Independent Adventures

Uncover the magic of the South Chilcotins on your own - use us where you need us!

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The Experience

If you’re an experienced rider/hiker, with a good level of fitness, extensive backcountry experience and have ridden/hiked in the Chilcotins (or similar terrain) before, then a self-guided mountain bike/hiking trip might be a great option. A self-guided trip allows you to plan on your own with family and friends, while still enjoying all of the luxuries that Tyax Adventures has to offer, including a floatplane drop and/or accommodation in our backcountry camps.

It is important to note that this is not a “package” offered by Tyax Adventures. Those who wish to simply charter a flight, or book our backcountry camps are welcome to if they are experienced backcountry travellers with extensive knowledge in navigation, wilderness first aid, and wildlife interactions (including grizzly bears). They must understand what equipment is needed for backcountry communication, navigation, first aid, and bear interactions. If your group feels like they have a thorough understanding of these, then an self-guided trip may be for you, where Tyax Adventures simply provides float plane transportation and backcountry accommodation.

Begin the adventure with a floatplane drop to an alpine lake, make your way through remote mountain passes, signature rolling Chilcotins trails and vast expanses of rocky alpine terrain. And just when you’re too tired to go any further, make the most of our backcountry camp where full service, thoughtful meals, comfort and accommodation welcomes you.

It is important to note that Tyax Adventures is not responsible for guests on Self Guided trips.

Independent adventure choices

Book Your Backcountry Camp

Tyax Adventures have 4 backcountry camps available for your to book along your journey. Spruce and Bear Paw are hosted and catered camps, while Trigger and Eldorado are self-contained huts.

Hosted & Catered

  • Spruce Camp:
    Location:     North East end of Spruce Lake on Spruce Creek
    Access: Bike, Hike & Float Plane

  • Bear Paw Camp:
    Location: Meadows of Tyaughton Creek between Lorna Pass and Deer Pass
    Access: Bike, Hike & Float Plane via Lorna Lake

Non-Hosted & Self-Catered

  • Trigger Camp:
    Location: Meadows of Tyaughton Creek between Lorna Pass and Deer Pass
    Access: Bike, Hike & Float Plane via Lorna Lake

  • Eldorado Camp:
    Location: Eldorado Basin
    Access: Bike & Hike

Book a Floatplane Flight

We operate a de Havilland Beaver float plane offering transportation throughout BC, Canada, as well as custom excursions departing from Tyax Adventures base on Tyaughton Lake in Goldbridge, BC.

Our aircraft seats up to 4 passengers (up to a maximum weight limit of 1100lbs) and features an executive interior with headsets and intercom for your comfort. All our pilots are highly experienced on the coast and the mountains to ensure your safety and comfort, and if the opportunity exists our pilots will provide a narrative describing the unique features of our province during your flight.

All our charter flight rates are one-way, per plane load, and before GST. Some long-distance charter locations may have added landing fees.

South Chilcotin Park Flights

Pricing for flights into the Park reflects limited access and permitting fees.

Please visit our charter flights page for more details.

Map of the Chilcotin Provincial Park

Please see Trailforks of the South Chilcotin Mountains Park for up-to-date information on trail/route information for biking and hiking. We have up-to-date Topo maps of the South Chilcotin Mountains Park (including the riding area and camps) available for sale at the Tyax Adventures Base.

  • There are a few ways you can book your self-guided trip components.

    There are limited spaces available in each of the backcountry camps (and limited time-slots for flights) so make sure book in advance to confirm your spot.

  • BIKING
    You will need to carry your own gear for the day (including the packed lunch we provide), so come prepared to do so with a suitably sized backpack.

