Hudson Bay Mountain Loop
Expert-only alpine technical challenge
Hudson Bay Mountain Loop tears through 85 kilometers of British Columbia’s Babine Range, where mining roads cling to cliffsides and creek crossings turn deadly without warning. This technical circuit starts at Smithers and climbs through old-growth cedar into alpine terrain where snow lingers until July. The notorious Glacier Creek crossing has claimed axles and stranded rigs when spring melt turns it into a torrent – scout it carefully or turn back.
Expert-level difficulty demands lifted 4WD with skid plates, winch, and recovery gear. Rock gardens, loose shale descents, and washouts make this no place for stock trucks. Carry extra fuel, spare parts, and satellite communication – cell towers don’t reach these peaks. Weather changes fast above treeline. Best attempted July through September by experienced wheelers who understand mountain recovery. The reward? Untouched wilderness views and bragging rights few can claim.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 53 mi / 85 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8100 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD with winch |
| Nearest town | Smithers, 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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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Hudson Bay Mountain Loop?
No. Minimum requirement is a lifted 4WD with a winch — stock rigs will get beached on the rock sections. High-clearance skid plates and a locker are strongly advised given the sustained technical terrain at altitude.
When does the trail actually open and close each year?
July through September is the realistic window. Snow lingers on the high sections well into July, and early fall storms can close it off fast — some years it's not passable until late July. Don't gamble on June access.
Do you need a permit to run Hudson Bay Mountain Loop?
No permit is currently required. The trail falls under BC Ministry of Forests jurisdiction, so standard BC backcountry rules apply — no fees, but respect fire bans and any active forestry closures before you go.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The exposed rock shelves at the upper alpine elevations near 8,100 ft are the crux — loose shale, off-camber ledges, and no room for error with steep exposure on one side. A single mistake here without a winch and recovery gear means a very bad day with no help coming.
There's zero cell service — what's the nearest place to top up fuel before starting the loop?
Smithers is your last reliable fuel stop before the trailhead. At 53 miles of technical driving, fuel burn is high — plan for significantly worse mileage than highway and carry a jerry can. Don't count on making it back to town on fumes.
Trail track
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