Mountain Biking

For mountain biking, it’s widely known that it really doesn’t get much better than the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia. With the world famous extreme North Shore and Whistler a stones throw away, Squamish stands out with an unparalleled variety of trails.

Check out our trail features - Wonderland, the Half Nelson pump track as well as a list of Squamish mountain bike trails with trail ratings.

Situated in a valley with surrounding mountains there are endless kilometers of mountain biking trails in Squamish for every skill level. From gentle cruises in the estuary and friendly cross country trails in the Alice Lake area, to hairball downhill descents on Diamondhead. No matter your skill level, you will not run out of satisfying single-track in this town.

To over simplify what this town offers, there are four main areas to enjoy. In the south there is Valleycliffe/Crumpit Woods with its hike-a-bike granite playground. Diamond Head’s vehicle access offers trails for the big bike shuttles. Alice Lake is perfect for first timers with its gentle slopes and some technical descents. Then of course there are the valley trails and dykes.

With so many trails covering such a large area, the options are endless and next to impossible to navigate on your own. For the best introduction to the trails you have several options. Maps and guide books are available at the Squamish Adventure Centre on Highway 99. As well, the local bike shops can set you up with last minute supplies and tips on the must hit trails for your skill level.

As for trail etiquette, it’s mostly common sense. You are playing in the woods with other animals so be respectful of other users, wildlife and of course the trails themselves. Check out these Responsible Riding Tips.

Popular Trails

Wonderland   /

Length: approximately 2.3 km
Grading: Green / Blue
Location: Located in perfect proximity to one of Squamish’s “sweet spots”, Alice Lake Provincial Park. To get to this trail head by vehicle drive North to Alice lake turnoff turn right off Hwy 99 and you will make a slight left bend in the road you can park your vehicle in the area to left of the road and the trail head is on the right hand side of the Alice Lake Road look for the sign. Once you have completed the trail you will end up at Dryden Creek Resort just cross Hwy 99 at Depot Rd and ride up the Ray Peters Trail back to your vehicle.
Conditions: This Trail has just received some tender loving care by SORCA with the addition of some new bridgework and gravel. Care should be taken in the wetter months (not that there is many in Squamish!) as the trail can become very muddy.
Direction of travel: Most riders will ride up to Alice Lake area and ride the trail down however there are some who ride up the trail to Alice Lake. Hikers as well as mountain bikes enjoy this trail experience so please always ride in control and to your ability.

Powerhouse Plunge  

Length: approximately
Grading: Black Diamond
Location: This is one of the premier classic Squamish trails, not for the faint of heart, this one will have you climbing and descending through some of the rockiest and steepest terrain through the upper portion and then will mellow in the middle just enough to ease up on your thoughts of going airborne before testing your mettle again on the bottom section with tight twisting switchbacks. To access the Plunge there are two options one via the Mamquam FSR and the Ring Creek Rip or through the Garibaldi Park Road. Follow the Garibaldi Park Road up then up again you will come to a narrow paved one lane section just past this the road will dip down then back up again look at the clearing to the right turn off onto the old road and follow this to Darwin’s Crossing over Ring Creek continue up to the junction of The Ring Creek Rip at the SORCA Shelter. Keep to the right after the Shelter and continue along the trail and you will come to the Powerhouse Plunge Trail head sign drop in, hang on and enjoy the ride.
Conditions: Best through May to October however can become very slippery and muddy after heavy rains
Direction of travel: Downhill

Wondering what the locals like to ride?

Check out what local Mike Jones rides on his days off.

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