Monashee Pass Road
Historic mining route over the Monashees
The Monashee Pass Road cuts through some of BC’s most rugged terrain, following an old mining route that connected the Columbia River valley to the Okanagan. You’ll climb from the Cherryville area through dense forest before breaking into alpine terrain at around 1,800 meters. The road includes several creek crossings and a steep, rocky section just before the pass that’ll test your approach angles and undercarriage clearance.
This is a solid intermediate trail requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates recommended for the rocky sections. Best tackled July through September when snow clears from the higher elevations. No permits required, but fuel up in Lumby beforehand — it’s a long way to the next gas station. The payoff is incredible mountain scenery and good dispersed camping spots near the pass, plus you’re tracing the footsteps of miners who hauled equipment over this same route more than a century ago.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5900 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Lumby, BC |
| Land manager | Ministry of Forests |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run Monashee Pass Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this trail fine in dry summer conditions. Low-range is useful on the steeper pitches and after rain when the mixed surface gets slick. Lifted rigs aren't required, but don't attempt this in a stock crossover or 2WD.
When does Monashee Pass Road typically open and close each year?
The trail is reliably passable July through September. Snow lingers at the 5,900-ft pass well into June, and early-season creek crossings run high and fast from snowmelt. Come October, early snowfall can close the route fast — don't push the shoulder seasons without checking local conditions first.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Monashee Pass Road?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping on BC Ministry of Forests land is free and allowed, but follow Leave No Trace and don't camp within 50 meters of water crossings or the road. No fire permits are currently required for campfires in BC backcountry outside of active fire bans, but check the BC Wildfire Service site before you go.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I expect?
The creek crossings are the crux — water depth and flow vary significantly depending on the season and recent rainfall, and some crossings have no bridging. The climb to the pass also throws loose rock and eroded ruts at you. Nothing here is technically extreme, but underestimate the crossings and you'll be winching or worse.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service on Monashee Pass Road — plan accordingly and carry a satellite communicator. Lumby, BC is the closest town for fuel and supplies, roughly 25-30 km from the western trailhead, so top off the tank and carry extra fuel if your rig drinks it — the nearest gas on the eastern side is a long way out.
Trail track
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