Must do Mountain Bike Ride of the Month – Rotorua, New Zealand
Must do Mountain Bike Ride of the Month - Rotorua, New Zealand - Billy T to Roller
Overview
A true bucket list mountain bike holiday destination, the Chilcotins in southwest BC might just be the perfect back-country mountain bike destination.
Located in between the lush Vancouver Coast and the arid Cariboo Chilcotin, the area offers a perfect balance of weather and terrain. This is fast becoming the premier back-country mountain bike destination in BC, and for good reason as the riding in the Chilcotin region is incredible. Expect expansive alpine, incredible views and a true sense of peaceful isolation from humanity. Just you, your bike, your friends and some incredible mountain biking.
Note: You will not have cell reception in the Chilcotins, so you will be relying on your phone’s GPS or your normal GPS device. We strongly recommend paper maps while riding in the Chilcotins. Your phone or GPS should not be solely relied upon. You might also consider hiring a guide from Tyax Adventures. Also note that the only wifi in the area (and it’s very slow and limited) is at Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa or the Morrow Chalets.
Option 1: Hurley Pass – Google Map Directions from Pemberton. From Vancouver follow the Sea to Sky Highway to Pemberton and beyond and then travel the scenic Hurley Pass. You will need a higher clearance vehicle or 4×4 with good tires as this road can be really really rough. Travel time from Vancouver is about 4.5 hours.
The Hurley Pass is only passable from May to about the end of October. From the town of Pemberton, follow the road through Pemberton Meadows, then turn right on the Lillooet Forest Service Road and follow this along until you see the Hurley Pass sign on your right heading quite steeply up a hill. Note: You will not have cell service on this road so you will need to pre-load any maps if you are trying to rely on your phone’s GPS.
This route is shorter that Option 2 from Vancouver.
Option 2: Alternately, you can take the Duffy Lake Road to Lillooet, Google Maps Directions. This is a slower route by an hour, but is super scenic and you can do it with a lower clearance vehicle – drive time will be about 5.5 hours. Again, start by taking the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Pemberton. When you get to Pemberton, continue on the Duffey Lake Road to Lillooet; then follow Highway 40 (Carpenter Lake Road) until you see the blue and white tourism signs with arrows marking your way to Tyaughton Lake.
Things to remember about riding in the Chilcotins:
– Riding in the Chilcotins is about self sufficiency. You are isolated on these rides. Make sure that between all members of your group you have at least one spare of everything, including such things as a first aid kit, paper map, derailleur cables, spare derailleur, loads of inner tubes, tools, zip ties and a dropper post enduro clamp… having your drop post fail out here sucks (Sram makes a cool, cheap clamp that can be used to temporarily make your post a standard post if it blows).
– The weather can be extreme. Even in the summer months bring a GoreTex jacket and some warm clothes…we have been caught in really cold rainy conditions out here when we least expected it.
– Bring more food and water than you think you will need. Rides out here often last 9+ hours.
– There are grizzly bears out here. Bring bear spray.
– Start early; your day will be long… at the very least it will give you time to relax on the mountain passes and enjoy your location.
– Here is the BC Parks website more information on the area.
Trail Map
We recommend that you download the Trailforks app (free in the app store for iOS and Android) to access this map on your smartphone and utilize your phones GPS to position you on the map while you are out on the trails. This app can be used offline – Remember to pre-load the maps ahead of time as there is no cell service in this region. Sync your Trailforks app to the ‘Must do Rides’ listed below.
We also recommend a paper map when mountain biking in the Chilcotins in case your phone dies or you have GPS issues. The South Chilcotin Trail map by Trail Ventures is the best one that we know of. The map is available for purchase online, at the Bike Co in Pemberton and also at the Lodge at Tyax.
South Chilcotin Mountains Park on Trailforks.com
Must Do Rides
Click on the rides below for more details and to sync the route to your Trailfoks app.
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Camel Pass, Molly Dog – Chilcotins, BC – Intermediate/Advanced Mountain Bike Route
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3 Day Trip – Lorna Lake to Tyax Lodge – Chilcotins, BC – Intermediate/Advanced Mountain Bike Route
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Warner Lake Float Plane Drop, Chilcotins, BC -Intermediate/Advanced Mountain Bike Route
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Lick Creek – Chilcotins, BC – Intermediate/Advanced Mountain Bike Route
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Chilcotins, BC – Advanced Route – Windy Pass
Bike Shops
Retail Shop at Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa
The shop at Tyax Lodge has limited supplies as well as trail maps for mountain biking. We recommend that you bring enough spare parts with you as this shop is more of a gift shop. Riding in the Chilcotins is about self sufficiency.
