Park overview
An area noted for a wide diversity of recreational use, from wilderness hiking to hang-gliding. The park is known for its incredible bloom of wildflowers in July and August, encouraging visits from photographers and artists. Visitors are rewarded with a 360 degree view of the surrounding area from Cornwall Hills.
Note that no camping or day-use facilities are provided here. This park provides one of the few opportunities in the Thompson Region to protect Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir grasslands.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bring your own water as potable water is not available in the park.
- The park is a wilderness area that is not regularly serviced or patrolled.
Special notes
- As of 2016, the Province of BC has entered in to a Partnership Agreement with the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC to assist in managing the most recently active fire lookout tower in the Kamloops District.
- Off-road vehicle travel is prohibited. This is a very fragile environment and damage from vehicles is long lasting and sometimes irreparable.
- ATV use is prohibited on park roads.
- No camping or day-use facilities are provided.
- 2003 Wildfire [PDF] This document shows pictures of the park following the 2003 wildfire.
Activities
Hiking is available on a limited number of established roads in this area. Visitors wanting to hike through the meadows should limit their impact on the grasses and flowers.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. 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.
There are mountain biking opportunities on the forestry road leading up to the park. Visitors should be aware this is a very steep, long road and bikers should be in good condition. If visitors access the park by bicycle, riding must be restricted to the established roads in the area.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Cornwall Hills Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. (Exempt from the No Hunting, No Shooting Restrictions within 400 metres of the center of park roads).
Located 15 km southwest of Cache Creek. Access is from the TransCanada Hwy 1. When you are 17 km south of Cache Creek turn at Hat Creek Road. At 13 km, take the turn to the Three Sisters Forestry Recreation site and continue up the forestry road. Note: The section of road near the forestry recreation site can be impassable during rainy periods due to deep mud holes.
| To Cornwall Hills, zeroed from the Highway #1 Hat Creek Road turn-off | |
|---|---|
| 0 km | Turn off Highway #1 at Hat Creek Road (7.5 km from Ashcroft) |
| 8.4 km | Intersection, Go Straight Through. |
| 13.0 km | Junction with Oregon Jack/Cornwall Hills roads. Go Right. |
| 13.4 km | Three Sisters Forest Recreation Site |
| 14.6 km | Go Straight. (Track to left takes you near Bedard Aspen – you must hike the last couple of kilometres in as the road ends in a meadow.) |
| 21.4 km | Lookout at the top of Cornwall. |
- You must pass through Oregon Jack Park to arrive at Cornwall Hills.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: May 20, 2004
- Size: 1,235 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The park was created April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. The park will be managed according to the Interim Management Direction Statement for Cornwall Hills Park.
Cultural Heritage
The Cornwall area and Blue Earth valley are associated with traditional native uses. Also, there are regionally important upland archaeological sites.
Conservation
Contains extensive uncommon Engelmann spruce/sub-alpine fir parklands and grasslands with patches of old-growth forest, providing a rich diversity of habitats.
Wildlife
The park protects habitat for mule deer, cougar, blue grouse and a variety of upland mammal and bird species. Wildlife is potentially dangerous and may be encountered at any time. Make lots of noise when hiking where bear signs are found.
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.