The Enderby Cliffs

Note: BC Parks, Splats'in Band, and the Shuswap Trail Alliance are upgrading the Enderby Cliffs trail from the Brash Allan Road Parking Lot to the top of the Cliffs during the 2010 season. This work is estimated to be finished in October. Disruption to hikers should be minimal, however Park users are requested to observe all posted signage and direction from trail crews. Thank you for patience during this project.

Towering high above the city stand the majestic Enderby Cliffs. According to local legend the ridge, as viewed from south of Enderby, resembles the head of a Neanderthal Man who, in days of yore, guarded the northern gateway to the Okanagan Trench.

A challenging hike promises a terrific view of the Shuswap River and the Okanagan valley, as well as a close look at volcanic rock and fossil sites. The trail is for foot traffic only; no horses, ATV's, or mountain bikes are allowed.

The trail is user maintained. Pack out whatever garbage you bring in. No fires are allowed. Be sure to bring protection from the sun and drinking water.

To find the entrance to the Enderby Cliffs hiking trail, travel east on the Mabel Lake Road for approximately 2 km and turn left on Brash Allen Road. Follow this road as it becomes gravel and curves to the right. At the end of Brash Allen Road, you will see a paved parking lot to your left and a sign marking the trailhead. The trail starts here.

A waycross marks the junction of the trail with the old logging road. The cross was commissioned by Mr. Hirth in keeping with the Bavarian tradition in the Alps, to mark the crossroads where the ways are crossing. The crucifix was carved by villagers of Oberammergau, Germany. You are invited to leave flowers. Mr. Hirth has erected a bench here for travellers to rest and contemplate the beauty of our country.

It should take between 1.5 and 2 hours to reach the top.

Larch Hills

Larch Hills is a beautiful wooded recreational site lying to the northwest of Grindrod. This area has 150 km of clearly marked trails for hiking, trail riding, mountain biking, and cross country skiing. The nationally renowned Reino Keski Salmi Loppet is held here every January, attracting around 500 cross country skiers. Two chalets are conveniently located on the hill and are available for both summer and winter use or for overnight stays. This area is maintained by a volunteer society; please leave the place tidy.

Hunters Range

Hunters Range stretches from the majestic Enderby Cliffs to Mt. Mara Lookout. The rolling hills of beautiful alpine meadows make this area ideal for snowmobiling in the winter and hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the summer months. The Hunters Range Snowmobile Association, formed in 1968, maintains trails through the winter months. Membership fees enable the club to keep the road and trails up to standard. The group has developed a day chalet and shelter, and has recently identified trails with signs. The annual Snowarama competition attracts many snowmobilers to the hills every February.

Mt. Mara Lookout

Located on Hunters Range above the flowering alpine meadows, the forestry lookout on Mt. Mara commands a spectacular view of the Shuswap Highlands, Mabel and Shuswap Lakes, and the Monashee Mountains. The beautiful alpine and sub-alpine meadows, valleys, and hills provide many hiking trails for exploration.

A four-wheel drive truck is recommended. Travel east on the Mabel Lake Road for 30 km, and turn left on the Kingfisher Three valley Gap Road. Continue on this gravel road for approximately 10 km where you come to a "Y" junction; go to the left on La Forge Road. Continue to follow the signs to Mt. Mara for approximately 14 more km. The road is gravel and becomes quite narrow. Park on a log landing just before the road climbs steeply. Four wheel drive vehicles can continue for another four kilometres to park by the ponds. Follow the road as it climbs towards the lookout, which can be seen on the middle peak high above.

The hike to the lookout takes approximately two hours.