the bald spot

To access the trail, cross the road from the parking area and ascend the marked path just before the metal gate. The 850-meter trail ascends 210 meters and follows an old cutline, with some sections being less steep and others requiring a bit of scrambling. Upon walking for 150 meters, a clearing and water tower can be seen, and at the 650-meter mark, the main trail veers right, providing steps and bypassing a steep section. After a very steep section at the 750-meter mark, the main trail splits left and can be followed uphill for 50 meters to reach the top of Bald Spot.

The Bald Spot hiking trail provides a good training route for runners preparing for the Emperor’s Challenge (which leads over the summit of Mt Babcock, one of the mountains on the horizon).

The landscape of this area underwent significant changes between 10,000 to 20,000 years ago due to the melting of the great ice sheets of the last Ice Age. During this time, the valley floor was transformed into a massive lake, held back by a receding ice wall to the northeast. As the ice continued to retreat, the lake gradually receded, resulting in the formation of lacustrine terraces. These terraces now make up several of the flat areas visible below, including the level "benches" on which the town was constructed.

At the Bald Spot, a small clearing and picnic table are available for visitors to rest and unwind, enjoy a snack and a refreshing beverage, and soak in the beautiful view.

See if you can spot Tumbler Ridge’s landmarks such as the elementary and high schools situated on the middle bench, or the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery located on the top bench. Highway 29 leading west towards Chetwynd is also visible. In the distance, the valleys of Flatbed Creek, the Murray River, and the Wolverine River can be seen, with the Hart Ranges of the Rocky Mountains visible on the horizon.

Use caution on steep sections.

This trail is in bear country; travel in groups and make noise.

Please pack out what you packed in.