Grey Creek Pass

250ccforme

250ccforme

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I would expect some snow :shock:judging by what the mountains around Nelson looked like this morning. The snow level was about 5500', Gray Creek Pass is about 6900' (give or take a bit). From St.Marys Lake to Kootenay Lake is about 55km. Part of the east sidewas a bit rough (major washout this spring; repaired) when I went over near the end of August. The west side is almost boring it's so good. Fuel is available at Lakeview Grocery (not sure what their hours are), a fewKm toward Creston (south) once you hit blacktop. If your tank is FULLwhen you start riding you shouldmake it back to your trailer without hitting reserve. Have fun. :D
 
Sparkle

Sparkle

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Hi UnbForester05:

My last trip GPS track showed 56.4 km from the lake junction to Gray Creek store. It's advertised on the roadsign to be 58 km. The power-line shortcut (look for the 4 wheel drive only sign on the right of the road) will cut a few kms off.

It's not a long drive from the lake,only an hour or so, you'll have lots of gas if you're topped up atSt. Mary's lake. Gas is available at the Gray Creek Store less than 1 km north from the end of the pass road and about 10 km south at Lakeview like 250ccforme says. Gas is also available at Crawford Bay, just to the north about 10 km.

Here's a gpx file if you use a Garmin...

Sparkle
 

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DualSport855

DualSport855

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Sparkle, Thanks for the GPX track. I have been wondering about this ride for a while.
Sounds like late June 2009 for my first time!
 
DualSport855

DualSport855

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Well I couldn't wait till next year. Had to try yesterday. Got within 500 meters of the Grey Creek (east to west) summit and the road just got too icy. The truck tracks showed that someone had chained up. Wish I could have done the same! Great ride up and back though. Didn't expect to see an 18 wheeler flatdeck that far back though! Yikes.
Any way from Calgary to Highwood Junction, CrowsNest Pass to Kimberly, Grey Creek summit and then back up to Calgary via Radium was 14 hours and 1000km"s. A great season finisher. Now it's time to put on a new tire.

Thanks for mentioning Rose Pass. I think I will have to make plans for this area in August 2009

DualSport855
 
DualSport855

DualSport855

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DSC00262.jpg


End of the road for my well worn rear stock tire. Grey Creek Pass
 
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Ripple

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Hmmm...I've had a few comments about my new snow tires, 90/10 dirt/street, but maybe I could convert the set that just came off to ice racing tires!
 
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Los

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Anybody been over graycreek pass this year?Or rose pass? cheers Los
 
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Revelstoker

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Tried Koch Creek going from Slocan over to Fauquier last weekend (June 14th) and hit an unpassable wall of snow very close to the summit. Might help you with an indication of how Grey Creek is doing. The snow that was there was extremely sloppy and I can't imagine that it will be hanging around much longer especially with some of the precip we've been having lately.
 
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Los

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Ya that helps cause we are going over that road as well (applegrove to slocan). Are trip is july 3-6! Do you think it will be clear enough to ride? Wouldn't be the first time we pushed through snow! How was the part you road? cheers Los
 
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Revelstoker

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I'm going to try it again this coming weekend - I'll let you know. We were really close to the summit - 1900m when we had to turn around. Road conditions are fine heading East to West - on the steeper side with lots of 'babyheads' - but definitely a fun ride. I was on a 640 with full panniers and cruised up, although my friend on his fully loaded GSA was hating life in a few spots.
 
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Whitey Jr

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We were hoping to hit Grey Creek next week (June 30 or so)...do you figure it's worth a shot, or will it be a few weeks yet?



Whitey Jr
 
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chucker

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I'll bet if you follow the powerline trail that cuts through the valley, you'll make it through. We did it last year, still 6 ft of snow at the top of the road, but we made it through the lower route. Look on Google Earth and follow the powerlines. Doesn't go anywhere near as high as the main road. It's a little sketchy on a big bike (trail is rutted a bit), but the smalled DS bikes will have no troubles.:hb:
 
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powderhoundbrr

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I was up there the other day just to the summit on the Kimberley side and it is clear at the top on the main road, not sure on the power line though........I was working and driving a truck so all I can say it is clear to there.
 
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Ripple

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The pass is clear, did it this past weekend.
 
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Brewmaster

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This may sound like a silly question but my wife and I love the back roads and I drive a big cruiser. We're going on a 7 day tour pulling a small trailer and the Grey Creek Pass has piqued my interest. I grew up racing motocross and have no problem riding the trail and we certainly take our time where we have to. My only concern is potholes and washboard. The suspension does not like the big stuff. We have done some extreme off-roading before (relative to the bike ;-) and quite enjoy it. But my big question is: what is the surface of the road like? Is it smooth dirt? Mostly gravel? Potholes? Washboard?

Are we insane to try it?

Looking forward to your replies.

Kelvin
2000 Honda Valkyrie 1500
 
Sparkle

Sparkle

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Hi Brewmaster:

I've seen sports cars, bicycles, big family cars, motorhomes, 2x trucks with campers and pulling trailers or boats and all were doing fine except for a little dust. There's the odd bumpy place, and a little washboard now and then but nothingyou can't handleand nothing steep.

There is a steep"shortcut" but the main road avoids it.

About 60 km. of gravel from SM lake to Gray Creek. It can be a little loose and rutty on the East side, but smoother on the West side.

Your big Honda and trailer will do fine if you don't rush.

Oh..... you are insane,which meetsour qualifications......welcome to the group.:)

Sparkle
 
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