Snowy Mountain Loop

Back Country Trail
The Snowy Mtn. Loop Trail is one of the very best trails in BC. It makes for a six day ride encompassing the arid south central climate, high alpine lakes and sub-alpine open slopes.
Keremeos
6 or 7 days
49.129252
-120.039128
Creeks
Ample
Yes
The Snowy Mtn. Loop Trail is one of the very best trails in BC. It makes for a six day ride encompassing the arid south central climate, high alpine lakes and sub-alpine open slopes. It has steep inclines and a few boggy sections, and should be considered as suitable for experienced riders, not suitable for novices . Experienced guide recommended. The feed is fair, the fish numerous and the scenery spectacular. There is more than one route to follow and in most sections the longer perimeter trail is quite evident. A map, compass and GPS should be considered as required. The Ewart Creek trailhead is located on the Ashnola River. either park here or follow the single lane and somewhat narrow road for 2 km to the actual trail head. There are two corrals and a long line of hitch'n posts here as well as an out house. The trail leads from there, crosses over Ewart Creek and heads south on its eastern bank. The trail crosses back over the creek and then branches. Go left which takes you onto the south slopes of the protected area. There is no trail map available of the area but this trail does lead up above tree line. Remember this is pure wilderness with no facilities. The trails within this area are not marked or maintained. There are a number of cabins in this Protected Area but only the backcountry cabin at Joe Lake is open to the public. All other cabins are either for approved permitted guide outfitters or the First Nations. At these cabins, users could encounter outfitters or backcountry cowboys hunting, guiding or cattle grazing. . See map at BC Parks:
Note: Also check under Upload/Download tab to see if there are more maps available. If the map below shows red lines, these indicate ridable trails which can be downloaded to your GPS (see Upload/Download tab)
30 km southwest of Keremeos. The best place to access the Protected Area is from the Ewart Creek Trail head in Cathedral Park. To get to this trail head you turn left on the Ewart Creek Road off the Ashnola Road at about 5 km, cross over the Ashnola River and follow the road to the end

Legend

Bryn White

Joe Lake Cabin is gone posted on: 05 / 27 / 2022

Just a note for trip planning. The backcountry cabin at Joe Lake burned down and should not be relied on for shelter.


Rose Schroeder

Snowy Mtn Loop posted on: 10 / 26 / 2013

A group of us (including 2 riders that have ridden the trail many times in the past) tried to ride the whole loop Aug 2013. Trail south past turnoff to Cathedral, has.not been kept clear (need a sharp axe at least or a chainsaw at best). Made it to Newby Lake and on to Greenhole without too much trouble. From there it got worse and couldn't even find the trail to Hans Hole. Had to do some extremely nasty bush crashing, mud bogging on an old trail to find the Outfitters shortcut trail to Harry Lake (really could have used a saw here, never want to repeat that!) from there piece of chocolate cake, gorgeous trail to Joe Lake and thence Ewert Creek Trailhead. Trail from thereon clear and well used.


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