The rocky hills between Lac du Bois Grasslands and Westsyde are the Batchelor Range.
Access/Trailheads:
- There are 4 main access points.
- From the parking area just past the fence/cattleguard in Batchelor Hills recommended).
- From a rough road that starts in the OHC area and bears north (high clearance access).
- From Westsyde, with a steep climb to the Westsyde Bench, then more steep access up into the hills (difficult).
- From the Grasslands Community Trail (off-trail access).
Trails:
- There are many tracks and trails set by motorcycles through the OHV area south of the Lac du Bois Protected Area. Mountain bikers sometimes use these tracks too, but hikers can use the tracks, especially off-season (spring and fall). From the parking area follow single tracks that go over the ridge, past the housing development, then onto the Westsyde Bench. The double track goes all the way to Deep Lake. A steep trail climbs to the top of the ridge, then there are multiple tracks that go back to the OHV area or the parking lot.
- The old road that winds up through the hills used to go right through to McQueen Creek, but once the Park was established, gates were installed, limiting access. The road has also become increasingly rough. For anyone with high clearance and dry conditions, access to the middle area of the Batchelor Range is possible. Route-finding will be required.
- We also hike up the Grasslands Community Trail from the Deep Lake area, then at the crest of the climb through the hills, we turn south to climb to the top of the North Batchelor Range. Since the area is all open grasslands, we create our own route through the hills.
- Click the links below for more information.
Some Batchelor Range Images:
More Information: