Firstly, I apologize to all for not giving this site a bit more care and attention. I was completely bogged down on the https://backroadstatus.com site trying to get 3D maps and offline maps live. That’s the last time I pick up that much work mid-summer…
Thankfully, I’ve still carved some time out on the weekends to get out. On the long weekend @andreat and I went in search of clear weather and decided on the Bendor Range. There was a road report for the Gray Rock Mine Road above Bralorne that caught my attention. It seemed to indicate that we could drive to ~2100m to the base of “Stamp Peak” on the western end of the Bendor Range. Upon seeing that I immediately thought this would make a great approach to Truax, with the entire route being above treeline. Andrea was keen so we left Sunday afternoon, Gold Bridge bound.
We didn’t hit the mining road until dark and the lower half had been re-graded/brushed so it was smooth going initially. Although the switch backs were insanely steep and tight. I was barely making most corners with the truck cutting a steep angle through the turns. Above 1300m the road was not maintained and it grew progressively more overgrown and nerve-wracking to drive. To our relief we pulled out into the alpine around 2000m and the road grade finally eased off. We found a great sandy spot off the road to camp and set up for the night.
On the following morning we drove a bit further down the road to where some hunters were scoping out a nearby ridge and parked before them. From there we had a leisurely ascent up to Stamp Peak and then we ridge rambled the remaining 5km to Truax. The col between Truax and “Arrastra” was the crux, but it never exceeded 3rd class and then it was an easy hike up to the summit of Truax itself.
We made it back to the truck with plenty of time to spare and then crawled our way down the road. I found out quickly I couldn’t cut the corners like I had on the way up. The weight of the engine and angle of the corners made the truck tip precariously into the corner and after I nearly skidded into the bush, I re-thought my plan. Thankfully, each corner has a long flat pull out where you can make a few point turn to re-orient and take the corner at a better angle. After the tense descent we were relieved to have only the washboarded Hurley to contend with. All in a great adventure!
