Support the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail

Gold RushSnowmobile Trail

Your donations help in so many ways from the expansion of the trails, trail maintenance and signage, GPS map development, web site development and so much more. Show your support and donate to the GRST today!

Show Your Support & Donate
WILLIAMS LAKE WEATHER
Snowmobile or Fat Bike

Explore the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail

On the northern leg of the Gold Rush Trail in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is an icon of outdoor adventure! Ride your mountain bike or snowmobile through the communities of 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Horsefly, Likely and Wells - the trail passes coniferous forests, trout-filled lakes and pristine alpine with access to Provincial Parks, campsites and a variety of services. In its early development (and growing annually!) this trail is a must ride in British Columbia!

There are several way points along the way, for a detailed overview see our trail map. Looking for recent trail conditions and grooming updates, check out our FaceBoook

Safety Disclaimer

GRST Snowmobiling Information

This trail is hundreds of kilometers in length and maintained by volunteers. Conditions, signage and maintenance of the trail will vary depending on proximity to local communities and clubs. Be informed and before use, communicate with the Clubs and Partners closest to your destination to ensure a safe riding experience.

BEFORE TRAVELLING ON THE TRAIL YOU WILL REQUIRE:

  1. Your ORV/snowmobile must be properly registered, licensed and insured to travel on roads and Crown land. For details, refer to ICBC’s website http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Pages/Off-road-vehicles.aspx
  2. Because this trail utilizes Forest Service Roads, you will need a minimum of $200,000 third-party liability insurance available from ICBC or another insurance company.
  3. In addition, where the trail crosses a public road or highway, you will require ICBC’s Basic Insurance and a decal to attach to your ORV license plate/sticker, both of which are only available through ICBC – http://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/specialty-vehicles/Pages/Off-road-vehicles.aspx
  4. Where the trail crosses a public road or highway at a controlled crossing (stop signs present and trail crosses the road at a right angle), a police-issued Operation Permit is NOT required.  In all other circumstances, an Operation Permit is required for on-highway operation, and these can be obtained from any RCMP detachment along the trail.
  5. A valid driver’s license is required to operate an ORV/snowmobile on any road.  Children under the age of 16 cannot operate an ORV/snowmobile on any road.
  6. All ORV/snowmobile riders must wear a safety helmet, use lights for low-visibility conditions and, where applicable, wear seatbelts where installed by the manufacturer.

 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

  1. Though the trail meanders close to nearby communities, there are no direct access points along the trail to pull into a service station or business for fuel or food and beverage needs.  Access to these items is only via car or truck and not available by snowmobile.
  2. Prepare for the trip, consider terrain, location, weather, check avalanche warnings—use this information to prepare for ways to deal with them.
  3. Locate the area you will be riding—familiarize yourself with the area using a map.
  4. Assess your physical condition, equipment and safety rules. Use this info to help you decide whether the timing of the trip is good or not.
  5. Notify someone about where you are going, whom you are going with and when you expect to return. It’s a good idea to leave your specific route with a family member or friend.
  6. Cell phone service is not available on many areas of the trail. Dial 911 in case of emergency.

 

SAFE CROSSINGS:
Be careful when crossing railways or roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic.

TRAVELLING ON ROADWAYS:
When operating on plowed roads within the approved “Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail” all highway laws and rules apply. Always ride to the extreme right hand side, in single file.

  1. If an unplowed road edge is present, snowmobilers must use this surface
  2. Always obey posted speed limits and other signs, go slower when the road is narrow
  3. Always yield to motor vehicle traffic in front or behind you
  4. Never stop on a road or trail, ALWAYS pull off the road / travelled surface
  5. Remember a plowed road will have vehicle and possibly industrial/logging truck traffic. When encountering an active logging road use extreme caution!

 

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK:
Persons using the trail assume all responsibility for personal injury or damage to equipment resulting from the use of the trail and any facilities.

OBEY TRAIL SIGNS:

road-signs

WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Due to the length, seasonal constraints, and maintenance of the trail, it is advisable to check the conditions of the trail prior to attempting the route.

