On a mid-December sunny and mild snow we hiked on the Uplands Trails, wearing microspikes on the snowy-icy trails.   The main double track bears west, following the gas line, but it is fenced off at the big gully now because of the gravel pit operations.    Side trails bear off to the open benchlands on the north side, or up into the hills on the south side.   We hiked the trails on the bench which wind around the many gullies in a figure-eight pattern for about 5 km.  

There is no signage on these trails so it is best just to follow hiked-in tracks and avoid crossing deep gullies.    The trails on the west side are in the open sage and grassland relatively flat land, with many views to enjoy. 

All trails follow the edges of gullies and various routes can be combined.   Views are across the hills to the north side of the South Thompson River. 

Views also extended northwest down the river toward Mt. Peter. 

The horns of Harper Ridge rise above the far shore, below Harper Mountain.  

A grass fire had burned many trees in this area some years ago.  It was rumored to have been started by a tossed cigarette butt.   The grass and some shrubs have recovered, but there are many standing snags still. 

The trails bearing west from the end of McLeod Drive are surprisingly pleasant and are a good choice for the shoulder seasons.