In 2010, several Okanagan trail riders were enjoying the primitive trails and camping spots along the Trapping Creek forest service road. The goal for the keen riders was to connect trails and avoid having to ride along the sometimes very busy road.
Most of the trails have interesting names and there’s a story behind each one but after a couple years of trail finding and GPS mapping some Back Country Horsemen of BC (BCHBC) members were encouraged to investigate registering the trails with Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC). Thus the beginning of a much used and appreciated network of trails suitable for horses, located about 45 minutes out of Kelowna off highway 33.
Current map of the trail network.
A partnership agreement between BCHBC and RSTBC was signed in 2013. BCHBC then became the volunteer organization responsible for maintaining the trail network which includes two designated Forestry campsites and about 50 km of interlinking single-track and two-track trails. The trails include multiple water crossings, good footing, are mainly shady and offer a few nice views.
The camping area at km 1.5 on the Ptarmigan forest service road, accessible at km 9 on Trapping Creek FSR was formally registered with RSTBC as the Meadow Horse Camp and other than installing a pit toilet, was left in its natural state, offering a large area for camping and high-lining or setting up private panels.
In 2015 and 2016 multiple work parties were conducted and the Little Trapping Horse Camp was created by opening up and enlarging a small pullout at approximately km3 on the Trapping Creek FSR. With the financial support of Horse Council of BC, BCHBC member volunteers put in endless hours working with heavy equipment, track-hoes, backhoes, commercial chippers and trucking aggregate, leveling and creating several individual sites.
Signage installed and Camp expansion project underway.
Enhancements included the pit toilets and official BC Forestry Camp kiosk and signage, supplied by RSTBC. The labour again supplied by BCHBC volunteers. We are very fortunate to have so many talented and willing individuals within BCHBC, skilled in heavy equipment operation, welding, etc.
Horse corral posts being set.
In 2017, 12 five-panel horse pens were added to the Little Trapping camp, then in 2018 several truckloads of suitable footing were placed in the pens once all stumps had been removed.
Loads of aggregate for leveling and for the corrals.
As popularity of the horse camp grew, we recognized a need to manage the manure produced by frequent usage, and broadcasting was no longer a viable option. In 2019, again thanks to the generous financial support of RSTBC, a concrete block manure bin was installed and is cleaned out on an annual basis.
Manure bin installation.
In 2023, through funding from a BCHBC provincial grant, trail intersection map signs were added in many key locations within the trail network.
The total volunteer commitment for the 10 years totalled almost 800 hours and a whopping 18,000 kms driven by members in personal vehicles back and forth to work on the camps and trails. Kudos to the dedication of the many individuals that have worked so hard keeping Trapping Creek Horse Trails a great destination for trail riding for everyone.
By Juanita Gibney- Okanagan Chapter of BCHBC
BCHBC is privileged to have Saddle Up Magazine as ‘the official voice’ of our province-wide organization. We value this partnership and encourage you to check out Saddle Up magazine online and consider supporting this BC-based publication by purchasing a subscription. You may also pick up printed copies of Saddle Up in 156 cities/towns with 340 outlets, mainly in BC and Alberta, as well as other parts of Canada and the US. It’s free!
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