Trail Adventures in Ashcroft
Do you love exploring trails? Then Ashcroft belongs on your must-visit list. Our geography is truly one-of-a-kind—distinct from much of British Columbia and the rest of Canada. As one of the country’s only true desert regions, Ashcroft enjoys a semi-arid climate and open landscapes with few trees to block the view. The result? Wide-open vistas, rolling hills, and plenty of sunshine.
Whether you’re on foot, bike, or horseback, there’s no shortage of ways to explore. While motorized routes are available, this section highlights the non-motorized experiences that let you fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area:
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding.
Hiking
Explore Ashcroft on Foot
If you love to explore on foot, Ashcroft offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to our dry desert climate, we often enjoy sunny skies even when neighbouring communities are under cloud and rain—making Ashcroft an ideal escape from the wet weather.
Summer days can be hot, so we recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, sun protection, and good walking shoes. Be mindful of your surroundings—cactus and the occasional rattlesnake are part of the natural desert environment.
Not sure where to start? Just ask! Ashcroft is a welcoming community, and locals are always happy to point you in the right direction.
Take your time exploring the area:
- Visit nearby Provincial Parks for scenic views and adventure.
- Follow one of the many routes featured in the Gold Trail Hiking Guide.
- Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the village on our Self-Guided Art & History Walking Tour.
- Or try a tech-savvy trek with Geocaching in and around Ashcroft—a fun way to discover hidden gems.
Biking
If you like to cycle, Ashcroft has a lot to offer.
Mountain biking: There are a lot of trails that are suitable for mountain biking. Cross country and a lot of downhill are available for your pleasure. A few pointers to remember:
- Please respect private property and ask permission before trespassing;
- Stick to the trail to reduce impact to the surrounding vegetation (that vegetation helps secure the slopes!);
- If you encounter a gate, leave it in the state in which you find it after passing through.
Road biking: If you are up for a challenge, there are plenty of hills for you to conquer. In particular, why not try out the Ashcroft Hell Climb, taking you up highway 97C towards Logan Lake.
Horseback Riding
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride horseback through the terrain depicted in old Western movies? You don’t have to wonder, you can do it here in Ashcroft. This is ‘cowboy country’. In the area surrounding Ashcroft there are several working cattle ranches where cowboys still use horses to get the job done. Those interested in horseback riding should consider exploring either of the links below.
For more trails in the region click here