South Chilcotins Mountain Park: Have your say

Back in 2009 forest fires threatened our access to the mecca of the South Chilcotin Mountains, then in 2010 Tyax Wilderness Resort closed for renovation reducing the accommodation availability in the area but that did not keep the mountain bikers away from the glorious alpine wilderness mountain biking that the Chilcotins have to offer.



Well there are no fires this year and the renovated resort is open for business and serving up some luxury accommodation and camping but with added bonuses for us bikers including a new spa with saunas, steam, hot tub and most importantly that post ride massage for recovering those weary legs. They even have a new bar & restaurant menu that caters to all budgets - so great when you are too tired to cook at the end of your epic day on a bike.


2011 is shaping up to be the year to take advantage of these facilities and finally take a leap to come and ride the epic trails if you're not already a regular here. Take advantage of a float plane flight into a backcountry lake and a guided tour through the mountains with Tyax Air or burn those thighs on an epic climb into the mountains riding right from Tyax Wilderness resort.

But whether you are a regular visitor or still longing to come and ride this legendary area then this is also the year to have your say with BC Parks.

In 2010 Spruce Lake Protected park was awarded "Class A" park status and renamed the South Chilcotins Mountain Park, this summer BC Parks has initiated a management plan process for the new park to set its direction for the future and also for use of neighboring Big Creek Park, which includes Lorna Lake.

It's so important therefore that BC Parks gets to hear from you, the mountain bike community, about what activities you would like to see in the park. Many other BC Parks do not have access for mountain bikers to hundreds of kilometers of scenic, singletrack in a remote wilderness setting, let alone access via floatplane to lakes that get you deep into the backcountry trails.


The South Chilcotins Mountain Park is unique in balancing access for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers all supported by float plane access. I know that many of you would want that to remain. BC Parks has heard in the past about the minority of mountain bikers who come unprepared for the wilderness experience or behave inappropriately around other park users so it's important that not only do you have your say but also that when we use BC Parks, mountain bikers behave in a way that does not create conflict with hikers and horse back riders or other users; and that we care about and take care of the sustainability of the trails and the wildlife we encounter.

Please come and ride the park this summer with this in mind and prove how great wilderness mountain biking is, and also answer the BC Parks visitor survey here for both Spruce Lake area and Big Creek where Lorna Lake (a popular mountain bike trailhead) is located.


Remote wilderness mountain biking is rare and it is something many mountain bikers lust after. The South Chilcotins Mountain Park satisfies this lust and let's hope that remains the case for many years in the future.