| Jubilee
Trail is
a moderately easy 9.5 kilometre route trekking along an old forestry
logging road to the alpine peak of Mount Murray. The round trip
alpine trail is located south of Bowron Lake, northwest of the
community of Wells and north of the
heritage mining town of Barkerville.
The alpine
route climbs 668 metres to the peak of Mount Murray. And from
the peak the option exists to go back down the same way or to
continue along Murray Ridge to some cabin remains and to another
trail. The entire loop route takes anywhere from 3 - 5 hours to
complete depending on your groups fitness, the route taken and
the weather conditions.
The trail
is mostly enjoyed by hikers and cross country skiers. Many enjoy
the route for the views. From the mountain peaks are a series
of wide ranging viewpoints looking out over the surrounding mountain
ranges, alpine valleys, Bowron Lake Park and the communities of
Wells and Barkerville.
The main
trail starts off following an old logging road for 2.5 kilometres
to the base of a series of switchbacks. Continue up the switchbacks
through the alpine forest to the treeline. Continue to the peak
of Mount Murray from the treeline.
Once at the peak some
return back the same route, while others plan for the extended
loop route exploring south along Murray Ridge to the Yellowhawk
Trail. Both trails are relatively well marked going up to
Mount Murray. Although finding the trail marker sometimes can
be hard when connecting the two trails together. Be prepared.
Both trails start from the
same gravel road. If your group hikes to Mount Murray on the Jubilee
Trail and then plan on hiking down the Yellowhawk Trail there
is a 3 km stretch of the Bowron Lake gravel road that connects
the two trailheads at the bottom. The gravel road forms a loop
route which can be walked or biked. Or make sure to set up two
vehicles (one at each trailhead) for a shuttle service.
Be prepared when hiking the
peaks of this trail as wind can pick up and temperatures can drop,
even in the summers. It is important to layer your clothing and
have plenty of water and good hiking boots. The trail system is
in wildlife country. Be bear aware.
How to
Get to the Jubilee Trail: From
the community of Quesnel , BC travel north on Hwy 97 to the Heritage
Highway (Hwy 26) turn off. It is located on the right side of
the highway. Travel down Highway 26 towards Barkerville and Wells,
BC. Just prior to Barkerville is the Bowron Lakes turn off. Take
it. At about 3.7 km mark is the Yellowhawk Trailhead on your right
and a little further, at 6.4 kilometres is the Jubilee Trailhead.
Contact information for
the local Wells, Barkerville & Bowron Lake community
accommodations, tours, guides, activities, campgrounds,
attractions, etc. are posted under the community links listed
to your right. >>> |
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