The Best Trails, When to Ride, and What to Know Before You Go
Revelstoke has some of the most challenging and rewarding mountain biking trails in Canada. The area offers everything from flowy singletracks in dense forests to high-alpine rides with long descents. Elevation changes, technical terrain, and well-maintained trails draw riders who want serious progression. Local builders and biking organizations keep the network growing, making it one of the best places to ride in British Columbia. Riders can find trails that suit their skill level while still pushing their limits. The town itself has a strong biking culture, with shops, events, and a supportive community of riders.
The Top Trails in Revelstoke
Mount Macpherson Trail System
Mount Macpherson has over 150 kilometres of trails built for different skill levels. Lower elevation trails stay rideable for most of the season, while higher elevation loops dry out by early summer. The network includes well-maintained singletrack, flow trails, and technical descents.
Riders looking for smoother trails can stick to options like Beaver Tail and Eager Beaver. These offer rolling terrain, small berms, and moderate climbs. Those wanting a mix of climbing and technical downhill can take Leap Frog into Toad School, which provides challenging corners and some technical features. The Stimulus Loop is another good option, starting near the Nordic Lodge and offering an intermediate ride with flow and short climbs. Advanced riders head to TNT for steep sections, tight switchbacks, and rock features that test bike handling.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR)
RMR has lift-accessed trails with long descents and machine-built features. The gondola eliminates the need for climbing, allowing riders to focus on downhill performance. The Fifty Six Twenty trail drops 5,620 vertical feet from the top of the resort, making it one of the longest flow trails in the world. Berms, rollers, and jumps let riders build speed without heavy pedalling. The lower mountain has technical options like Bike Club, which combines rock slabs, roots, and tight corners. The RMR bike park continues to expand, adding more trails designed for intermediate and advanced riders who want steep descents and technical sections.
Frisby Ridge
Frisby Ridge is a high-alpine ride with open terrain, long climbs, and rewarding descents. The trail gains elevation gradually, giving riders time to adjust before reaching the top. The way down mixes fast, flowy sections with loose corners and rock rolls. Riders must be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather and long climbs. This trail is best ridden in mid to late summer when the snow has melted and the ground is dry. The views from the top make the effort worthwhile, and the descent allows for high-speed riding.
When to Ride
Spring and Early Summer
Lower elevation trails open first. Rain keeps the dirt packed, making the conditions predictable. Mount Macpherson’s trails are good in spring because they have fewer wet spots. By late spring, the lower sections of RMR start to dry out. Spring conditions mean fewer riders on the trails, and the mix of wet and dry sections requires good bike handling skills. Some higher elevation trails remain snow-covered, so checking conditions before heading out is important.
Mid to Late Summer
High-alpine trails open by mid-summer. Frisby Ridge and the upper sections of RMR become accessible. Temperatures are warm, and trails hold their shape. This is the busiest season, so riding early in the day helps avoid crowds. Trail maintenance crews keep the network in good condition, ensuring that braking bumps and eroded sections are repaired. Summer riding means longer days, making it possible to fit in multiple descents.
Fall
Cooler temperatures and dry conditions make fall the best time to ride. Trails have less dust, and fewer riders are on the mountain. The tree-covered trails at Macpherson and RMR become even faster as leaves start to drop. Some riders prefer fall conditions because the dirt remains tacky, allowing for better grip. The fall season is also a good time for bike upgrades, as local shops begin clearing out inventory before winter.
Events and Races
Revelstoke Bike Fest and Revy 50
Revelstoke Bike Fest is a multi-day event celebrating all aspects of mountain biking. The festival includes races, skill clinics, and community gatherings. The Revy 50 is the headline race, a 50-kilometre enduro featuring four timed descents. The course runs through Mount Macpherson, starting in downtown Revelstoke, with technical descents, jumps, and fast corners. Riders compete in solo or team categories, pushing their limits on some of the region’s best trails.
Other events include the Mega Bike Showdown, a women’s enduro race, and a family-friendly expo. The festival takes place in early September when trail conditions are ideal and crowds have thinned out. The event attracts professional and amateur riders, making it a great opportunity to connect with the biking community. The festival also includes bike demos, allowing riders to test the latest equipment from top brands.
Local Organizations and Trail Maintenance
Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA)
The RCA builds and maintains trails in the area. They organize group rides and trail maintenance days. The association relies on volunteers and membership fees to keep the network running. They work closely with the community to expand trail access and ensure that existing routes are maintained to a high standard. Riders who want to give back can join volunteer trail-building days to help with maintenance projects.
Trail Etiquette and Conservation
Riders are expected to stay on marked trails and respect multi-use areas. Hikers and bikers share some of the trails, so right-of-way rules are important. Packing out trash and avoiding skidding helps keep the trails in good condition. Bikers are encouraged to yield to uphill riders and slow down when passing hikers. Sustainable trail use is essential to keeping the network in good shape for future riders.
Local Services
Bike Shops, Rentals, and Clinics
Wandering Wheels specializes in high-performance rentals and offers guided rides for intermediate and advanced riders. Their fleet includes top-tier enduro and downhill bikes, making them a solid choice for those tackling more technical terrain. They also run skills clinics for riders looking to refine their handling on challenging trails.
Skookum Revelstoke is a full-service bike shop with rentals, sales, and repairs. They cater to riders of all levels, from beginners looking for a casual ride to experts needing high-end components or a custom build. They also have a wide selection of demo bikes, allowing riders to test different models before purchasing.
Tantrum Ride Co. offers mountain bike rentals, shuttles, and guided tours. Their fleet is stocked with modern full-suspension bikes, and they focus on getting riders onto the best trails based on skill and preference. They also provide private coaching sessions for riders looking to improve confidence on technical features.
Bike shops also provide tuning services, ensuring that bikes are in top condition before hitting the trails. Some stores offer demo bikes, allowing riders to test different models before making a purchase. Guided rides provide valuable local knowledge, helping visitors find the best trails for their ability level. Clinics focus on body positioning, braking techniques, and handling steep terrain, with instructors providing personalized feedback to help riders build confidence.
Lodging
Many hotels and lodges have bike storage, wash stations, and direct trail access. Some offer guided ride packages that include lift tickets and gear. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to high-end resorts with bike-friendly amenities. Riders who prefer camping can find spots near popular trailheads.
The Experience of Riding in Revelstoke
Revelstoke’s mix of technical and flow trails keeps riders coming back. The elevation gain makes for long descents, and the variety of terrain challenges different skill levels. The trails are well-maintained, and the biking culture is strong. The best way to experience it is to ride as many trails as possible, plan for changing conditions, and be ready for a mix of climbs and descents. Riders who explore beyond the main trail networks will find hidden gems that offer a unique riding experience.
