Ministry of Environment - Close To The Edge Provincial Park

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Park Info:This 702 hectare park and protected area is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George. There is logging road access within 5 km of the park/protected area.

The park/protected area is situated in the Dezaiko Range of the Rocky Mountains. This park protects the internationally significant Close-To-The-Edge cave, which has the deepest shaft and is the second deepest overall cave (440) in Canada/USA, and is among the 50 deepest caves in the world. The cave was discovered in 1983, but the bottom of the cave was not reached until 1986. The primary shaft drops 253 m straight down, and is about 23 m in diameter. There are also additional, smaller caves in the park.

Park Size: 702 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan.

Location:

Location Map

This park/protected area is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George, and is accessible via the Pass Lake forest service road to Gleason creek. The closest community, town or city is Prince George.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Nature & Culture:

History - The cave was discovered in 1983, but the bottom was not reached until 1986.
Conservation - Important habitat for caribou, moose, black and grizzly bears. Internationally significant cave features: the deepest shaft and the second deepest cave (440 m) overall in Canada/U.S.A.; cave has 5 pitches in total.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

Close-To-The-Edge cave is particularly dangerous because of its depth and vertical shaft. It is suitable only for very experienced cavers. Access requires crossing Hedrick Creek via a hand-operated cable car.

General Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Rugged terrain with no facilities or trails.
	No group campsites.
	No day-use or picnic facilities.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Drinking out of any streams or lakes is not recommended unless the water has been filtered or treated. There are limited water sources in the eastern half of the park near the cave.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	No firewood available. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. There is a very rough trail following Hedrick Creek and then a route to Close-To-The-Edge cave location. Hedrick Creek must be crossed via a hand operated cable car.
	This park does not have a playground.
	No swimming.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	This Park is open to hunting. Please consult the Hunting and Trapping regulations for more information.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	There are spelunking opportunities in the various caves in the park. Only experienced spelunkers should attempt these caves.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.