Driving the 4x4 Road to the Lookout at Greenstone Mountain in BC
Greenstone Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,798m (5,898ft) above sea level, located in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Where is Greenstone Mountain?
The peak is located near Kamloops, in the southern part of the country, within the Thompson Valley. The summit hosts communication towers and a fire lookout first established in 1916. The structure was replaced in the mid-1950s with a hip-roof style cabin. The summit is crowded with communications towers of various shapes and sizes, though the lookout remains isolated at the true summit. Abandoned for many years, it now serves as a warming hut for backcountry users. The view from the top is spectacular.
Is the Road to Greenstone Mountain Unpaved?
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved and is known as Greenstone Road. While the road is generally in good condition, the last section is rough. The final 300 meters up to the fire lookout are steep, rocky, and challenging for new or inexperienced off-roaders. You can drive the rough 4x4 road up to the communication towers, from where it’s a short hike to the true summit and the fire lookout.
How Long is the Road to Greenstone Mountain?
Starting from the paved Trans-Canada Highway, the road to the summit is 21.5 km (13.35 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,202m, with an average gradient of 5.59%.
Is the Road to Greenstone Mountain Open in Winter?
Set high in Greenstone Mountain Provincial Park, the road is impassable in winter and is typically inaccessible until the first week of June. Certain sections can become very muddy and slick in wet weather.
Pic: Sean Carney