South Chilcotin - Lorna to Spruce

I'm planning a small trip with some beginner/intermediate riders and am thinking of going up Lorna Pass down mid Tyaughton Cr to Spruce Lake.  I've only ridden Tyaughton to the Deer Pass cutoff, so am wondering what it's like further down.  The elevation profile looks like a descent but up and down in places.  Heading towards Spruce, is the riding pretty intermediate as TrailForks suggests?

Im assuming this is a two day or multi-day trip?

Yes, multi-day.  Don't have the details figured yet.  Still kicking some things around.

the riding from where you have been to where you want to go is mellow, lots of creek crossings (I think 7?) and then a bit of climbing up to spruce camp.  depending how high the water is, the crossings can be anywhere from shin to waist deep.

Appreciate the info skidrc. Sending a spirited-virtual-high-five your way!

wi-five!

beginners will struggle/be a liability regardless, climb up lorna pass is a stiff hike a bike, tyaughton creek trail is 'flat' but muddy/tech with some big creek crossings. I've been out there with relatively fit intermediate riders and they struggled, don't underestimate it.

Posted by: FlipFantasia

beginners will struggle/be a liability regardless, climb up lorna pass is a stiff hike a bike, tyaughton creek trail is 'flat' but muddy/tech with some big creek crossings. I've been out there with relatively fit intermediate riders and they struggled, don't underestimate it.

^ This^

Plus any food you think you need for the day, double it.

I am reading that you have been up and over lorna before? If you are only worried about tyax ck to spruce, just be prepared to get wet feet and work as a team on the creek xings. Like T.odd said, it's up and down, and muddy. But if you are doing this as a multi day, it's the most mellow elevation change.

beginners will struggle/be a liability regardless, climb up lorna pass is a stiff hike a bike, tyaughton creek trail is 'flat' but muddy/tech with some big creek crossings. I've been out there with relatively fit intermediate riders and they struggled, don't underestimate it.

I appreciate the straightforward feedback and won't underestimate it.  I've hauled 25+ lbs of gear up and over Lorna and Deer in the same day and have let everyone know there is real potential for a visit to the pain cave.  Everyone in the group is backcountry savvy but I haven't ridden with a couple of them, so wanted to have a general idea of what Tyaughton Cr was like.  I chose the route because of the subtle elevation but it sounds like it'll be a grind.  Thanks for the info.

be sure to use WD trail to Spruce too, Spruce Creek East Trail is almost been reclaimed as of 2 summers ago...haven't heard otherwise since, and Tyaughton east of WD to Castle Junction is tough going too, lots of side hill and blow down, and I'm unsure of the status currently.

^^ I went down there last year, and turned around at the castle turnoff. Heading up Castle next week via graveyard (so far)

Thanks again, guys!

..planning a similar route. Is there a decent camping area at the junction between Tyaughton Creek main trail and the Deer Pass trail?  (past the Tyax Bear Paw camp)