Day 1: Welcome, Float Plane Drop, Ride to Bearpaw Camp

Meet your coaches and the group at the Tyax Adventures Base in the morning at 7am  (TBC) to start the adventure with a plane ride to the alpine. The flight from Tyaughten Lake to Lorna Lake will open your eyes to the beauty of the area as we fly over much of the terrain that we’ll be riding. Once we’re all at Lorna Lake we’ll depart along some technical-wilderness singletrack including several creek crossings and some marshy sections following stunning Big Creek. The trail will start to become more flowing as we roll farther along Big Creek. We will be in the Big Creek Provincial park and will ride into the historic Graveyard Valley, a special spot with great historic value for the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) and St’at’imc (Lillooet) First Nations. After passing through this gorgeous valley we will start the day’s real challenge, a gentle but sustained climb up Elbow Pass. We might be walking with our bikes in some sections but we will take our time and enjoy the challenge and check out some fossils along the way. At the top of the pass everyone will be rewarded with unbeatable views and a sweet flowing singletrack descent! At the valley bottom we’ll ride rolling terrain right into our Bear Paw camp in stunning meadows with lots of room to spread out, relax and have a good stretch before dinner.

Distance: 26 km, 5-7hrs 
Elevation Gain/Loss: +575m/ -750m

Day 2: Big Adventure Day: Deer Pass to Spruce Camp

After a hearty breakfast and enjoying the peaceful setting in the mountains, we’ll get moving with a morning mobility session and pack our lunches for the day’s big adventure. We’ll roll out of camp along some technical terrain before climbing up and over the spectacular alpine terrain of Deer Pass. This climb will have some longer hike-a-bike sections and will offer the chance to really test your climbing skills with a net elevation gain of 650m (about 2 hours up). Your climbing efforts up the pass will be rewarded with spectacular views in all directions. Enjoy the the vast open wilderness as you start descending down the alpine on a super fun and flowy 750m descent. After one last stop to enjoy the alpine splendour the trail winds through some steeper terrain with switchbacks that bring you from the rocky alpine to the valley floor. You’ll then make your way to Spruce Lake via trails that skirt the shores of multiple wilderness lakes along some technical terrain and then a challenging climb up to Spruce Lake. Your resupply bag will be waiting for you at Spruce camp (change of clothes, drinks, etc). Spend the evening catching a trout in Spruce Lake or just relaxing by the campfire after a solid day’s effort.
Approximate Daily Stats: 30kms / 7-8 hrs (1055m climbing, 1250m descending)

Distance: 30 km, 7-8hrs *up to 2hrs hike-a-bike up Deer Pass
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1055m/ -1250m

Day 3: Spruce Camp to Base

Wake up in the mountains and enjoy your last morning in camp. After breakfast and a mobility warm up, we’ll hit the trail with a short technical ride around the lake before getting out into the gorgeous Gun Meadows. Here we’ll have some great photo opportunities and will get to use all the skills we learned over the weekend to navigate some of the most fun flowing trails in the area. After the Gun Meadows we we’ll join the Gun Creek trail and follow this rolling terrain through twisty aspen trees, smooth floored pine forests, short technical climbs, and fast flowy trail following the Gun Creek. At the end of the trail our shuttle will be waiting to whisk us back up to Tyax Base. Say farewell to your group, collect some sweet swag from the sponsors and take home some great stories to share with your friends!

Distance: 25 km, 4-5hrs 
Elevation Gain/Loss: +430m/ -1110m

Notes

• Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, logistics, or local events. No refunds for changed itinerary.

• We recommend booking accommodations at Tyax Lodge or Gold Bridge the night before as we meet at 7am Day 1. And post-camp depending on your travel distance.

• Tyax Resorts offers deluxe accommodations and a full service campground. Other rustic campgrounds are also available in the area. Location & direction to Tyax Adventures Base
• All camp lodging, food and air transport are provided by Tyax Adventures
• Transportation to camp start location is not included.

Within 1 week of registering, you’ll be emailed a ton of information including details on pack list, bike prep, directions, and FAQ sheet.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please read the FAQ for all kinds of info on what the trails are like, what to expect at camp, how to get there, where to stay pre/post camp, etc. FAQ Chilcotins Backcountry Camps 2023

GETTING THERE:

Tyax Adventures base is located adjacent to Tyax Lodge (look for small outbuilding on your way to the lodge front entrance). Tyax Adventures Base is located approximately 2.5 hours North of Pemberton via the Hurley FSR or about 4 hours via the Duffy Lake Road and Route 40 from Lillooet. Nestled in the South Chilcotin Mountains Park, a 72,000-hectare area boasting some of the best backcountry hiking, horseback riding and biking in BC.

Directions are available at Tyax Adventures – Location.

*Please note that Google Maps is showing an incorrect route from Lillooet to Tyax Lodge. You will be updated with exact directions. Do not follow google maps as it’s taking you on FSR’s instead of paved road. 

Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation the night before camp starts and any nights once we’re done. Tyax Adventures is in a remote area and you’ll need to travel there the day before. Meet up time is usually 7am on day 1 and we finish around 3pm on the last day. Accommodation can be booked in advance with Tyax Lodge or the Goldbridge Hotel or there are many camp spots nearby including some deluxe sites booked by Tyax Lodge.