Bike Rentals
Tyax Adventures
There is a limited selection of rental mountain bikes at the Tyax Lodge offered at the Tyax Adventures Desk in the front lobby.
(888) 892-9288 (toll free in Canada)
(250) 238-0177 (voicemail only Nov – April)
Email: fun@tyaxadventures.com
Guiding/Shuttles
Tyax Adventures
Tyax Adventures (which is a different company from Tyax Lodge) offers float plane drops as well as full guiding. This is the easiest way to access the back-country out here. It can be expensive, but for a drop like Warner Lake or the 3 day back-country journey from Lorna Lake, this is the way to go and it will be one of the best mountain bike adventures of your life.
(888) 892-9288 (toll free in Canada)
(250) 238-0177 (voicemail only Nov – April)
Email: fun@tyaxadventures.com
Self Shuttled
You can drive yourselves up to upper parking area or the trail head at Taylor and simply start from there. This saves about 1-1.5 hours of climbing from the Lodge and makes the day much more enjoyable. You will just need to figure out a way to retrieve your vehicle at the end of the day.
As another option we often find someone around the lodge and offer to pay $20 a head to have them drive us up in our vehicle to the trail head at Taylor, (or to the parking area just before the trail head if you do not have a good 4×4), and then bring the vehicle back to the Lodge.
People also often leave a retrieval vehicle at the end of their ride at the junction of Gun Lake Road and Tyaughton Lake Road to avoid the gravel road climb back up to the lodge at the end of a long day of riding.
Weather
Today
Partly Cloudy
High 26°/Low 9°
20%
Tomorrow
Clear
High 28°/Low 12°
10%
Saturday
Clear
High 28°/Low 11°
10%
Sunday
Clear
High 28°/Low 11°
10%
Monday
Clear
High 28°/Low 12°
0%
Video
Video by: Chris Christie
Pubs
Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa
There is a really cozy pub/bar inside of Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa. This is a great place to have a meal and beer after your ride.
Fancy Restaurants
Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa
The restaurant at Tyax is quite beautiful and offers lake views from both inside and from their huge deck. The food ranges from mid range pricing right up to quite pricey. This is also a great place to have breakfast before you start out on your day’s adventure.
Luxury
Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa
Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa is the ideal staging location for your Chilcotin mountain bike holiday. Tyax Adventures bases itself out of the Lodge and the float plane takes off right from the lake out front. Everything you need for your escape to the mountains of BC is right here including comfortable accommodation, great food, a fantastic spa, and lake activities.
Vacation Rentals
Tyaughton Vacation Rentals
Th
ese 2 chalets are unique and located right on Tyaughton Lake. A chalet is an awesome option if you have a group ranging from 2-10 people. These chalets are well cared for and are ideal for your mountain bike holiday. There are hoses to wash your bikes off and full kitchens so you can do your own cooking easily. As an added bonus, you are within walking distance to the Tyax Lodge if you feel like dining in their restaurant, having a drink in their pub, utilizing their spa facilities (for a fee of course) or booking any adventures with Tyax Adventures (such as guiding or float plane drops).
Website: www.tyaughtonvacationrentals.com
When you book with Morrow Chalets make sure you use the booking code: RideSpots. For more information and to book, you can reach them at mcnealpropertymanagement@gmail.com or by phone at (250) 238-2462. You will probably talk to Sue or Rod… they are awesome!
The Cabins on Tyaughton Lake
The Cabins on Tyaughton Lake feature two gorgeous, log cabins to rent. Both cabins sleep 9 and come with all the amenities you need for a relaxing getaway! Mountain biking, hiking, canoeing…you can do it all here. As an added bonus, you are within walking distance to the Tyax Lodge if you feel like dining in their restaurant, having a drink in their pub, utilizing their spa facilities (for a fee of course) or booking any adventures with Tyax Adventures (such as guiding or float plane drops).
