July Mountain Trail (Merritt)

Site Description: The trail follows west along an overgrown logging road for about 1.5 kilometres through old logged blocks that are now healthy second growth forests of balsam, spruce, hemlock and cedar. It then enters into a thick mature forested area heading west upstream along the north side of the creek. When the trail breaks out into an open meadow there is a junction (10U easting 638248, northing 5508852). The flagged route heading south takes you through a wet, boggy area that would not be advised in early summer. The fork to the west leads to a large rock slide of huge boulders which can be scrambled over in a south westerly direction for 300 metres till it rejoins the main trail. It then winds through a forested area until it crosses the creek and begins the steep climb up to the basin. It now enters the sub alpine and follows up the west side of the creek that flows out of the tarn (10U easting 637556, northing 5507802, elevation 1907 metres) at the base of July Mountain.

Driving Directions: Take the Juliet Exit off the Coquihalla, Hwy 5, approximately 46 km south of Merritt. Follow the Juliet Creek FSR up a gravel road until you reach 4km. Turn left after you cross the bridge and continue south till you reach 9km, staying left at the two forks in the road around 7.5km. The road is recommended to be travelled by a 4 x 4 as it can be slippery when wet or eroded somewhat. Park at the wide spot in the road at the edge of in a logged block. (10U easting 640091, northing 5507177)