Park overview
Edge Hills Park protects panoramic river canyon vistas, gentle forested slopes, grassy benchlands and ravines on the eastern slope of the Fraser River. Such a diverse landscape provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.
The protection of wildlife and their habitats is a critical element in the management of this wilderness park. The area also protects cultural heritage sites. Backcountry recreation opportunities offering spectacular views include hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Edge Hills is an undeveloped wilderness park with no facilities except a network of unmaintained and unmarked trails. Nearby parks offering vehicle access camping include Big Bar Lake, Downing, and Green Lake Parks.
Advisories
Safety info
- Backcountry hikers should be aware that this is a wilderness area, and no supplies or facilities are provided. Suitable clothing should be worn and proper equipment should be used. Visitors should have appropriate maps. Anyone planning to hike overnight or longer should inform a responsible person of their intentions, and should provide estimated departure and return times. BC Parks does not provide rescue services.
- Visitors should be aware that there is no potable water in the park. Visitors must bring an ample supply of water, and should boil or filter water before use to avoid parasites.
Special notes
- Edge Hills is an undeveloped wilderness park with no facilities. There is non-motorized access of unmaintained and unmarked trails to view and access grasslands. Nearby parks offering overnight facilities include Big Bar Lake, Downing, and Green Lake Parks.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Day trips are preferred because of lack of water in this park and to reduce human impact on the environment.
Facilities
Backcountry hikers are reminded that it is a wilderness area, and no supplies or facilities are provided. Suitable clothing should be worn, and proper equipment should be used. Visitors should have appropriate maps. Anyone planning to hike overnight or longer should inform a responsible person of their intentions, and should provide estimated departure and return times.
BC Parks does not provide rescue services. Visitors should be aware that there is no potable water in the park. Visitors must bring an ample supply of water, and should boil or filter water before use to avoid parasites. See Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Activities
Trails are not maintained or sign-posted. Bring topographic maps and compass and know how to use them. Tell a responsible person of your destination and expected return time. 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.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Park roads are steep and rough, suitable for advanced mountain bike riders only. Bring lots of drinking water. Please do not ride off road, as grassland areas are very susceptible to erosion. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Edge 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.
There are horseback riding opportunities at this park. Please minimize your impact on the fragile grassland ecosystem by staying on existing trails and roads. To avoid importing weeds to the park, you must use weed free pelleted feed rather than hay or grain.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.
The park is located approximately 170 km south of Williams Lake in south central BC. It is situated just west of Clinton, and north of Lillooet. The park can be accessed via Kelly Lake Road off Highway 97. It is adjacent to Marble Range Park. The Jesmond Road corridor separates the two parks. The closest communities, towns and cities are Clinton, 100 Mile House and Ashcroft.
Two roads access Edge Hills Park. The High Bar Road enters from Jesmond Road. Some sections of this road are rough and steep, and four-wheel drive vehicles are essential in wet weather. Visitor use of this road is not recommended beyond the lookout at Cougar Point because the road is extremely steep beyond this point. The Cavanagh Creek Road enters from Pear Lake, and is extremely rough, providing only limited motorized access to the height of land. There is no public motorized access beyond this point. ATV, motorcycle, and snowmobile use is prohibited on this road and beyond, except under permit.
Off-road driving in any type of motor vehicle is prohibited at Edge Hills Park. Grasslands are very susceptible to erosion as the delicate lichen crust that protects them can take over ten years to recover from the passage of even one vehicle.
Topographical map numbers: 1:50,000 92P/4, 92I/13, and 92I/14 apply to the park. These are available from most map dealers and some outdoor gear retailers in BC.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 11,850 hectares
Nature and culture
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.