TRAIL ACCESS POINTS:
Riders may enter at any point along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) and are not required to ride the entire trail in one go as the trail boasts numerous access points. The trail can be accessed from any of the communities along the route or via forest service roads along the route. Main access points are marked with signage, however due to the unlimited number of possible entry points not all are marked.

PARKING:
It is suggested that vehicles be parked in any one of the GRST communities (including 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, 108 Mile House, and Horsefly). Riders might also consider parking in Lac La Hache and heading toward Helena Lake in order to meet the GRST. Roadside parking is available virtually anywhere along the vast network of forest service roads in the area. We advise drivers to use common sense when parking as vehicles left blocking roads may be moved by the authorities at the expense of the driver. Extreme caution should be taken when parking in areas which are being actively logged; parking is at your own risk. Alternatively, parking may be available in conjunction with your accommodations.

TRAIL GROOMING:
Grooming reports are available on our website throughout the snowmobile season, although maintenance reports will be posted year round. Please remember to check trail conditions before heading out onto the GRST. It is advised that GRST users come prepared for all weather conditions and carry appropriate safety equipment.

WILDLIFE:
Riders have the wonderful opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife while riding on the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST). Larger types of wildlife which may be seen include deer, moose, caribou, and bears. Other fur-bearing animals such as beavers, lynx, fishers, bobcats, wolverines, badgers, and martins may also be seen. You may also encounter smaller forms of wildlife such as rodents and birds.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
To keep this historic trail in pristine shape for generations to come, we ask that you assist us in adhering to the following trail etiquette requests:

  1. Pack out what you pack in – if you bring food/beverages, camping items, machine maintenance items and such, please do not leave any waste behind. Please pack-up all garbage and bring it with you to dispose of in an approved waste disposal or recycling bin at the next community along your way.
  2. Do not drink and drive – Driving under the influence is an illegal, chargeable offence in British Columbia
  3. Wildlife encounters – For your own safety, please use caution and do not approach wildlife. Remember, it is against the law to chase or harass wildlife.
  4. Stay on designated trails – Riders are encouraged to stay on designated trails as certain areas may have off-road closures for the protection of wildlife.


70 MILE HOUSE:

Approximately 42 kilometers south of 100 Mile House and 32 kilometers north of Clinton, the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) begins in 70 Mile House. There is a service station in 70 Mile House where you can fuel up your machines before venturing out onto the GRST. Other amenities in the small community of 70 Mile House include a motel, restaurant, and pub.

100 MILE HOUSE:
The next community along the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) is the District of 100 Mile House. Whether your machines require fuel, service, or parts, this is a wonderful place to stop for rejuvenation. The community offers a very wide variety of overnight accommodations, restaurants, pubs, fuel service stations, as well as motorsport/recreation shops. Alternatively, riders can stop in nearby 108 Mile House for fuel and accommodations.

HORSEFLY:
The final destination of the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST), Horsefly, is situated in the beautiful Cariboo Mountains. The beginnings of the Cariboo Gold Rush can be traced back to Horsefly. In 1858, with the help of two First Nations Men named Tomaah and Baptiste, Peter Dunlevey and his men found large amounts of gold in Horsefly. In this community, riders can obtain fuel and groceries. Restaurants, overnight accommodations, and a pub can also be found.

YANKS PEAK TRAIL:
It is hoped that the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) will soon be extended to include portions from Clinton to 70 Mile House and Horsefly to Wells. At present, you can continue your journey onward from Horsefly to Wells by travelling from Horsefly to the Yanks Peak Trailhead at Keithley Creek. The Yanks Peak Trail network offers riders the opportunity to travel into Wells. Please be advised that traveling along the Yanks Peak Trail requires passes to help fund trail grooming and maintenance.

 

Above_Groundhog_Lake Cabin Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Cariboo_Country Cariboo_Country2 Child_rider Child_rider2 Groundhog_Lake_Cabin Horsefly Likely Looking_East_from_Round_Top Meadows Moffat Creek Bridge Quesnel Lake Rider Ripping_on_trail Roundtop Signage Signage2 Snow South_Shoulder_Roundtop South_Shoulder_Roundtop2 Trail_Groomer Wells Wells_Hubs_Motel Williams Creek Yanks_Peak Yanks_Peak2Ridge_linePowder