Vernon offers a fantastic array of mountain biking trails for riders of all skill levels. From flowy downhill runs to challenging technical tracks, Vernon’s diverse landscape makes it a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner looking to explore, this guide will introduce you to some of the top places to ride in Vernon and highlight standout trails at each location.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort is arguably Vernon’s most famous mountain biking destination. Known for its meticulously maintained downhill trails and lift access, SilverStar offers a full range of options for all levels of riders. Downhill trails usually close for the season in mid to late September.
Trail Highlight: Shazam
A blue flow trail that offers riders berms, jumps, and smooth lines, Shazam is ideal for intermediate riders looking to develop their skills. The trail features several tabletop jumps and wide turns, making it perfect for progression. This highly recommended for riders looking to transition to riding black trails.
Trail Highlight: Rock Star
One of the most popular advanced trails, Rock Star is full of smooth berms and tabletop jumps that offer a thrilling experience for seasoned riders. This black diamond trail offers a thrilling ride for those seeking a more intense downhill experience.
Trail Highlight: Beowulf
Beowulf is an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Epic trail, a 35 km XC loop that immerses riders in beautiful alpine scenery covering all types of terrain. The trail was made over the spna of four years and is named after the Scandinavian poem of an epic dragon-slayer warrior.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Ellison Provincial Park, located along the shores of Okanagan Lake, is a hidden gem for cross-country mountain biking. Its network of singletrack trails weaves through scenic forests and offers a variety of riding experiences.
Trail Highlight: Twista
Twista is an intermediate trail with flowy, tight corners and small rock features. It offers fast, rolling terrain and is one of the more agressive blue trails. It’s a fun, dynamic ride perfect for intermediate bikers looking for an adventure.
Trail Highlight: Big Ed
Big Ed is long, demanding, and very technical, with rocky sections and steeper gradients, suited for advanced riders. The trail takes you through a mix of dense forest and open terrain, challenging your technical skills with rock gardens and natural obstacles. There is a variety of steep, technical, fast, and flowy sections of trail. It is rated a double black due to it remoteness.
Trail Highlight: Black Powder
Black Powder is a flowy intermediate trail that takes riders through a mix of forest and open terrain, with some gradual climbs and fast descents. It’s a great trail for working on cornering and maintaining speed. The trail earned its name from its dark dust in dry conditions.
Cosens Bay Area
Part of the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Cosens Bay offers more technical and advanced trails. The area is ideal for seasoned riders looking for a challenge.
Trail Highlight: Fraidy Cat
A highly rated double-black diamond trail, Fraidy Cat is a technical gem with steep descents, tight switchbacks, and plenty of rocks and roots to navigate. Fraidy Cat leads into 36.
Trail Highlight: 36DD
Another advanced option, 36DD provides a highly technical ride with demanding terrain, perfect for riders looking for a thrill. The trail has steep rock sections and many features. The trail links to Pond and No Boats.
Predator Ridge
Predator Ridge offers a growing network of trails, ideal for riders who enjoy combining biking with picturesque landscapes.
Trail Highlight: Granite
Granite is a relatively new trail that is already becoming popular for its fast, flowy descents and snappy berms. It also includes punchy climbs and breathtaking views, making it a well-rounded ride. It rides into the mid point of Blister Sisters
Ellison Provincial Park
This park features a mix of cross-country trails with stunning views of Okanagan Lake, making it a perfect spot for intermediate to advanced riders.
Trail Highlight: Blister Sisters
A more technical trail, Blister Sisters is known for its tight turns, rock gardens, and rooty sections, testing riders’ skills on natural terrain. This is one of the most difficult trails in the park.
Trail Highlight: RPM
This intermediate trail offers fast, flowy sections and some XC.
Noble Canyon
For those seeking a more remote, backcountry experience, Noble Canyon delivers with its rugged all-mountain trails. This area is known for its longer, more challenging rides. There is a Moto DH trail that connects to the area from Silver Star's backcountry. For Mountainbiking you can access this area from the Vernon-Sloacan highway.
Trail Highlight: Baconator
A fast and flowy trail, Baconator offers steep lines, and wood/dirt jump features making it a favourite for advanced riders looking for a more aggressive descent. Ride in through the Sauce on the Side access road.
Conclusion
Vernon is a mountain biking paradise, offering trails for every type of rider. Whether you’re seeking high-speed downhill runs at SilverStar, scenic cross-country rides at Kalamalka Lake, or a mix of everything in between, Vernon’s diverse trail systems ensure an unforgettable experience. So grab your bike, hit the trails, and explore everything this stunning region has to offer.
