Ref: Kamloops Trails.
Note: We didn't access the trailhead like mentioned in the link above;
instead, we continued 2.2 kilometers on Jesmond Road passed Circle H
Ranch and turned right on a narrow, rutted service road, 766685.
|
|
|
|
|
It's very smoky on our way to the Marble Range.
|
Hike:
RT
10.0; 5.5 up. A couple of weeks ago, we climbed Mount Bowman, the
third-highest of the Marble Range. It granted a great day in the
mountains and a respite from the smoke enveloping BC's Interior. With
the continuing hot, dry weather, there has been very little relief from
ongoing wildfires. We decided to return to the Marble Range for a
backpacking trip on Wild Horse Ridge; we hoped for another break from
the polluted air. Our goal this time was Big Kerr Peak, which is the
highest point of the range. The trailhead is the same as for Mount
Bowman, so is the start of the trail. The well-trodden path leads to
Wild Horse Ridge; from there, the open terrain on the ridge lends
itself to easy travel. We did the 20+ kilometer trip in two days to
allow hiking at a leisurely pace. Like our previous outing a couple of
weeks ago, we only broke out of the smoke as we approached the Marble
Range. With a late start hiking, we arrived at our chosen campsite with
just enough daylight to set up and eat dinner. As darkness fell upon
us, we could observe the red glow of a nearby wildfire; admittedly, it
was slightly unnerving. The following day, the smoke had settled
around. We had
a quick breakfast and got on our way towards the summit. Hiking the
barren ridge is very pleasant. There are trail segments in the scree
that render this trek quite easy. We gained the top in little time. The
view was nice despite the smoke obscuring the distant mountains. The
traverse to the lower official summit is interesting. Although it's
only 1.5 kilometers away, the route doesn't appear to be
straightforward; the summit block probably requires some moderate
scrambling. Our return was
equally pleasant; we packed up our gear while having tea before
resuming our descent. We reached the parking lot in the afternoon; cows
greeted us. This outing is well-suited for an overnighter in the
mountains; bring water!
|
|
 |
|
We accessed the trailhead just north of Circle H Ranch. |
|
 |
|
Following the trail to Wild Horse Ridge.
|
|
 |
|
Beyond Mount Bowman's junction, the trail meanders through dead-standing trees and fireweed.
|
|
 |
|
Looking back towards Lime Ridge North.
|
|
 |
|
|
Nearing the saddle on Wild Horse Ridge.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Thick smoke billowing from a nearby fire.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
From the saddle, the trail becomes indistinct; we hiked randomly.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking back at Mount Bowman.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The objective comes into view in the distance.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Setting up camp.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Hanging the food for the night.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Visible flames from a nearby wildfire.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
We're leaving our campsite to visit Big Kerr Peak.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The smoke from numerous large wildfires is slowly engulfing our space.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The ridge walk is very pleasant.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A quick break with the objective in sight.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking back.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Last stretch. |
|
|
 |
|
|
An optional scrambly bit.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
At the top of the highest point of the Marble Range.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
To the east is the officially-named Mount Kerr which is lower by 45 meters.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Neat clouds over Wild Horse Ridge with Mad Dog Mountain and Mount Bowman jutting out in the distance. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The orange opaque hue is a tell-tell sign of polluted air.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Heading back.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
As the smoke thickens, the surrounding mountains vanish.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Almost back at our campsite.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Tea time.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
All packed up, we resume our descent.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Mount Bowman dominates the view on the way down.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Ominous sight on the drive out....
|
| Back
to home page
|
|
|