Chilcotin Plateau Loop
High plateau ranching country and ghost towns
The Chilcotin Plateau Loop cuts through some of BC’s most remote high country, linking historic ranching towns with forgotten mining camps across 400 kilometers of forest service roads. Starting from Williams Lake, the route heads west through the Chilcotin Range, crossing the Fraser River at Gang Ranch before looping north through Big Creek and back via Charlotte Lake Road. Key waypoints include the abandoned mining town of Barkerville Gold Rush Trail junction and the notorious Sheep Creek Bridge crossing.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD for creek crossings and rocky sections, though much of it runs on maintained gravel. Summer through early fall offers the best conditions, with snow possible until June at higher elevations. Stock up on fuel in Williams Lake or 100 Mile House — services are scarce once you’re committed. Dispersed camping opportunities are endless, and you’ll earn some of Canada’s finest mountain vistas without the crowds of more famous routes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 248 mi / 399 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Williams Lake, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Forests |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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