Old Cariboo Highway (Highway 97C)
Gold rush route through the Fraser Canyon depths
The Old Cariboo Highway traces the original 1860s gold rush route through some of British Columbia’s most unforgiving terrain. This isn’t the sanitized modern Highway 97 — it’s the old alignment that drops into the Fraser Canyon with grades that’ll test your transmission and switchbacks carved from solid rock. The route connects Cache Creek to Lillooet via Pavilion, crossing the historic Alexandra Bridge suspension span where countless prospectors hauled their fortunes from the Cariboo goldfields.
Moderate difficulty demands high-clearance 4WD for washouts and loose rock sections, especially approaching Pavilion Mountain. Best tackled May through October when snow clears from higher elevations. Fuel up in Cache Creek — it’s 85 miles to Lillooet with limited services. Cell service vanishes in the canyon depths. What you get is pure BC history beneath your tires and views into the Fraser Canyon that few tourists ever witness. Dispersed camping available at multiple pullouts with river access.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 85 mi / 136.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Cache Creek, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Old Cariboo Highway without any mods?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can manage this route. The gravel surface and steep grades are the main challenges, not rock crawling — but low-range is useful on the descents and you'll want decent all-terrain tires, not street rubber.
When does the Old Cariboo Highway typically open and close each year?
May through October is the reliable window. Snow can linger at higher elevations into May and return early in October, and wet conditions make the gravel grades genuinely sketchy — spring mud season is real up here.
Do you need a permit or pass to run the Old Cariboo Highway?
No permit required — it's managed by BC Ministry of Transportation as a public road. No fees to access or camp dispersed along the route. Standard BC backcountry fire regulations apply, so check current fire bans before you go.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The steepest grades and narrowest sections come through the Fraser Canyon approaches — we're talking tight shelf road with limited passing room and loose gravel on steep descents. It's rated moderate, but treat it with respect: a careless speed on gravel with 3,200 feet of elevation change will get you in trouble fast.
Is there any gas or cell service along the 85-mile route, or do I need to plan ahead?
Zero cell service on the route and no fuel stops between trailheads — fuel up in Cache Creek before you roll. Tank up full; 85 miles of low-gear mountain driving burns more than highway cruising, and the nearest help is a long hike out.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.