Local Backcountry Horseman Chapter receives award
By Andrea Arnold
The Backcountry Horsemen of BC – Robson Valley Chapter, received the Backcountry Horsemen of BC Outstanding Project Award. This award recognizes the group for the creation of the McIntosh Equestrian Recreation Site/campground and the 42km equine trail network on Belle Mountain.
“To be considered for this award, a project truly needs to be outstanding, exemplify the mission and vision of Backcountry Horsemen, to build/preserve access for equestrians and other users to recreate on public lands,” said Wes Phillips, chapter chair.
“The trail is for use not only by horsemen, but available for hiking, dog walking and snowshoeing.”
The project began in 2018 as a way to establish more front country trails in the Robson valley. Network trail clearing and mapping occurred between 2019 and 2023, overlapping with trail sign design and installation that began in 2020.
The Equestrian Recreation Site (campground) is located 13 km west of McBride off Highway 16 west (look for highway signage), and 3 km up McIntosh Road, a well-maintained logging road with many pullouts.
“It can also be accessed by horseback from the mid-mountain section of the trail network,” said MacDonald.
The camp is built alongside the steep McIntosh Creek Canyon in a hemlock forest and visitors are advised to use extreme caution at the canyon edge.
Camping in the 16 unserviced sites is first-come-first served, and free. Of the 16, 11 equine specific sites are large enough to accommodate large rigs, and have individual corrals. All sites are level gravel with picnic tables and firepits. The campground has outhouses, manure pits and piped non-potable horse water. There is a centrally located communal kitchen shelter with a wood stove and outdoor fire ring.
The Belle Mountain area was already known for excellent sledding and cross-country skiing. With the additional 42 km trail network suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding the mountain is now open to year-round recreation enthusiasts.
The trails extend from the river valley to the alpine, with many loop options for shorter excursions.
“The trail system is unique in that it is one of the few equine trails where riders can have access to alpine riding on a day ride,” said MacDonald.
There are four staging sites located at different elevations to accommodate riding preferences and provide different experiences for visitors. These locations are referred to as P1, P2, P3, P4 on the Horse Council of BC’s website https://tinyurl.com/3de5kk6v.
Although access to the trails and campground is free, the Robson Valley Chapter appreciates donations that go to help with maintaining the trails and campground.
“Contact the Robson Valley Chapter of BCHBC ([email protected]) for information or to connect with a member to ride with and show you our beautiful valley,” said MacDonald.
