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CHILCOTIN HIKING
The ranch is located in the South Chilcotin Mountains. This favored
position produces a Rainshadow. This means sunny skies and a dry
climate that is "almost bug free". We specialize in hiking
to spectacular areas within our 5,000 square km operating area.
Each secluded trip is environmentally sensitive, and provides a
unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenery. Abundant wildlife
including Bighorn sheep, moose, Mule deer, Mountain goat, Grizzly,
Black bear and wolves are frequently sighted, along with over 210
types of birds and over 150 species of wild flowers. Balsam Root,
Lupines and Ragwort form a background to many shades of Indian Paintbrush,
Alpine lilies and Valerian, and bloom May through to September at
preferred elevations.
Like true explorers, you and your guide(s) will access the mountains
by foot, carrying only a day pack. The packhorse carries your personal
gear, and the alpine camp is set up and stocked for your adventure.
Delicious and hearty meals from fresh ingredients are prepared daily.
Hikers based out of the Ranch have daily options that include a
mix of Ranch trails or hikes into the mountains with your guide(s).
Camp based hikers can choose between Level I, II or III.
The ranch is in the sunny south Chilcotin Cariboo mountains of
British Columbia Canada, the Chilcotin Mountains Spruce Lake Park,
and Big Creek Park. We are just a 4 1/2 hour drive north of Vancouver,
2 hours north of Whistler, and 20 minutes from Gold Bridge. If you're
looking to discover the backcountry in a truly unique setting, this
is the ideal vacation package. Imagine secluded alpine basis with
wall-to-wall flowers, open-air lunches with the world's best views,
stunning scenery and 50 million year old fossils. Unlike the Coast
range to the south, our Chilcotin Mountains have rounded tops and
broad U-shaped valleys. The glaciated shale terrain makes alpine
hiking achievable.
The more seasoned hiker can choose an adventure that involves steeper
terrain and takes them through a series of our alpine camps. All-inclusive
adventures include accommodation, meals, guide(s) and transportation
of personal gear. Accommodation is at our Ranch or alpine camp(s).
Access in and out of camp is a 3-9 hour day covering 5 to 20 km,
with elevation changes up to 1,000 m over uneven terrain. Daily
itineraries vary according to the level of the trip and the interests
of the group.
4 & 7 Days Ranch based - beginner with no camping experience,
or advanced that does not wish to overnight in an alpine camp.
Camp based Level I - beginner/intermediate with camping experience
Level II - intermediate to advanced, camping and uneven terrain
experience Level III - advanced only, wilderness camping, uneven
and steep terrain experience Dates:June to October inclusive 4 Days
- Monday noon to Thursday 1:00 pm or Thursday noon to Sunday 1:00
pm7 Days - Sunday noon to Saturday 1:00 pm
"The memories of the wildflowers on the mountainsides will
live forever in our minds. The lupines, glacier lilies, Indian paintbrushes
and other flowers all create a Technicolor feast that helped us
hike on for even better views. Once at the higher elevations, we
were rewarded with views that were exhilarating. This grandeur could
have been spoiled if your organization was not top notch. Our guide
was superb. Thank you for making our hiking trip so memorable."
Hall Chapman, Ontario, Canada
Our trips are designed to offer individuals and small groups a
safe, unique, and enjoyable wilderness experience, with a bonus
of learning wilderness skills. All-inclusive adventures include
meals, accommodation, activities, licensed guides and packhorses
Ranch Based Walks and Hikes
Enjoy the comfort and seclusion of a picturesque and remote mountain
Ranch, peace and quiet, clean air and water. Every day can be a
new experience. Walk through alpine meadows, along the river's edge,
or to the Bluffs overlooking the Ranch. Hike from trailheads to
ridge tops for high alpine views. Or, you can read a good book while
listening to the sounds of nature. At the end of the day, enjoy
all the comforts of home and delicious home-cooked meals. Suited
to beginners with no camping experience, or advanced hikers that
do not wish to overnight in an alpine camp. Activity options: Grizzly
viewing, fly-fishing.
Hut based Alpine Meadows and Lakes Hikes; Level I
Walk to our mountain huts located on the edge of the sub-alpine
at 2,000m. Walk through meadows and past alpine mountain lakes.
This package is full of hiking for all nature lovers, and incorporates
spectacular scenery with exciting and informative guided hikes.
