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 Trail cuttin, GPS packin bushwhacker, wiki hike compilin, who is now Hope-less
2542 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2005 : 11:39 PM
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Here is another trail that I have completed writing up. Comments definately welcome!
Spirit Caves
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Nearest City or Town: Yale
Overview: A steep switchback trail that leads up to a lookout high above the town of Yale and to a series of rock caves in the mountainside.
Statistics
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Completion Time: 3 hours
Total Distance: 5.0km
Trailhead Elevation: 90m
Maximum Elevation: 625m
Elevation Gain: 535m
Average Grade: 21.4%
Structure: Linear - Return
Trail Amenities
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Water - Fresh, Raw
Trailhead Amenities
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Water - Fresh, Raw
Food Store
Lodging - Inn / Hotel / Motel
Points of Interest (UTM WGS84)
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Trailhead 10 U 612628 5492013
Minor Creek Lookout 10 U 612402 5491160
Small Landslide 10 U 612490 5491302
Lookout Over Cliffs 10 U 612638 5491629
Caves 10 U 612546 5491810
Fork in Trail 10 U 612600 5491869
Pond 10 U 612678 5491878
Rocky Hill 10 U 612600 5491949
Summit / End Of Trail 10 U 612628 5492013
Directions
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Drive east on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) to Yale. The trailhead is located directly across from Pioneer Cemetery at the southern edge of Yale. A partially overgrown sign marking the trailhead can be seen across the highway from the cemetery.
Details
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The Spirit Caves, as they are known to the locals, are a set of small rock caves high above the small town of Yale. Starting across from Pioneer Cemetery, the well marked trail to the caves leads up over various small bridges and planks before reaching a more open area underneath a section of high-voltage power lines.
After leveling out in the power line area, the trail beings to climb into the forest with an occasional switchback. One or two open areas along this section offer some views of the Fraser River and nearby mountains. At approximately the halfway point on the trail there is a small section of trail that offers a view of the creek and ravine that run parallel to the trail.
Soon after passing the area above the creek and ravine, the trail will pass over a previous minor landslide with an opening in the trees and a better view of the Fraser River and Yale area. Continuing past the minor landside, the trail begins to switchback steeply up the side of the mountain, eventually reaching the top of a high cliff with a metal cable providing a sense of security.
The views of Yale and the surrounding area from the cliff are incredible; in fact, they are better than the more popular hike up nearby Lincoln Mountain. Most of the area above the cliff is relatively flat, offering an exceptional spot to take a rest or lunch break before continuing on to the caves.
From the cliff area, follow the trail as it turns more to the left and meanders through a very green, mossy forest approximately 100 meters. After a small elevation gain in the forest, the trail will reach the far side of the hill. The forest is more open here, and most hikers will notice some large boulders and rocks strewn along the left side of the trail. The caves are located here.
The caves are unmarked; many, many hikers follow the trail past the caves, never realizing where they are! Once you see the open area with a view down to the West side of the hill, begin climbing over the rocks and slightly down the hill. After about 2 minutes of exploration you should easily find the caves, there are about 5-6 in total. Some of the caves have multiple entrances. Don't expect any limestone or stalactites here - the caves are primarily large, dark gaps between the huge boulders that make up this area of the hill.
Continuing past the caves, the trail leads to the small summit of the hill and loops back past a small pond before leading back to the cliff lookout area.
Photos
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Map (temporary - not final version)
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My apologies to Garmin until I can build a 'Map Place' map  
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Edited by - ShadowChaser on 02/24/2005 10:58 AM
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Coaldale, AB
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 09:10 AM
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I've never been there, but it seems fairly complete and well done. The only thing I would add would be a map to go along with your GPS coordinates.
Take'r easy
MM
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knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.
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Trail cuttin, GPS packin bushwhacker, wiki hike compilin, who is now Hope-less
2542 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 10:59 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by gamma
I've never been there, but it seems fairly complete and well done. The only thing I would add would be a map to go along with your GPS coordinates.
Take'r easy
MM
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knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.
I added a quick little map - should tide people over until I can do a proper one :-) |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
679 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 1:34 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by gamma
I've never been there, but it seems fairly complete and well done. The only thing I would add would be a map to go along with your GPS coordinates.
Take'r easy
MM
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knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.
@ShadowChaser, I hope don't mind the SPAM in your thread, if so let me know and I'll remove the posting (my) tomorrow morning
@gamma, if want to get a feeling for the area, have a look at
http://trail.brijn.nu/showmap.php and enter the coordinates there, a link to a similar map as SC's:
http://trail.brijn.nu/showmap.php?lat1_dd=49.567555&lon1_dd=-121.438746&side=2.5&mapRes=500&mapMail= |
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Trail cuttin, GPS packin bushwhacker, wiki hike compilin, who is now Hope-less
2542 Posts |
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387 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2005 : 3:37 PM
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Darn, I hiked that years ago and missed the "caves" -- came down grumbling about false advertising! Oops.
Checking out the old cemetery across from the trailhead is worth a few minutes too!
P.
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Spirit Caves - Trail Data
