Map of the Campsite
Robson Valley Chapter has just received the BCHBC Outstanding Project award. To earn this award of excellence, the project truly needs to be outstanding, and exemplify the mission and vision of Backcountry Horsemen which is: To build/preserve access for equestrians and other users to recreate on public lands.
The Robson Valley Chapter and surrounding communities are proud of the recreation site and receipt of this award is momentous for our local communities which are transitioning away from a primarily resource-based industry (logging) to a more diversified economy. Equine tourism is proving to be a good fit for this very scenic valley.
The project, which spanned six years of development, has resulted in an extensive 42-kilometer equine trail network and a 16 site equine campground on Belle Mountain in the Robson Valley near McBride. The Mountain was already known for excellent sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. With the addition of an equestrian trail network suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding the mountain is now open to year-round recreation enthusiasts.
Belle Mountain Equine Trail Network
The 42km trail network extends from the River Valley to the alpine with many loop options at low, mid, sub alpine and alpine sections of the mountain. The trail system is unique in that it is one of the few equine trails where riders can have access to alpine riding on a day ride.
Visitors enjoying the Belle Mountain Ride.
With a trail system that extends from lowest to uppermost elevations on the mountain, you can imagine, there is quite a choice of diverse ecosystems, vegetation, and terrains that the rider can experience depending on the section of the mountain they decide to ride.
One of the campsites
To accommodate riding preferences, there are four staging areas located at different elevations on this broad Mountain: Refer to P1, P2, P3, P4 on maps on www.hcbc.ca trail database under the recreation tab:
P1 – 1km on The Dore River FSR, for lower shorter valley trails and vista views or loop through connecting trails for a day long network perimeter loop ride.
P2 – 3km on Belle Mtn FSR where the lower and mid trails connect.
P3 – 4.5km on the Belle FSR for access to gentle mid mountain ski trails or ride up an unmaintained forest service road to scenic alpine meadows.
P4 – drive 3km on McIntosh Road to access the trails from the McIntosh Equine Recreation Site.
McIntosh Equestrian Recreation Site (Campground)
The 16-site equestrian campsite, adjacent the Belle Trail Network, is located 13 km west of McBride, off Highway 16 west (look for highway signage), and 3km up McIntosh Road, a well-maintained logging road with many pullouts. It can also be accessed by horseback from the mid-mountain section of the trail network. The camp is built alongside the steep McIntosh Creek Canyon (caution at canyon edge please!) in a hemlock forest. Camping is first-come-first served, and free, but we do appreciate donations toward camp/trail maintenance. Please e-transfer robsonchapter1@gmail.com.
Trail sign and Kitchen Shelter.
The camp is non-serviced and has 11 equine sites with at least 2- 12’x12′ corrals at each site. Some sites have 6-8 corrals to accommodate families and groups. There are 5 non-equine campsites that don’t have corrals. The camp has outhouses, manure pits and piped non-potable horse water. All sites are level gravel with picnic tables and firepits. All equine sites can accommodate large rigs. A kitchen shelter with a wood stove and outside fire ring is a nice place to gather.
Contact the Robson Valley Chapter of BCHBC (robsonvalley1@gmail.com) for information or to connect with a member to ride with and show you our beautiful valley!
Submitted by Eileen MacDonald- Robson Valley Chapter
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