Protected area overview
Brent Mountain Protected Area was established on April 18, 2001. It is the only alpine area protected in the Southern Thompson Upland ecosection.
Within the protected area is an extensive system of wetlands along stream channels as well as krummholz (very old, low-growing shrub varieties of subalpine fir and spruce), subalpine parkland, and subalpine and alpine meadows.
A former BC Forest Service fire lookout sits atop the Brent Mountain adding to the recreational appeal of the area. This area provides a variety of regional outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, horse use and snowmobiling.
Advisories
Safety info
- Potable water is not available in the park. Water from the streams must be treated by boiling, using idodine tablets or filtering.
- The Brent Mountain fire lookout is used as a warming hut when required.
- Campfires are not permitted.
Facilities
There is a Ministry of Forests pit toilet at the lookout.
Activities
Brent Mountain offers wilderness recreation for users with knowledge of the area and good outdoor skills. There are well established hiking trails put in by enthusiasts using the area prior to its designation as a protected area. Some signage remains from the Ministry of Forests and trails are marked by fluorescent markers nailed to trees but many need replacement. More markers are needed, as are signs and maps.
The Shatford Creek Trail is roughly 10 km. It is well marked and easy to follow with an elevation gain of about 720 m to the Sheep Rock alpine area. Sheep Rock is made up of rolling subalpine and alpine meadows and affords panoramic views to the Coast and Monashee Mountains as well as the Okanagan Valley. Allow seven to eight hours return.
The Brent Mountain Trail is roughly 5 km. It is well marked and leads to the summit of Brent Mountain (2,203 m) after an elevation gain of 444 m. It too offers rolling alpine meadows and 360 degree views of the Okanagan Valley and the Coast and Monashee Mountains as well as an unused Forest Service fire lookout. Allow four to five hours return.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
For details on e-biking within Brent Mountain Protected Area, see the e-biking section.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Brent Mountain Protected Area, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Horseback riding is permitted.
Brent Mountain is open to hunting during the lawful game season. Please check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Though there are no cross-country ski trails in the area, it is close to the Nickel Plate cross-country area.
The rolling subalpine and alpine terrain offers snowshoeing opportunities but there are no trails or maps. Given the summer hiking times of four to eight hours return and the lack of facilities, snowshoeing in the protected area must be well planned and visitors well prepared with all necessary equipment.
This is a backcountry area and tobogganing opportunities are limited. Sheep Rock has long been a destination for local snowmobilers. The open terrain provides excellent riding opportunities and breathtaking views of the Okanagan. The fire lookout is a great spot to warm up. Snowmobilers are reminded to take care and avoid damaging vegetation protruding from the snow.
Bounded by Broken Creek to the southwest, extending west from the height of land along Sheep Rock and Brent Mountain and encompassing the headwaters of Shingle Creek, Skulaow Creek, June Creek and Shatford Creek, Brent Mountain Protected Area is 22 km west of the city of Penticton.
The Brent Mountain/Sheep Rock trailheads
From the intersection of Apex Mountain Road, travel the Shatford FSR for approximately 2.8 km. At the first intersection keep left and travel on the main resource road for another 3.4 km (at this location you will note the Sheep Rock Trailhead). Continue for an additional 1.8 km, keeping left on the main resource road. The road terminates at the main parking area for Brent Mountain. The total road distance from the Brent Mountain Trail Access parking lot to the intersection of Shatford FSR and Apex Mountain Road is approximately 8 km.
Note: A vehicle with high clearance is recommended as there are some deep water bars along the road. Many new logging spur roads exist. It is recommended that travel and trail use in this area utilize GPS navigation, compass and topographical maps. This area is an active logging area and be cautious of oncoming logging trucks.
Protected area and activity maps
- Brent Mountain Protected Area – Access Road to Trail [PDF]
- Google Earth KMZ file of Road Access to Parking [KMZ] (For use with Google Earth or similar software.)
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: April 18, 2001
- Size: 4,344 hectares
Nature and culture
Cultural Heritage
Though the area is most well-known for recreation opportunities, there are important natural values present. The alpine meadows contain red-listed lupins and, traditionally, the area was used by First Nations for plant gathering.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.