Park overview
A natural dry grassland area, with typical wildlife species including rattlesnakes. This protected area provides an area of ungrazed and areas of lightly grazed grasslands in some of the driest conditions of province. The grassland hills are closed to vehicle traffic, and no camping or day-use facilities are provided. Walking and wildlife viewing activities are popular in the park.
Advisories
Safety info
- No motorized use will be permitted in the strict preservation zone other than on the existing road to the communications facilities site on top of Elephant Hill.
- Recreation opportunities include walking and wildlife viewing.
- ATV use is prohibited on park roads.
Activities
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.
Hunting is permitted in this park only during lawful game hunting season. Check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Located 5 km southeast of Cache Creek, accessed via the TransCanada Highway 1 and Highway 97C towards Ashcroft.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 968 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 Elephant Hill Park.
Cultural Heritage
The area has an abundance of native archaeological sites. The early ranching history of the area is evidenced by nearby Semlin Ranch which dates from the early 1860s. Specific cultural heritage sites within the park are unknown.
Conservation
The park protects unique dry grasslands and associated wildlife species and plants on both Elephant and Rattlesnake hills. The south-facing slopes providing some of the driest conditions in all of British Columbia.
Wildlife
The rare western rattlesnake, gopher snake and sharp-tailed grouse inhabit the area along with mule deer, coyote, and birds such as the common merganser, chukar, belted kingfisher and rosy finch.
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.