GEAR NEEDED:

All-mountain or xc bike (130-150mm travel) – there will be lots of pedalling! (see itinerary for ride stats) Lightweight knee pads, all bike gear/clothing/tools, 20-25L pack. You will be carrying with you your lunch, minimal tools, and minimal change of clothes for the 3 days. A comprehensive packing list is emailed upon registration. No ebikes allowed, sorry. (Provincial park, charging and flying restrictions)

THE CAMPS & ROOMS:

During the Alpine Adventure Camp we’ll be travelling hut to hut.  Bear Paw camp will be our first stay, with the second night being at Spruce Camp.  Both camps offer a cook cabin with dining area, wood stove, hot shower, and outhouse. Lots of outdoor covered seating is offered with a campfire zone. There are 5 cozy canvas walled tents on platforms with raised beds, thick mattresses, warm sleeping bag, and pillow that sleep 2 people each (2 single beds).  You will also receive crocs for your feet and a fleece jacket to wear at camp.

There are no facilities, stores or cell coverage at Tyax Adventures Base. Please come prepared with your own food and a full tank of gas in your car. There is a washroom only at Tyax Adventures Base as it’s adjacent to Tyax Lodge.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

All camp prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are not always available due to limited number of rooms. Please contact Sweet Skills to discuss your preference. If a single room is available there will be an additional fee, provided upon request. Guests travelling alone will be requested to be paired with another single traveller.

ABILITY LEVEL:

Participants are asked to read and understand the ability level required for the trip and ensure they are well suited for the demands of the riding. Participants are strongly advised to follow our pre-trip fitness training recommendations. A booking questionnaire will be filled out at time of booking asking specific questions relating to biking experience and fitness, we ask that you fill this out completely and honestly so we can ensure you are signed up for the right trip. If you are unsure if the camp is the right fit for you, please call us.

WAIVERS:

Each guest will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement at time of registration, prior to start of trip. Click here to view and fill in the online waiver at time of booking.  Participants are required to inform Sweet Skills of any allergies, medical conditions or injuries that might affect their riding or health and any medications taken.

AGE:

Minimum required age is 18 for our camps and clinics.

Guest Cancellation

Outside of 90 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled outside of 90 days before the start date of your reservation will be refunded less $75. Or $50 fee to either transfer balance to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable. Please note any credit card processing fees are non- refundable.

Within 89-60 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled between 89-60 days before the start date of your reservation will be refunded less $150. Or $75 fee to either transfer balance to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable. Please note any credit card processing fees are non-

Within 59-30 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled between 59-30 days of the start date of your reservation will be refunded less 75% of the total fees paid. Or transfer 50% of balance to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable. Please note any credit card processing fees are non-refundable. (Sol Mountain cancellation transfer fee is $150)

29-0 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled within 29 days of the start date of your reservation are non-refundable and no credit is available for future camp. Your camp entry can be transferred to your friend (of similar ability) for $75 admin fee.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Our guest cancellation policy is firm and we recommend you purchase a trip interruption/cancellation insurance policy to avoid disappointment should you need to cancel your trip last minute. Travel insurance can be purchased through World Nomads (if travelling outside of your own province or internationally), or your travel agent. Ensure your travel insurance covers you and your equipment and that your current health insurance covers the unforeseen like medical flights and back-country emergency rescue.

Sweet Skills Cancellation

Sweet Skills reserves the right to cancel or adjust a reservation at any time due to minimum participation requirements not being met, or any other circumstance that arises. Should Sweet Skills need to cancel or reschedule your reservation you will be offered 100% credit to reschedule for another date, or option of a full refund less credit card fees.

Cancellations due to a 3rd Party/Unforeseen Circumstances:

Should your booking need to be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances beyond our control, including

(but not limited to): border closures, cancellations of any sort from Lodges or other 3^rd party operators, government-initiatedshutdowns due to a pandemic or wildfire, extreme weather which is deemed by Sweet Skills to be a safety issue. Sweet Skills may offer you a 100% credit to reschedule for another date, or give you the option of a full refund minus 10% of the deposit paid (for Sol Mountain Camp, fee is $175).

Should any necessary changes affect your pre and/or post-tour travel plans, Sweet Skills will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred by guests (non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc.) Again, we recommend you have purchased your own trip insurance policy.

ITINERARY CHANGES & Weather:

Every attempt will be made to adhere to our scheduled itinerary, we do not plan to make changes ahead of time. However, participants acknowledge and willingly accept the possibility of unexpected changes to our route, timings and itinerary. Safety issues, weather and/or any extenuating circumstances beyond our control may contribute to this possibility. Should these changes affect your pre and/or post-tour travel plans, Sweet Skills will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred by guests (non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc.). No refunds will be given for itinerary changes. We ride rain or shine! Riding in the mountains means we can encounter variable weather at any time and participants must be prepared for this. Weather can also change very last minute, therefore we do not cancel trips with forecasted rain or smoke unless our accommodation and transportation partners are shut down.