Yellowhawk Trail

Yellowhawk Trail in North Cariboo-Chilcotin Region, British Columbia, Canada is a moderately easy hike trekking through forests to the alpine peaks of Mount Murray, Mount Greenbury or to Mount Waverly. The round trip 8.4 kilometre alpine trail is located south of Bowron Lake, northwest of the community of Wells and north of the heritage mining town of Barkerville.

The alpine route climbs 604 metres to the peak of Mount Greenberry and then onto Murray Ridge on Mount Murray and some cabin remains. The entire loop route takes anywhere from 3 - 5 hours to complete depending on your groups fitness and weather conditions. From the mountain peaks are a series of wide ranging viewpoints looking out over the surrounding mountain ranges, alpine valleys, Bowron Lake Park and the Heritage Highway leading to the communities of Wells and Barkerville.

The trail is mostly used by hikers and cross country skiers. The main trail follows a single wide pine needle covered path, over tree roots, under forest cover to some switchbacks leading up the mountain above the tree line. As you explore along the Yellowhawk Trail there is an off-shoot trail available before reaching the summit of Mount Greenberry leading to Waverly Mountain.

Some return the same route back, others take a different trail down. An alternative return trail winds around the north side of Mt. Murray called the Jubilee Creek Trail. Both trails are relatively well marked on Mount Murray. Although locating the trailheads along Murray Ridge is tricky. To descend down the Jubilee trail look for trail signs on the trees.

Both trails start from the same gravel road. If your group hikes to Mount Murray and Mount Greenbury on the Yellowhawk Trail and decide to descend using the Jubilee Trail there is a 3 km stretch of the Bowron Lake gravel road that separates the two trailheads. This part of the loop route can be walked or biked. Or make sure to set up two vehicles (one at each trailhead) for a shuttle service.

Be prepared when hiking the peaks of this trail as wind can pick up and temperatures can drop, even in the summers. It is important to layer your clothing and have plenty of water and good hiking boots. The trail system is in wildlife country. Be bear aware.

Explore Yellowhawk Trail in North Cariboo-Chilcotin Region, British Columbia, Canada