The ski hill has closed and not because of a lack of snow, FAR is boasting a 3.5 meter base. Most of us have moved on to summer activites however, Fernie’s trails aren’t open. Fortunately South Country is a lot closer that Utah! A 20 minute drive due south on Hwy #3 puts us in a climate that offers riding and hiking.
The Dorr Road and Wigwam Flats are two such areas that have nicely dried out and offer great spring biking and hiking.
The Door Road loop is better for biking with dusty rolling terrain and offers a 25 km loop. It tends to very up and down, so it’s a great work-out. If you make it round to the South-West corner of the loop on the map, make sure you head to the look-out – the views of Kocanusa are awesome. Bring plenty of water and food in case you take longer than expected! Many people get lost with plenty of trail options and no references.
The Wigwam area offers something for everybody. Park at the Elk River bridge in Elko, same forestry road that accesses Silver Springs, and hike or bike along the Elk River to the confluence of the Wigwam. The road is very scenic and offers countless wildlife sightings.
Conservation Officers, Biologists and the NCC ask bikers to stick to the main developed roads at the Wigwam. In April and May the Bighorn sheep are lambing and need their space. Further, the CO’s asks that everyone keep dogs leashed in the Wigwam Flats AMA so as to prevent the harassment of wildlife in the area, which is an offence under the Wildlife Act. Bikers are also an issue with spreading invasive species.
The Purple Canyon trail (marked blue) is open for riding only after June 15th and until October 31st
As you ride or hike the road watch for a left in the first dense pine cluster, this is the start of the “Silver Springs Rim” trail. It climbs steeply and then loops back along the huge cliffs above the Silver Springs Lakes. The views from the rim are amazing as the trail hugs the cliff edge over 500 feet above the lake! This a great hike and advanced mountain bike ride.
If you continue on the main road there are several small hills and shortly after a left turn that climbs onto the Wigwam Flats. This impressive plateau has a Serengeti feeling offering broad grass plains with treed outcrops and flanked by a deep purple gorge of the Wigwam River and Mt Broodwood to the West. Watch for remnants of an old farm homestead from the late 1800’s. It’s a dramatic setting with herds of ungulates. The road is mandatory for bikers, hikers can explore the rim of the Wigwam’s purple gorge.
If you stick to the left and avoid climbing to the flats you will reach the confluence in a couple of km’s and it is worth seeing. I take my kids for hikes and rides on these roads and they cherish the experience, especially the spring warmth and wildlife.
These areas are hot and dry, be sure to pack water and food. If your riding carry extra tubes and tire repair materials as the rocks are extremely sharp and rip side-walls. And everybody should watch exercise a thorough tick-check following the adventure. Have fun and be respectful!
Questions pertaining to the Wigwam can be directed to: patricia.burley@gov.ba.ca
