This route leads onto the southeast slopes of Mount Babcock, passing through a landscape of towering rock pinnacles. Some simple rock scrambling is necessary in places.
Features & Amenities
Mountains
Lake
Stream or River
Trail Seating
Trail Markers
Steep Sections
Very Steep Sections
Wild Flowers
Wildlife Concern
Obstructions & Hazards
Camping Sites
Things To See
The dome shaped mass of Mount Babcock has been explored for its coal since the 1970s, and Quintette Operating Corporation mined for 3 years on its northwest side. The top of the mountain is composed of a thick bed of resistant sandstone. This has slid on the underlying softer shales. Pieces of the sandstone have broken off, forming a labyrinth of large blocks that is known as the Boulder Gardens.
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Trail Directions
It is best to hike the circular route in a counterclockwise direction. It passes through an other-worldly landscape strewn with rock pillars, slabs, and boulders. There are many cracks and crevices between the rocks, so please stick to the trail and supervise children carefully. There are two short, interesting side trails: the Chimney Rock side trail leads up a narrow but safe chimney to an impressive view site. The Lichen Towers side trail leads into the heart of one of the most spectacular tower areas. The route then climbs gently to Boulder Tarn, a small lake nestled in between the bluffs. The Pancake Rocks area has large boulders with thin beds of sandstone. The Two Towers side trail leads to panoramic view sites with some scrambling required. The Grassi Grind follows the safest route up through a challenging scree and boulder slope. This section ends in a narrow crack. This is the highest point of the circular route, which descends from here through a beautiful dry valley with more views, a cave, and boulders.
Getting There
From Tumbler Ridge, drive south on Hwy 52 (the Heritage Highway; the section heading south from town is known locally as the Boundary Road). The paved road passes the turnoff to Kinuseo Falls at km 12.7. Keep going straight on the Hwy 52 for another 6.8 km to a right turn onto the Core Lodge Road. This road is radio controlled - watch for industrial traffic. At 12.5 km, there is a fork. Take the right fork, following the sign saying “all other traffic”. The left fork is for mine traffic only. From the Heritage Highway, it is 14 km to the Core Lodge.
Safety Planning
Use caution near cliff edges
These trails are in bear country; travel in groups and make noise