Located in the Elk Valley, the Elkford ATV Club is a model for safe, responsible and environmentally sustainable motorized recreation.
Members identify as motorized environmentalists who prioritize care of wildlife and habitat in their recreational riding area, and who work closely with the Elk Valley RCMP and Elk Valley Conservation Officers.
Together with the Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and Recreation Sites and Trails BC volunteer club members have created and maintain a trail network that spans the full 65 kilometre length of the Elk Valley north of Elkford. The network consists of mixed use trails, powerline right-of-ways, and forest service roads.
Put Elkford on your ATV riding bucket list!
With a variety of trails suitable for riders of all abilities, beautiful views and photo opportunities are limitless. Beginner and less experienced riders are encouraged to take a certified ATV training course and can practice their skills on the Forest Service Road leading to the Elk Lakes parking lot or to the Elk Pass on either side of the Elk Valley.
More experiences and adventurous riders can visit the Galloway Gap trail / Big Weary Ridge Trail to see some of the most beautiful scenery in British Columbia.
The club takes sharing their trails seriously, and has created detailed ride information, including GPS tracks in GPX and KML files and shares them on their website.
Big Weary Ridge trail ATV riders at the summit of Big Weary Ridge ATV riders on the Forest Service Road near Elk Lakes Provincial Park Elkford ATV Club members riding in the Elk Valley
Elkford ATV Club Projects
With significant support from Teck Resources Ltd, the District of Elkford, and other sponsors, the Elkford ATVBC maintains the vast trail network, clearing trails of brush and debris and picking up trash left by less responsible backwoods users. In addition to full day garbage cleanups a few times a year, the Elkford ATV Club partners with the Elk River Alliance to help with the Elk River Clean-up Day.
Wildlife and their habitat
Elkford ATV Club volunteers ride from north of Elkford to the Alberta border monthly from June to October, collecting grizzly bear hair samples from trees for the Southern Rocky Mountain Grizzly Bear Project. The collected hair undergoes DNA analysis and is used to plan long term Grizzly conservation plans based on scientific evidence. Having participated in the Southern Rocky Mountain Grizzly Bear Project for the past six years, the club invites volunteers to join them and will provide necessary training.
With support from sponsor Teck Resources Ltd, club volunteers average 200 volunteer hours and nearly 4,000 kilometres of riding for this project alone!
Focused on protection of wildlife and wildlife habitiat, the Elkford ATV Club advises visitors to plan rides carefully before hitting the trails. Some trails are are designated Motor Vehicle Closed Areas for ATVs and are only open to ATVs between July 1 – August 31 annually. Check British Columbia Ministry Of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources Operations website. for more information.
ORV Leadership
While the Elkford ATV Club is filled with leaders who are advancing off-road motorized riding, Gordon Galloway deserves a special shout-out. Recognized as Elkford’s Citizen of the Year twice, he also has a trail dedicated in his name for his work in advancing riding in the region.
