Batchelor Hills

There are numerous trails on the west side of the Lac du Bois Road in the lower grasslands that are used by hikers, walkers, mountain bikers.   Just recently the mountain bike community (in an agreement with BC Parks) has started to install signage for mountain bikers, but hikers are also welcome to use the multi-use trails.   Motorized vehicles are not supposed to use this area.

With south-facing slopes, these trails clear off first in the late winter and are accessible all year for hikers.

Driving Directions:

Using the cattleguard parking area at the end of the Batchelor Hills subdivision (by the parking area) as the starting point, there are 3 main trailhead areas.

Trailhead #1

  • At 0.7 km ahead there is a parking area on the left.   Park just inside the fenceline.   The trails start on the right side.   Watch for the signage.

 

Trailhead #2

  • At the 2.0 km mark (3km sign), turn left and park somewhere on this side road.
  • Trails meet at the fenceline there.   The best trails go west, avoiding the steep hills on the north side.
  • Loops can be done in this area.  The actual trailhead is N50 43.440 W120 24.128.

 

Trailhead #3

  • At the 3.3 km past the cattleguard (past the 4km sign), there is a side road on the left.   Turn there, parking at the end of the short road.
  • Trails start on the other side of the gate.
  • N50 44.260 W120 24.565

 

Trails:

  • All trails are multi-use trails so watch for mountain bikes, particularly downhill riders.   By established international trail etiquette standards hikers have the right of way over bikers, but lots of mountain bikers do not follow those guidelines.
  • The black lines above are double tracks, good choices for sharing the trails.
  • The lower south facing slopes are the first to clear of snow in March, but mud will linger in low or sheltered spots.
  • With so many trails it is possible to hike a loop route.
  • Tick season is in early spring, so take precautions.
  • On this website, some of the articles refer to the Barren Hills, a reference to times before mountain biking.
  • The trails are exposed to the sun with no shade in summer.

 

Trail Highlights:

  • The Upper trailhead is a good hiking route.   Take the Bighorn Loop Trail and return by Batchelor Pass (8.5 km).
  • Once the mud lifts in March a good early-season route follows double tracks on the south side and then up the west side to a viewpoint and back.
  • Batchelor Hill has fine views from either of the high points.   The old mine is on the east side. 
  • Batchelor Pass has a seasonal wet area in spring.  
  • Wildflowers are found in April and May beside the trails.