Here is an important note regarding access to the Boulder on the Bench (BOB) area at Skaha Lake from Andy White, a representative of the Okanagan Bouldering Society. As the climbing community grows larger, access has become increasingly important. Please be sure to be respectful and follow rules when visiting these areas.
Bouldering has become quite a bit more popular in the Okanagan over the years, and the numbers of people heading out of the gyms in the spring to enjoy the valley’s terrific rock have increased rapidly. As a result, some areas that have seen relatively little historic use, now receive heavier traffic. Two areas in the Okanagan Valley where concerns have been raised over increased usage are Boulder on the Bench (BOB) and The Butcher Shop. To do our best to manage any further issues, here is some background to concerns that have been raised as well as suggestions from the OBS about how best to proceed as we near the busiest time of year for these areas.
BOB and The Butcher Shop are located in the Heritage Hills area south of Penticton, on the east side of Skaha Lake. They share the same parking area in a residential neighborhood. This is where the majority of issues have arisen over the last year or so. Residents have noticed the traffic and parking changes and have voiced their worries to the OBS. Some concerns include, parking impeding local traffic, parking in inappropriate areas, dogs not under control, camping, people urinating and defecating, etc. This isn’t to say that all the problems are coming from the bouldering community. The area is used by a number of other groups, however, we can take it upon ourselves to manage our impact.
So, the suggestion at this point is that people going to BOB or The Butcher Shop not park at the T-junction at the top of Christie Mtn. Ln, anywhere on the north side of the road that extends east and uphill from the T-junction, or near the gate at the end of Christie Mtn Ln to the west. Instead, it is best to park only west of the T-junction on the north side of the road (just below the cliff), and on the hill (along both sides) that is reached just before arriving at the T-junction (see attached map for more details). This will hopefully alleviate local concerns about traffic up the hill (eastward) from the junction and about the ability to turn at the T-junction safely. Please also keep animals under control, remain respectful and quiet near the houses, and do your business discreetly away from the staging area for these bouldering spots.
The access for BOB is relatively straight-forward, but the area is on private land, so please be mindful of your impact on the approach and while bouldering. This is a spot that has been enjoyed for 20 or so years, and it would be unfortunate to lose it. As far as Butcher Shop, over the years, it has been accessed from a number of different spots, and with recent usage increases, this has caused concerns amongst locals. The best access point for The Butcher Shop is now to follow the obvious trail that heads north from the T-junction at the top of Christie Mtn. Ln, and after a short walk uphill, turn right to traverse east below the first big tree in the clearing, then around a large log further east to cross the creek over 2 bridges. After this, head straight east and uphill to loop around the water tower and continue on to The Butcher Shop. This keeps people off the access points that were contentious in the past and should help create a more obvious, consistent trail.
One final note is that The Butcher Shop and nearly all of its access is on WMA/ Nature Trust land. This is a piece of land that has been set aside for the conservation of a number of species in the area, namely Bighorn Sheep. An official plan about bouldering access has not been created yet, and the OBS has asked to be part of any discussions regarding this. Still, at this time, we are able to boulder on this land if we continue to do so in an ethical and responsible manner. If we cannot do this as a community, we will definitely lose access to bouldering areas on this land.
The OBS is very happy to be part of such a strong and responsible community. We hope and trust that we can manage ourselves in these areas moving forward. Have a great start to the season everyone!