Around Batchelor Hill
At the end of winter, the lower south-facing hills cleared of snow and most of the mud dried out. There were a few sheltered spots where I had to go around, but for the most part it was good hiking, a 6.6 km loop around Batchelor Hill. From the parking area on the southeast corner of Batchelor Hill, i hiked the double track bearing west, around the south side of Batchelor Hill. The old double track merges with the pipeline route, but single tracks continue west.
All of the loop route winds through sagebrush grasslands. Some of the grasses were greening up and we will soon see perennials emerging, natives to the grasslands ecosystem.
Tthe route takes a gentle grade, winding between the hills to the west side of Batchelor Hill.
On the west side of the hill, a double track goes through a seasonal wetland area on a trail I have called Batchelor Pass for decades. The mountain biking community have given new names to the trails and some signage is available at junctions.
The hike rounds the north end of Batchelor Hill, then a single track trail bears south around the east side of the hill back to the start. This was a 2 hour hike on a mild mid-March day. A great hiking route for the shoulder season.
A short video shares some of the moments of hiking:
@dsmith941 Around Batchelor Hill Hike #hiking #kamloops #kamloopstrails