Call – (778) 838-7497
or
Camping
Tyax Lodge Campground
This campground is part of the Tyax Lodge and camping is at the Lodge is only available in conjunction with a booking through Tyax Adventures. Think of this more as ‘glamping’ than camping. You will be able to access to the spa, hot tub, steam room and showers, plus you are within walking distance to the float plane dock, lodge, beach area and all the amenities of the Lodge.
(888) 892-9288 (toll free in Canada)
(250) 238-0177 (voicemail only Nov – April)
Email: fun@tyaxadventures.com
Friburg Campsite
This is a free campsite located right on the shore of Tyaughton Lake. This is our preferred free site as it is located close to Tyax Lodge and we enjoy starting and finishing our rides from the Lodge as well as enjoying some of the amenities that the Lodge has to offer.
Website Information Interactive Campsite Map
Mowson Site
Another free spot. A recent forest fire has made the area feel a bit barren. Not our first choice for camping, but a good option if other spots are full of people.
Website Information Interactive Campsite Map
Gun Creek Hydro Site
Located just off Highway 40 this is a free campsite maintained by BC Hydro.
Website Information Interactive Campsite Map
Gun Lake Recreation site
This is a very popular free camping spot – there is also fishing here. It can, however, be quite busy.
Website Information Interactive Campsite Map
Tyaughton Creek Recreation Site (not as easy to find/access)- free
Unique/BNB
Back-country Cabin Rentals with Tyax Adventures
Tyax Adventures has a number of cool back-country camps that you can book for use during your visit here. In fact, our 3 day riding route uses these facilities (you must book ahead to stay at these camps). The camps also have hosts that are available to prepare your meals and take care of many of the camp chores. Perhaps the ideal way to experience the Chilcotin back-country.
(888) 892-9288 (toll free in Canada)
(250) 238-0177 (voicemail only Nov – April)
Email: fun@tyaxadventures.com
Swim/Beach
Tyaughton Lake
This is the lake that the Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa, The Morrow Chalets, The Tyax Lodge campground and the Freiburg campground are situated on. The lake is cold, but super refreshing, and no good Chilcotin ride is complete without a rejuvenating jump in the lake at the end of the day. If you are not already a guest at the Tyax Lodge or Morrow Chalets, you can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards.
Gun Lake
This lake is one of the clearest lakes out there. Pristine and beautiful. You could even go ride Special Ed if you haven’t had enough riding, and then jump into the lake when you finish.
Spruce Lake
A perfect spot for a mid ride dip. You can jump off the dock where the floatplane comes in or just find a little spot to dip your feet as a mid-day refresh.
Other Sports
Moto
Their is some awesome moto riding in the Chilcotins. We don’t actually know much about it, and there are definitely some restrictions on motorized vehicles in the park, so do your research before you plan your ride.
Horseback riding
Tyax Adventures also has quite a successful horseback riding business in addition to their mountain bike tours. Perhaps someone in your family or crew prefers horses? This could be the perfect compromise vacation (that will turn out not to be a compromise at all).
(888) 892-9288 (toll free in Canada)
(250) 238-0177 (voicemail only Nov – April)
Email: fun@tyaxadventures.com
Fishing
Bring your fishing rod! There is loads of lake fishing here. What a perfect way to start or finish your day!
Hiking
There are many great hikes in this area. Again, another good compromise if someone in your group is not into mountain biking or if you need a change of pace and are up here for a few days. The folks at Tyax Adventures will be able to help you out with information on hiking, and here is the link the the BC Parks website.
Activities/Attractions
Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa
The Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa has a great Spa with steam rooms, hot tubs, yoga and massage. This could be exactly what you need for a rest or rain day.
Float plane sightseeing tours or Glacier landing with Tyax Adventures
This is one of the coolest things you can do with Tyax Adventures; contact them for more information.
(888) 892-9288 (toll free in Canada)
(250) 238-0177 (voicemail only Nov – April)
Email: fun@tyaxadventures.com
Rain Day
Fishing
Bring your own fishing gear or you can rent fishing rods from Tyax Lodge if you are staying with them.
Spa
The Spa at Tyax Lodge is a perfect place to chill out and recover if you find yourself on a rain day in the Chilcotins.
Braelorne Museum
Super cool museum that shows the mining history of the area. Website and More Info
