The Derenzy Lake Loop offers a taste of what the entire 100Km. Quail Trail 100 trail-running race feels like! (click the image above to enlarge it). Note the faded trails in orange, as a reference to the overall lay of the land.

Let me kick this off by passing along a warning from the loop's creators: "tell your readers that this route is only for experienced, fit and prepared hikers and bikers - it's that grueling".

To that, I'd add "hike it before you entertain notions of biking it, unless you really enjoy hike-a-biking "

So it's with this caveat that I give you the Derenzy lake Loop :-) If you have the mettle, this 29.5Km. route will test it!

Begin at the Upper Skaha Bluffs parking area, and head up the well-marked WARD1 trail. At the point at which Sauerkraut splits off WARD1, head up Sauerkraut. Sauerkraut eventually meets at sandy, open area with a small two-track (former road) crossing it and a BC Parks signpost denoting the name of the trail that you are on.

Exit the singletrack trail and head up / left along the two-track road (this is the old Gillies FSR). Follow the old FSR for a distance of 2.2km., at which point a path leads off to your right.

From this point on, you will need a quality GPS device and GSP tracks - a smartphone - with a battery backup - works fine, but know that you are on a serious adventure from this point forward as no signage currently exists enroute.

Tell someone where you are going, leave a trip-plan, take emergency supplies, more water than you think you'll require, snacks and perhaps even an emergency shelter - in case you need to do an overnighter (!)

Ya', it's one of the most "no fooling" routes in this trailguide.

Kudos to the The Covey Race Crew / Mighty Quail 100 for this route BETA.

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