MERRITT, BC’S HONEYMOON SNOWMOBILE SHELTER
BLAZING TRAILS THROUGH TIME AND TERRAIN
All photos courtesy of Simon Rizzardo and the Merritt Snowmobile Club
Merritt, BC - a land where the echoes of tough cowboys and tenacious miners resonate through the landscape. Today, this spirit comes alive amid the rolling hills and open trails of the Nicola Valley, inviting you to embrace your Wild West dreams. Welcome to the Canadian Cascade Range. These mountains form the slender northernmost reaches of a volcanic mountain belt extending through the United States into California. The terrain is dramatic with rugged ‘horns’ rising from forested plateau-like uplands defining the character of the Thynne Mountain, Stoyoma Mountain, Hooshum Ridge, and Honeymoon snowmobile areas.
But hold onto your helmets, because the real adventure unfurls at the heart of Merritt's most coveted riding zones – Honeymoon. This gem is managed in partnership with the government by the Merritt Snowmobile Club. A special use permit grants winter snowmobile recreation into this area otherwise closed to other forms of motorized access. Overall, the area offers 86km of maintained trails and numerous areas to explore via the Prospector Trail artery.
Nestled in the valley just east of Mt Hewitt Bostock, the Honeymoon shelter isn't your run-of-the-mill cabin. It's a slice of living history nestled in the rugged British Columbia backcountry. Erected in '99, it stands as a testament to the determination of local enthusiasts who hauled tools and equipment via helicopters and horseback to construct this sanctuary. Names like Tracy Senio, Dennis Rogalski, and Royce Alexander have left their indelible marks, their legacy serving as an inspiration for modern-day adventurers to saddle up and create their own tales.
Mark your calendars; each spring the Honeymoon shelter hosts the Merritt Snowmobile Club’s ‘Spring Fling’ event bringing together riders from around the province in a season wrap up event you won’t want to miss. Beyond its role as an essential emergency shelter for riders, the Honeymoon Cabin is a sanctuary for those who thirst for adventure. It's a place where stories are shared, friendships are ignited by the warmth of the fire, and the allure of discovery fuels your wanderlust.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
ACCESS
From Merritt, proceed west for about 15 minutes along Highway # 8, turn left onto Spius Creek Road. Continue past the fish hatchery, over bridge, and continue on main road for 7.5km to reach the staging area. If the road is plowed or otherwise drivable beyond the gravel pit, you may also park at 24k.
CABIN LOCATION
Latitude: 50° 1'20.25"N Longitude: 121°17'17.90"W
TRAIL FEES
$25 per day available via the Merritt Snowmobile Club HERE.
