One of the challenges in hiking a number of Interior peaks is that they may require high clearance vehicles.   Some thoughts are shared here:

• Many backcountry roads that are public roads are usually fine for 2WD vehicles.
• Resource roads tend to be a little rougher and may require high clearance and slower driving.   Better tires are also recommended.
• Decommissioned roads tend to be rough, grown-in, and may have waterbars.   They may or may not need 4WD.   Generally, SUVs don’t have enough clearance and we would need a 4WD truck or jeep to get in and out.   Many of these roads have few places to turn around so once started, we are committed.
• When roads are wet, 4WD may be required.
• Getting to the summit of many Interior peaks often requires driving resource roads and may require some time on decommissioned roads too.
• Having a good spare, a chainsaw, radio, etc. is a good practice
• Posted events to some of these peaks may be dependent on how many suitable vehicles we will have.   Leaders need someone to come forward to offer to drive.   Alternately, the group size may be reduced to the number of seats available (3-4).

Some of the trails requiring High Clearance vehicles includes:

• Eagle Pass Mountain
• Raft Mountain
• Battle Mountain
• July Mountain
• Guanaco Mountain
• Illal Meadows
• Baldy Mountain (Dunn Range)
• Dunn Peak
• Stoyama Mountain
• Cornwall Mountain
• Downton Alpine
• Botanie Mountain
• Mt. Cheam and several other peaks in the Chilliwack area
• and more!

Some of the trails that will be okay for SUVs if dry, include:

• Mt. Bowman
• Mt. Embleton (upper lot)
• Red Plateau
• Estekwalan
• Tuktakamin Mountain
• Mt. Thynne
• East Trophy Range
• Trophy Mountain
• Joss Peak
• Porcupine Ridge
• Skoatl Point
• Shorts Creek Canyon
• Mount Ida
• Jesmond Lookout
• Many routes in the Kootenays
• and more!

When KHC wins the lottery, we can buy some jeeps!

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Doug Smith

Retired now, I get into the outdoors most days to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, run, walk, or explore. More information can be found at: KamloopsTrails.net.

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