Summerland's mountain biking trails offer thrilling rides for experienced bikers. There are three main areas to find mountain biking trails: Cartwright Mountain, Mount Conkle and Morel Trails. From community-driven tracks to technical descents, there's something for every seasoned rider looking for an adventure.
The Test of Humanity Trail: More Than Just a Ride
The Test of Humanity trail on Cartwright Mountain is the most popular trail in Summerland and it is a well maintained, hand-built 10k loop that is the result of thousands of volunteer hours. It has a climb of 288 m and a descent of 293 m. The trail features flow-filled berms, pumpable rollers, and high speeds on the downhill sections, while the climbs offer scenic vistas. Varied uphill and downhill sections keep riders engaged and eager for more. Suitable for newer to advanced riders, however, this trail is considered moderately challenging. It is a one way trail and is best in the spring or fall when it is less dusty or hot and clear of snow from the winter. Access to the trail is off of Highway 97 onto Rosedale Avenue until you reach Morrow Ave, on the right side of the road going uphill before reaching Summergate Drive.
Dragon's Back Trail: Pump Track Fun
Dragon's Back, also on Cartwright Mountain, is a short, fun pump track style section of trail. Known for its flow and ease, this trail is perfect for a quick, exhilarating ride. It's a great option for those looking for a less demanding route. The trail is singletrack, primarily downhill, and is easy to follow. It’s family-friendly and allows dogs, making it an inclusive choice for riders of different levels. The trail covers a distance of 326.8 m, with a 9 m climb and a 28 m descent.
Other More Challenging Routes on Cartwright Mountain
For Black Diamond rides for advanced riders, Roxy Roller is a demanding downhill route featuring exposure, steep sections, small features, and loose scree sidecuts. It’s not suitable for beginners. The trail is singletrack, downhill only, and rated Black Diamond. It extends for 1.1 kms, featuring a 2 m climb and a 118 m descent.
Another option is Rolling Stone, an old-school, technical trail with scree, an exposed ridge, and flowy corners. Access is from Roxy Roller. This singletrack trail is primarily downhill and spans 1.1 kms, with a 37 m climb and a 91 m descent.
Roller Coaster is accessed from the north end of Joyride-K2 or Hairway to Steven, leading to a pond and Roxy Roller. It offers a fun downhill section and features steep, tricky, loose corners, small jumps that can be bypassed, and a couple of technical difficulties. Riders can choose a more difficult technical descent or a moderate descent down the climbing trail. Both options lead to a rollable rock jump visible during the climb. Afterward, riders can return to the pond on the road or continue on the singletrack south of the road, leading into Roxy Roller. The trail stretches 477 m, with a 30 m descent.
Conkle Bonk Trail: Diverse and Dynamic
Conkle Mountain's trail network offers a variety of routes that are well-built and maintained. Conkle Bonk is the main trail on the west side of the mountain, climbing from the rodeo grounds to the summit ridge. It's a significant climb with switchbacks and steeper sections, offering spectacular views throughout. Prepare for an 8 to 13-km round trip, depending on your chosen path, with an elevation gain of about 350 m. It is a classic old-school singletrack that can be ridden up or down, with spectacular views in all directions. This trail spans 4.2 km, with a 60 m climb and a 373 m descent. Mount Conkle is accessible via a well-marked parking area off Fenwick Road. The trails here are part of the Trans Canada Trail, offering not just recreational opportunities but also a peek into the region's pioneering past.
Full Frontal and Frontside Trails: Lot of Views
Full Frontal is the primary climb on the east side of Mount Conkle, leading to multiple descents. This trail sees a lot of traffic and regular maintenance and is uphill primarily. The grades are manageable, and the views improve with elevation. It features two "false summits" before reaching the top ridge, where the multiple descent options are available. While it can be used as a descent, it's not recommended due to the high likelihood of encountering ascending riders and hikers. The trail spans 5.1 kms, with a 344 m climb and a 43 m descent.
Frontside is known for its fast descent and flowing berms. It is a downhill-only route and is the classic east-side descent from the summit. While not technically difficult, it becomes more challenging when dry and loose in the summer. It offers a fast bike descent, but riders can also take their time to enjoy the views from the open ridges. Some sections feature fun, flowing berms. This trail receives regular maintenance and spans 2.9 kms, with a 32 m climb and a 351 m descent.
On The Other Side Trail: Elevation and Beauty
On the Other Side trail in Morel offers a unique challenge with its blue rating featuring a black diamond start. This singletrack trail spans 2 km, providing an engaging mix of climbs and descents. With a 46 m climb and an 88 m descent, it tests both physical endurance and technical skills. Suitable for advanced riders seeking a bit of everything, it allows riding in both directions and is popular for its diverse terrain. The trail is also dog-friendly, making it a great choice for those who like to bring along their furry companions. The average ride time is around 30 minutes, offering a rewarding experience for seasoned bikers.
Summerland's trails offer a mix of technical challenges and scenic rides. Whether you're tackling the Test of Humanity or enjoying the flow of Dragon's Back, there's a trail for every seasoned biker. From technical descents to scenic climbs, these trails promise a memorable biking adventure.
