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ELKFORD, B.C.
Undiscovered beauty
At the end of the road, Elkford’s endless wilderness trails begin
by TANYA LAING MOORE
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TERRIFIC TRAILS: Elkford is home to a variety of riding options, including groomed and ungroomed family trails.
—photo by Mike Welycochy |
Tucked away in the corner of south-eastern British Columbia is the picturesque community of Elkford. It lies at the end of the highway just north of Sparwood, but with lush forests, beautiful alpine meadows, waterfalls, lakes and streams, Elkford is just the start of an amazing snowmobiling experience.
Peter Cunningham is enthusiastic about all that the region has to offer in terms of sledding.
“We have a variety of terrain, including groomed and ungroomed family trails, alpine areas and highmarking bowls,” said Cunningham, who is the public relations director of the Elkford Snowmobile Association and the president of the Elkford Recreation Development Society.
The heart of the trail system can be explored from the Round Prairie staging area, located 4.5 kilometres north of town. From here, one can find trails to satisfy every expectation and level of experience.
Heading north
Family-oriented trails run through the Upper Elk Valley, and sledders can travel more than 60 kilometres north from Elkford to the Alberta border. The roads have been plowed due to the harvesting of pine beetle-infested timber, but the valley is still accessible via the power line trail on the east side of the river. A lookout and cabin 35 kilometres north of town are popular destinations for beginners and families.
“The most impressive asset is the cabin,” said Cunningham. “It sleeps 12 and is available to members and guests (of the Elkford Snowmobile Association).”
The north valley system also connects with the Aldridge Creek Trail leading to Fording Pass into Alberta; this is a trail for more advanced riders, as it crosses avalanche zones.
Westward ho
Intermediate riders will enjoy the bowls at Mear Lake and Smith Basin in the Koko Claims area west of Elkford; Cunningham listed this among his favourite places to snowmobile.
“There are bowls with deep powder and climbing areas, early season snow, and access to the Bull River Valley,” said Cunningham, adding that from this point there is unlimited riding, with trails all the way up to Canal Flats and Fernie.
“The Claims main trail is also the gateway to infinite family riding on unplowed forest roads,” said Cunningham. “The only limitation to how far you can go on those trails is how early you get up in the morning—and the amount of fuel you can carry.”
The wonderful wilderness
Cunningham also recommended the Haynes Creek Trail, which sledders can access by travelling west over Koko Claims Trail until Bull River, and then turning south for 25 kilometres.
“It’s an unplowed forest service road,” said Cunningham. “The trail winds through an area with excellent boondocking possibilities, and ends in a tight draw with steep vertical walls and a frozen waterfall.
“You can ride all day and never see another soul.”
When asked what makes Elkford such a great destination for snowmobilers, Cunningham replied, “In a word, ‘undiscovered.’ It’s located at the far end of the highway, there’s unlimited wilderness, groomed trails, lots of snow, and it’s just a ride from town.”
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