Okanagan Connector High Route
High route through Thompson Plateau
While most traffic takes the Coquihalla through the mountains, this forgotten route climbs the Thompson Plateau along old railway grades and mining roads, offering spectacular views of both the Fraser and Thompson valleys. The trail starts behind the Kamloops airport and winds through sagebrush country before climbing steep switchbacks to the Plateau summit at 4,600 feet. You’ll pass abandoned homesteads from the 1920s settlement era and cross the original Canadian Pacific Railway survey line.
Difficult rated for the steep climbs and loose shale surfaces that demand low-range and proper tires. Any capable 4WD can handle it, but momentum and line choice matter on the steeper pitches. Best from May through October — winter brings serious snow and ice. No services for 140 kilometers, so carry extra fuel and water. What you get is a historic alternative route with incredible photography opportunities and complete solitude, plus bragging rights for conquering one of the interior’s most challenging scenic drives.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Kamloops, BC |
| Land manager | BC Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle the Okanagan Connector High Route, or does it need to be lifted?
Stock 4WD with low-range is the minimum — a bone-stock 4Runner or Tacoma will get through, but you'll use every bit of low-range on the steeper hill climbs. A lift and all-terrain tires add a real margin of comfort on the rougher mixed surface sections.
When does the high route actually open in spring, and is October pushing it for late-season runs?
The route typically opens in May once snow clears the Thompson Plateau, though higher sections can hold snow into late May in a heavy year. October runs are possible but late-month storms can close it fast — check BC road conditions before you go.
Do you need any permits or fees to run this trail on BC Forest Service land?
No permits or fees required — it's BC Forest Service land and open to the public. Standard BC rules apply: no campfire bans during high fire season, and pack out your trash.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually be prepared for?
The steep hill climbs are where it gets serious — loose surface, elevation gain, and limited room to recover if you lose traction. At 87 miles rated Difficult, plan for slow going on those pitches and don't run it solo without a recovery kit.
How far is the nearest gas from the route, and is dispersed camping actually usable along the way?
Fuel up in Kamloops before you head out — there's no gas on the route, and at 87 miles you want a full tank plus a jerry can as buffer. Dispersed camping on BC Forest Service land is available along the route; pull-offs exist but site quality varies, so scout early if you want a good spot before dark.
Trail track
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