    Essential Items

    • A personal facemask

    • A 15 to 20 litre backpack – Osprey’s Manta/Mira series recommended

    • A Light weight and packable jacket that will protect you from the weather

    • Riding clothes – comfortable riding gear that can be worn all day

    • A change of riding clothes, as you see applicable (socks, shirt/jersey, chamois, shorts)

    • A change of clothes for in camp – for evenings around the campfire and for sleeping in (Remember, in camp we provide each guest with croc’s (footwear to use in camp) as well a fleece jacket to keep you warm

    • Food – includes any trail side snacks you like to eat on your home trails

    • Hydration bladder/water bottle(s)

    • Typical trail side repair tools such as spare tube, bike specific spare parts (derailleur hanger)

    • Any personal medications you might require (including any over the counter pain/anti inflammatory medication)

    • Personal toiletries (soap is provided, but not hair care products)

    • Head lamp

    • A sleeping bag liner for in camp (sleeping bags provided)

    • A pillow case (pillows provided)

    • Small, packable camp towel (hot shower available)

    • Bear spray and holster to store it in (1 bear spray between 2 people is the minimum recommendation). Note: We sell bear spray at our base of operations if you need to purchase

    Optional Items (if space and weight permits – see picture here)

    • Light weight puffy jacket for in camp in the evenings (fleeces are provided)

    • Hat/toque for in camp in the evenings (depending on the time of year visiting)

    • Extra riding gloves (particularly if poor weather is expected)

    • Pair of bike tights if unfavorable weather expected.

    • Phone or camera for photos

    • Personal charging device for phone/camera etc. if planning to recharge. (Sorry, we don’t have recharging facilities available at our backcountry camps)

    • Personal sunscreen and/or bug spray if feel necessary

    • Any additional backcountry items you ride with on a multi day adventure

    HIKING

    Essential Items

    A 30 to 40 litre pack as you need to carry the items below:

    • A personal facemask

    • Daily lunch and snacks provided by Tyax Adventures

    • Hiking shoes or boots (water resistant is recommended)

    • Hydration day pack capable of carrying 2 to 3 litres of water daily

    • Light weight and packable jacket (ideally water proof/wind proof)

    • Clothes to hike in

    • Change of hiking/camp clothes as you deem necessary

    • Hat/Toque for wearing against the elements

    • Personal toiletries (soap is provided, but not hair care products etc.)

    • Personal medications necessary – including tylenol and/or ibuprofen

    • Sunscreen, Insect Repellent

    • Head lamp

    • Sunglasses

    • Sleeping bag liner for in camp

    • Pillow case

    • Light puffy jacket or appropriate Insulation layers

    • Small, packable camp towel (hot shower available)

    • Bear Spray and know how to use it (recommend 1 between 2 people minimum

    Pro Tips

    • Utilize opportunities to fill from creeks/streams if do not wish to carry a lot of water

    • Pack travel sized toothpaste, shampoo etc.-not full size

    • Wear the next days hiking clothes in camp the night prior

    • Wash clothes in nearby creeks and dry them out overnight with wood fired stoves

    Optional Items (if space and weight permits)

    • Trekking poles if you regularly use them

    • Light weight puffy jacket for in camp in the evenings (fleeces are provided)

    • Hat/toque, tights for in camp in the evenings (depending on the time of year visiting)

    • Phone or camera for photos

    • Personal charging device for phone/camera

    • Travel sized personal sunscreen and/or bug spray if feel necessary

  • Please ensure you have acknowledged our waiver and have read our full Booking and Cancellation Policy before making a reservation.

FAQs

  • Yes, so come prepared to do so with a suitably sized backpack-recommend 20 litre pack as a minimum.

  • Yes. You must have a good amount of experience mountain biking and be a strong intermediate rider at minimum (see our self rating scale here).

    Riders must be comfortable with changing gears, braking, mounting and dismounting their bike in uneven terrain.

    Riders should have the ability to pedal and/or walk with their bike uphill for short to long periods of time, and they must be comfortable descending moderately technical downhill sections. Riders must be able to ride in control at all times.

  • We strongly recommend you bring a dual-suspension (fork at the front and shock in the rear) mountain bike designed for cross-country/all mountain trails that has hydraulic disk breaks, not V-Brakes. Downhill style bikes and fat bikes are not recommended.

    Your bike should be well maintained and ideally recently serviced. The working condition of the brakes (including the amount of brake pads remaining), the shifting of gears, state of the tires, bolt tightness, cable housings, and derailleur alignment should all be good.

  • See all FAQs here