Chilcotin Highway (Highway 20)
BC's legendary wilderness highway to the coast
The Chilcotin Highway drops you into the heart of British Columbia’s cattle country, where massive ranches stretch beyond the horizon and wildlife outnumbers humans ten to one. This legendary route runs 456 kilometers from Williams Lake to the coastal town of Bella Coola, crossing the Chilcotin Plateau’s rolling grasslands before plunging down the infamous Hill – a 43-kilometer descent dropping 1,524 meters through 18% grades that’ll test your brakes and your nerves.
Stock 4WD handles most sections fine, but carry extra brake fluid, transmission cooler, and emergency gear. Summer brings dust clouds that choke air filters, while spring runoff creates washouts. No fuel between Alexis Creek and Bella Coola – that’s 233 kilometers of nothing. The payoff? Pristine wilderness camping, world-class fishing on the Dean River, and the satisfaction of completing one of Canada’s most notorious drives. Best season is June through September when mountain passes stay clear.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 283 mi / 456 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4900 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Williams Lake, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.