Bonaparte Plateau Mining Loop
Gold rush history on the Bonaparte Plateau
This 85-kilometer loop starts from the Cache Creek highway and climbs onto the Bonaparte Plateau, where 1860s placer miners scraped gold from highland creeks that still glint in your pan today. The route connects ghost towns like Ashcroft Manor and abandoned hydraulic mining sites through rolling grassland plateau country. Watch for the massive Glory Hole pit near Loon Lake — a testament to early 20th-century copper extraction that carved a 200-meter crater into the hillside.
Easy to moderate difficulty on mostly graded gravel roads suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though spring washouts can create challenging sections. Best driven May through October when snow clears the 1,200-meter elevation. No permits required but respect private mining claims still active in the area. Fuel up in Cache Creek; carry water and basic recovery gear. This circuit delivers big-sky plateau views, fascinating industrial archaeology, and quality dispersed camping with zero light pollution — pure Cariboo country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 53 mi / 85.3 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Cache Creek, BC |
| Land manager | BC Forests, Lands and Natural Resources |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need lockers and a lift?
A stock high-clearance 2WD truck can run this trail in dry conditions — it's gravel forest road, not a rock crawl. AWD or 4WD is smart insurance if you hit soft spots or early season mud, but lockers and a lift are overkill here.
When does the Bonaparte Plateau Mining Loop actually open up in spring, and is October pushing it?
May through October is the reliable window — snow can linger on the plateau into late April and return by November. October is doable but check conditions first; an early season storm can turn these gravel roads greasy fast.
Do I need any permits or fees to run this loop?
No permits or fees required — this is BC Crown land managed by BC Forests, Lands and Natural Resources. Follow Leave No Trace and standard BC backcountry fire regulations, which vary by fire season status.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what should I actually expect?
The trail is rated moderate with no single brutal obstacle — the challenge is cumulative elevation change (3,200 ft over 53 miles) on variable gravel surfaces that can get loose or rutted. The roughest stretches tend to be on older mining access spurs off the main loop, so aired-down tires and a steady pace keep it manageable.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on the route?
Cache Creek is the last reliable fuel stop before heading out — fill up there, it's the closest town to the trailhead. Water sources exist on the plateau but treat everything; pack enough to be self-sufficient for two days since this is remote country with spotty cell service and no bailout options if you run dry.
Trail track
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