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WELCOME TO THE WEST BENCH
Motorized access to this area is managed under agreements made in the GBRAP
(Golden Backcountry Recreation Access Plan). This plan has been created by the
local community, local commercial and public stakeholder groups and the
provincial government in order to maintain both motorized and non-motorized
recreational opportunities. The access decisions of the plan are based upon
consensus recommendations from these groups. We ask that all users respect our
local recreation plan by complying with motorized and non-motorized
designations, which are government policy. See srmwww.gov.bc.ca/kor/rec/gbrap.htm
for more information.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES ON THE WEST BENCH
The Golden Backcountry Recreation Access Plan establishes opportunities for
all user groups in the West Bench. You can hike up to remote mountain meadows
from trailheads; drive on many existing roads (note that 4 wheel drive or ATV
access is required in many areas); or enjoy mountain biking on the Moonraker
trail system, at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, or on roaded areas.
Hiking
An activity for everyone, hiking enables people of all ages to explore the
beautiful summer surroundings of the Golden area. Trail conditions and
maintenance vary, so be prepared.
Mountain Biking
A great adrenaline pumping sport, mountain biking has become one of the
area’s fastest growing activities. With a variety of trails accommodating a
wide range of skill levels, people of all ages will be exposed to the most
breathtaking scenery. Please respect other trail users.
Off-Highway Vehicle Riding (OHV)
Whether you are riding an ATV, motorcycle or dirt bike, OHV riding provides a
fun and exhilarating way to cover a lot of ground exploring the spectacular
areas surrounding Golden. Please travel only on roads designated for summer
motorized access (green coloured roads on map). Keep motorized use to existing
roads.
Horseback Riding
There’s nothing quite like seeing the world from the back of a horse. A
wonderful way to cross the beautiful landscape and reconnect with bygone times.
1 GORMAN LAKE
An experience you will not want to miss. Gorman Lake is one of the area’s
most sought after destinations, accommodating a variety of activities. Nestled
amongst the towering peaks of the Purcells, this snow fed lake is found at the
end of an established trail. Note that there is no motorized use allowed past
the trailhead.
2 DAWN MOUNTAIN NORDIC TRAILS
Dawn Mountain has 18 km hiking trails. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty
at the base of Dawn Mountain and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, these trails can
be accessed via Kicking Horse Trail.
3 MOONRAKER TRAIL SYSTEM
This trail network includes a spectacular traverse along a canyon edge and
connecting cross-country trail systems for multipurpose use. All trails are
rated low to intermediate in difficulty. The north end of the trail system can
be accessed by turning left to Cedar Lake 10km up the Kicking Horse Resort Road.
The south end is accessed through Nicholson via Canyon Creek Road.
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
4 CEDAR LAKE
This highly popular lake with a sandy beach in a forest setting provides
great views and a wide range of summer activities.
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boat Launch Facility
- Camping
- Hiking
5 CANYON LAKE
A short hike to a small lake; popular for fishing.
6 CERTAINTY MINE TRAIL
This 8km hike follows an old mining trail to a very interesting old mine site
in the rocks and a spectacular alpine bowl. Watch for windfall on this trail,
which may not be maintained.
- 14 MILE TRAIL
Take this hike to access beautiful meadows and spectacular views of the
Purcell Range and Glacier National Park. Access is usually via 4 wheel drive,
and the trail is not regularly maintained.
Hiking
8 FOREST ROADS
A network of forest roads provides opportunities for 4x4, motorcycle, and ATV
riding and for mountain biking. Please adhere to the motorized and non-motorized
designations and respect other users. Road conditions vary, and some may not be
suitable for recreational use.
- Off-Highway Vehicle Riding
- Mountain Biking
WINTER ACTIVITIES ON THE WEST BENCH
Golden's West Bench is a spectacular area for winter activities for all user
groups. There are areas that have been designated for both motorized and
non-motorized activities. Spectacular snowmobiling opportunities exist for
novice to expert skill levels, while other areas have been designated for
non-motorized activities such as backcountry skiing. In addition, there are heli-ski
opportunities to enjoy, or you can proceed to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for
powder skiing at it's best or cross-country skiing at the Dawn Mountain Ski
trails.
Cross-Country Skiing
Enjoy track-set trails that are just minutes from town. Suitable for all
ages, this invigorating activity allows individuals or the whole family to
explore the surrounding scenery of Golden. A variety of trails ensures enjoyment
for skiers of all skill levels.
Snowshoeing
A fun, low impact sport, snowshoeing is a great family activity. The season
is as long as there is a patch of snow (November to April). On snowshoes you are
able to enjoy the beauty of Golden up close.
Snowmobiling
A network of roads provides great riding at lower elevations. In addition,
Golden offers premier high alpine snowmobile terrain – a hill-climber’s
heaven. These alpine areas are recommended only for experienced back country
riders with avalanche training and equipment.
1 GORMAN LAKE/LANG CREEK
An experience you will not want to miss. Gorman Lake is one of the area’s
most sought after winter destinations. Nestled amongst the towering peaks of the
Purcell Range, this snow fed lake is accessed from a forest road that is
generally unplowed beyond the golf course. Lang Creek may also be reached by
snowmobile by crossing Gorman Lake and traversing the pass to the north into the
Lang Creek drainage.
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
2 DAWN MOUNTAIN NORDIC TRAILS
Dawn Mountain has 18 km of groomed cross-country ski trails located at the
base of Dawn Mountain and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. These trails can be
accessed via Kicking Horse Trail.
3 MOONRAKER TRAIL SYSTEM
This little used and ungroomed trail network is largely for non-motorized
recreational use and includes a spectacular traverse along a canyon edge and
connecting cross-country trail systems. All trails are rated low to intermediate
in difficulty. The north end of the trail system can be accessed by turning left
to Cedar Lake 10km up the Kicking Horse Resort Road. The south end of the trail
system is accessed through Nicholson via Canyon Creek Road. Note that the
eastern portion of this trail system, and areas above that, contain
opportunities for snowmobile use.
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling (eastern portion only)
4 CEDAR LAKE
This highly popular lake in a forest setting provides great views and easily
accessible ice fishing.
- Ice Fishing
- Snowshoeing
- Cross counrty skiing
- Snowmobiling (to first and second lakes on designated corridors)
5 CANYON LAKE
A short snowmobile, ski or snowshoe to a small lake; popular for ice fishing.
- Ice Fishing
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
GOLF COURSE NORDIC TRAILS
Track-set trails just minutes from town. This trail system will take you
through a picturesque setting next to the serene Columbia River.
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
UNPLOWED FOREST ROADS
A network of unplowed forest roads provides opportunities for snowmobiling,
backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The road up Holt Creek (non-motorized
access) provides excellent opportunities for back country ski-touring and
ski-mountaineering. Please adhere to all motorized and non-motorized
designations and respect other users.
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
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