Wildlife surrounds you as you walk along trails through meadows
covered by a mosaic of multi-coloured flowers. Nature knows you
have arrived at this sacred spot. You begin to rejuvenate and the
silence drains away your stress. The slow pace of nature is addicting,
and you begin to rise and sleep by nature's clock.
Hut based Alpine Ridge Hiking; Level II and III
Accommodation is in a mountain hut located at camp just below tree
line. From here we hike through alpine meadows to lofty mountain
ridges and view the panoramic mountain ranges surrounding you. Visit
remote and natural settings that immerse you into the grandeur of
the mountains and the beauty of nature. The world is at your feet
while you breathe in the clear and fresh air. Hiking to the ridge
tops is invigorating and well worth the effort.
Hut-to-hut Hikes; Level III
Hike to your first mountain hut located on the edge of the sub-alpine
at 2,000m. Walk the meadows for the day, or scramble over mountain
divides. Cross crystal-clear streams and high-mountain passes to
your next hut. As you continue your wilderness adventure, you'll
rejuvenate with the fresh air and exercise. Each hut is located
in a different valley and offers a wide variety of terrain. The
trails will take you into pristine, wild and untouched area undiscovered
by the average hiker. This is nature at it's best.
Choosing your Level
Ranch Based: Beginner with no camping experience, or advanced that
does not wish to overnight in an alpine hut. Allows flexibility
in duration and degree of difficulty on a day-to-day basis. Transport
is available to take you to a trailhead where you can hike into
the alpine meadows and ridge tops
Hut Based Level I: Beginner/intermediate with camping experience.
May not have experience on uneven terrain, and may not hike on a
regular basis. Mostly on well defined trails. Once in camp, expect
hikes of 3-4 hours covering 6-7 km.
Hut Based Level II: Intermediate/advanced with camping experience.
Experience on uneven terrain. Includes challenging and steep terrain.
Experience with day trips necessary. Days may exceed 8 hours. May
not hike on a regular basis, but is in good physical condition and
wants demanding adventure. Hiking meadows to ridgetops includes
undefined trails. Expect elevation changes up to 1,000m. Once in
camp, expect hikes of 4-6 hours that cover 7-12 km.
Hut Based Level III: Advanced only with wilderness camping experience.
Experience on unever and steep terrain. Includes challenging and
steep terrain. Experience with day trips required. Days may exceed
10 hours. Hikes on a regular basis, is in good physical condition
and wants a demanding adventure. Hike over mountian passes from
one valley to another. Expect elevation changes that exceed 1,000m.
Once in camp, expect hikes of 6-9 hours that cover 12-20 km.
CHILCOTIN RIDING
Western hospitality with all the activities of a true western lifestyle,
and reliable Cayuse horses matched to your abilities! Choose between
a leisurely trip, action packed, or something in between.
We conduct Guide Training Programs, so we're real good at teaching
novice and young riders. You'll be impressed with your thorough
introduction to Western Mountain riding as you learn to control
your Cayuse horse by practising horse sports in our gymkhana. Whether
it's the "River Ride" or "Eldorado Pass", you'll
find each ride cleverly crafted to gradually take you to new heights.
If you're advanced, the alpine is just a short ride away with high
passes and 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. Mule deer,
mountain goat, moose, and bear are regularly seen. This is not trail
riding!
When you're not riding, enjoy our library, swim at a nearby lake,
or play a board game before enjoying the camaraderie of the evening
campfire. Bring your guitar or other portable instrument and songbooks.
If you're a family group, relax while your children have riding
lessons. Guides are available for target practise, bareback lessons,
gold panning, horse logging demonstrations and horseshoe throwing
competitions. Get involved in shoeing a horse, tying the diamond
on the pack, or throwing a lariat. You'll find our Activity Options
are unique.
Tour the turn-of-the-century mining town, visit a mining or a chain
saw museum, drive to the foot of a glacier or explore old pioneer
cabins. For those that wish to spend some time in an overnight alpine
camp, but don't come with enough riding experience to head into
the mountains right away, the Ranch Stay followed by a Pack Trip
is a popular combination.
All-inclusive adventures include accommodation, meals, tack, guide(s)
and horses.
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The best time to visit Canada is between June and October.
The winter months are good for skiing and other winter sports.
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