- Backcountry hikers are reminded that it is a wilderness area, and no supplies or facilities are provided. Suitable clothing should be worn, and proper equipment should be used. Visitors should have appropriate maps. Anyone planning to hike overnight or longer should inform a responsible person of their intentions, and should provide estimated departure and return times. BC Parks does not provide rescue services.
- Visitors should be aware that there is no potable water in the park. Visitors must bring an ample supply of water, and should boil or filter water before use to avoid parasites.
Edge Hills Provincial Park
January 9, 2013
The Ministry of Highways and Transportation is receiving reports that the section of Pavilion Clinton Road along Kelly Lake is receiving regular small avalanche releases from the slopes above the roadway. This area was burned in 2009 Kelly Lake Wildfire and we are now seeing more active snow releases this winter. The releases are leaving about 1 + m of snow on the roadway. The snow releases may be hazardous to the public visiting Downing and Edge Hills Parks.
The public should be alert when driving in an area that has had a recent wildfire. Be observant of washed out bridges or culverts, roads below steep banks are susceptible to landslides. Watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of debris flows. On forest land where a wildfire has occurred, avoid camping on floodplains, beside small streams, on alluvial fans or at the base of burned slopes. Rapid spring snowmelt and intense rainfall are common triggers that present a greater risk of post-wildfire events. Be aware of forecasts that may include heavy rainfall. This bulletin provides general information only, additional information resources are available at:
www.bcwildfire.ca
www.pep.bc.ca
www.gov.bc.ca/for
The Ministry of Highways and Transportation is receiving reports that the section of Pavilion Clinton Road along Kelly Lake is receiving regular small avalanche releases from the slopes above the roadway. This area was burned in 2009 Kelly Lake Wildfire and we are now seeing more active snow releases this winter. The releases are leaving about 1 + m of snow on the roadway. The snow releases may be hazardous to the public visiting Downing and Edge Hills Parks.
The public should be alert when driving in an area that has had a recent wildfire. Be observant of washed out bridges or culverts, roads below steep banks are susceptible to landslides. Watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of debris flows. On forest land where a wildfire has occurred, avoid camping on floodplains, beside small streams, on alluvial fans or at the base of burned slopes. Rapid spring snowmelt and intense rainfall are common triggers that present a greater risk of post-wildfire events. Be aware of forecasts that may include heavy rainfall. This bulletin provides general information only, additional information resources are available at:
www.bcwildfire.ca
www.pep.bc.ca
www.gov.bc.ca/for
About This Park
Edge Hills Provincial Park protects panoramic river canyon vistas, gentle forested slopes, and grassy benchlands and ravines on the eastern slope of the Fraser River. Such a diverse landscape provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.The protection of wildlife and their habitats is a critical element in the management of this wilderness park. The area also protects cultural heritage sites. Backcountry recreation opportunities offering spectacular views include hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Edge Hills is an undeveloped wilderness park with no facilities except a network of unmaintained and unmarked trails. Nearby parks offering vehicle access camping include Big Bar Lake, Downing, and Green Lake Provincial Parks.
Park Size: 11,850 hectares
Special Notes:
Edge Hills is an undeveloped wilderness park with no facilities. There is non-motorized access of unmaintained and unmarked trails to view and access grasslands. Nearby parks offering overnight facilities include Big Bar Lake, Downing, and Green Lake Provincial Parks
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. The park is located approximately 170 km south of Williams Lake in south central BC. It is situated just west of Clinton, and north of Lillooet. The park can be accessed via Kelly Lake Road off Highway 97. It is adjacent to Marble Range Provincial Park; the Jesmond Road corridor separates the two parks. The closest communities, towns and cities are Clinton, 100 Mile House and Ashcroft.Two roads access Edge Hills Provincial Park. The High Bar Road enters from Jesmond Road. Some sections of this road are rough and steep, and four-wheel drive vehicles are essential in wet weather. Visitor use of this road is not recommended beyond the lookout at Cougar Point because the road is extremely steep beyond this point. The Cavanagh Creek Road enters from Pear Lake, and is extremely rough, providing only limited motorized access to the height of land. There is no public motorized access beyond this point. ATV, motorcycle, and snowmobile use is prohibited on this road and beyond, except under permit.
Off road driving in any type of motor vehicle is prohibited at Edge Hills Park. Grasslands are very susceptible to erosion as the delicate lichen crust that protects them can take over ten years to recover from the passage of even one vehicle.
Topographical map numbers: 1:50,000 92P/4, 92I/13, and 92I/14 apply to the park. These are available from most map dealers and some outdoor gear retailers in BC.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information for Marble Range and Edge Hills Provincial Parks:- Forested wilderness, grassland ecosystems, varied wildlife and scenic grandeur are represented in these new protected areas. These parks are located southwest of Clinton and east of the Fraser Canyon.
The approved Marble Range / Edge Hills Management Plan is available in PDF format. Because of the large size of the file, the plan is divided into eleven separate files for ease of access.- Introduction [PDF 563.19KB]
- Park Vision and Roles [PDF 543.3KB]
- Park Zoning [PDF 177.24KB]
- Natural and Cultural Values [PDF 852.24KB]
- Outdoor Recreation Opportunities and Management [PDF 271.73KB]
- Park Completion Issues [PDF 195.18KB]
- Communications [PDF 13.28KB]
- Plan Implementation [PDF 25.91KB]
- Appendix A - Legal Park Descriptions [PDF 20.69KB]
- Appendix B [PDF 16.91KB]
- Appendix C [PDF 46.36KB]
- Appendix D, E and F [PDF 304.63KB]
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Park roads are steep and rough, suitable for advanced mountain bike riders only. Bring lots of drinking water. Please do not ride off road, as grassland areas are very susceptible to erosion. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Hiking
Trails are not maintained or sign-posted. Bring topographic maps and compass and know how to use them. Tell a responsible person of your destination and expected return time. 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.
Horseback Riding
There are horseback riding opportunities at this park. Please minimize your impact on the fragile grassland ecosystem by staying on existing trails and roads. To avoid importing weeds to the park, you must use weed free pelleted feed rather than hay or grain.
Pets on Leash
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
Backcountry hikers are reminded that it is a wilderness area, and no supplies or facilities are provided. Suitable clothing should be worn, and proper equipment should be used. Visitors should have appropriate maps. Anyone planning to hike overnight or longer should inform a responsible person of their intentions, and should provide estimated departure and return times. BC Parks does not provide rescue services. Visitors should be aware that there is no potable water in the park. Visitors must bring an ample supply of water, and should boil or filter water before use to avoid parasites.
See Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Day trips are preferred because of lack of water in this park, and to reduce human impact on the environment.
