiking in the Uplands Hills.

More Information:

• Park at the end of Uplands – McLeod Drive in Barnhartvale
• The trail into the hills is at N50 39.631 W120 11.998
• The Altius Hill viewpoint is at N50 39.389 W120 11.794
• Uplands Trails page