Wells is the ATVing hub of central British Columbia. Regardless of what direction you drive or where you choose to explore, Wells has the trails, views and accommodations to create an exceptional experience.
The area is maintained by the Wells Wheels ATV Club. The club is currently in the process of trail building and brushing to complete the requirements for two grants the club was awarded this year.
“These grants from ATVBC and the ORV trail fund provide excellent trail improvement opportunities,” said Frank Muhle, vice president of the Wells Wheels ATV Club. “Volunteer hours are always needed to complete brushing and removal of falling trees from the winter season. We host rides for out-of-town clubs that have trips planned to the Wells riding area.”
Therein lies one of the many beauties of ATVing in and around Wells—collaboration. The Wells Wheels ATV Club has solid relations with nearby clubs, such as the Quesnel Outback Quadders and Prince George Snowmobile Club.
Neighbouring clubs and riders congregate in Wells for a variety of reasons, not least of which is its accessibility and hospitality. ATVers have permission to ride their quads on marked streets in Wells. Visiting ATVers are able to buy fuel and meals and stay in hotels in town. Barkerville historic town allows ATVers to camp in and drive ATVs from Forest Rose Campground and the cabins in Barkerville. This gives local merchants like the Jack O Clubs Pub and General Store, Wells Hotel and restaurant, Mountain Thyme Getaway guest house and Barkerville cottages and homes access to travelling ATVers.
Frank and Cheryl Muhle from the Wells Wheels ATV Club make sure they snap a selfie at Yanks Peak. — Photo courtesy Frank Muhle
One of the region’s most popular rides is ATVing from Prince George to Wells. But, that is by no means the only option. Whatever direction you go, there’s an ATV trail to take you to your next adventure:
North: 155 kilometres to Prince George
South: 100 kilometres to Cariboo Lake
West: 80 kilometres to Umiti Pit Road
East: 75 kilometres to Bowron Lake Provincial Park
Here are the rest of the essential details you need to know to ATV in Wells:
Sugar Creek Loop
44 kilometres
Travels north from Wells in a circular trail that comes back into town on Hardscrabble. Average trail difficulty.
Two Sisters Fire Lookout
96 kilometres
Travel is primarily on forest service roads with 99 water bars along five kilometres. Climb up to the lookout for great views on clear days.
Yanks Peak
94 kilometres
Circular route on mixed trails. The rocky roads can be tricky to navigate, but this route offers a great view from the summit.
You’ll be immersed in nature if you pass by Mathews River at Ghost Lake. — Photo courtesy Frank Muhle
Ghost Lake Falls
177 kilometres
Travel is on active and inactive forest service roads, with a lovely waterfall and forest service recreation site on Ghost Lake to enjoy with a midday meal.
Prince George Snowmobile Club site ride
160 kilometres
This one-way ride is most often done from the Prince George side with an overnight stay in Wells.
Cariboo River
198 kilometres
Travels along forest service road with a nice view along the Cariboo River. This is a circular route that also passes by Ghost Lake.
Umiti Pit Road
81 kilometres
This trail comes in from just north of the community of Quesnel to Wells. This is another of the overnight stays that the Quesnel Outback Quadders enjoy. There are mixed trails and lake visits along the way.
What time of year are you ATVing in Wells?
Something to keep in mind when planning your Wells trip—with Wells having an elevation of approximately 1,200 metres—spring riding starts later than other areas. The first trails to open up for riding are the Sugar Creek Loop, Ghost Lake Falls, and Umiti Pit trails. By late June, ATVers can travel to Yanks Peak, Two Sisters Lookout and Cariboo River trails.
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