Trail riding and road cycling are great ways to experience the mountain landscape of Yoho National Park and take in the beautiful scenery. Unless of course you prefer downhill mountain biking, in which case, you should probably focus on the trail.
Trail Riding
Within the park, mountain biking is permitted on a variety of old fire roads that have been converted into trails, allowing riders to visit some areas of the park that are rarely reached on foot. Due to hiking traffic and the nature of the sensitive mountain ecosystem, some trails are not open to cyclists.
Riders should make sure to wear helmets, educate themselves about how to avoid bear encounters, and be wary of fellow hikers and bikers. Trail maps are available at the Park Information Centre at the entrance to Field.
Mountain bikes can be rented from local providers if you're coming too far to bring your own ride. Check out the list of providers right here on this page.
Road Cycling In Yoho National Park
Within the park there are two secondary highways that offer excellent road cycling. The shorter and easier of the two is a ride to Emerald Lake via Emerald Lake Road. While the scenic views are limited on this highway, and you'll need to return on the same road, you'll be rewarded when you reach the beautiful landscape of Emerald Lake. If you're bold, a jump in the glacial cold waters is exhilarating way to celebrate your arrival! This ride can be started from the town of Field (28km round-trip) or alternatively you can avoid riding on the main highway by starting the Natural Bridge parking lot (14km round-trip).
Yoho Valley Road is another paved roadway which sees relatively small amounts of traffic. The scenic route follows the Yoho River and eventually leads you to the towering Takakkaw Falls, the Whisky Jack Hostel, and the Parks Canada Campground at the falls. A few steep sections make this a more challenging ride than the trip up to Emerald Lake. This route also tends to be a bit colder due to its northern aspect and proximity to the glacial river. Start your ride at Kicking Horse Campground to avoid Highway 1 (28km round-trip), or directly from the town of Field (36km round-trip).
Mountain Biking in Golden
The town of Golden, located west of Field, is home to gritty mountain bike culture. Since the 1990's, builders have crafted awesome downhill and cross-country mountain biking trails throughout the surrounding mountains. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is also located nearby, offering professionally built trails with gondola access.
Cross Country Riding Near Golden
Cross-country cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the extensive moonraker trails, well maintained by the passionate members of the Golden Cycling Club. A 50km trail system over mixed terrain, the moonraker network consists of 14 trails of the best cross country riding the Rockies have to offer. Little can compare with riding alongside Canyon Creek's steep 200m drop.
Downhill
Downhill mountain bikers have a few fantastic options in Golden.
The 4500 vertical feet of white knuckle downhill on Mt. Seven are popular for truck shuttling, with a variety of trail options on the way down. The alternating banks at the bottom of Snake Bite will leave riders anxious to get back to the top and do it all over again. Vehicular access to the summit via the Mount Seven fire road eliminates the need to make the 14km uphill pedal. The summit is also frequented by paragliders, who make the leap from the top and drift away with the winds and thermals.
In recent years, the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has opened its hill to riders in the summer, with convenient access to the summit on the newly installed Gondolas. Ride in style on the way up before hitting one of 27 machine groomed trails geared for beginners and technical riders alike. 3700 feet of vertical makes it the highest lift-accessible downhill trail system in North America. Bike and equipment rentals are available at the base.
Getting to Golden from Field
Take Highway 1 West out of Yoho National Park and through the Kicking Horse Canyon. Follow the directions below for access to each trailhead.
Directions to the Moonraker Trails
- Take the Hwy 95 turnoff left at Golden from Hwy 1, and exit onto Main Street
- Turn right at the first street with Kicking Horse Mountain Resort signage, and follow Kicking Horse Trail 8 km
- Turn left at Cedar Lake turnoff and continue 2km to Moonraker trailhead
Directions to the Mount 7
- Take the Hwy 95 turnoff left at Golden from Hwy 1, and exit onto Main Street
- Continue on Main Street over the bridge and through town, past the CP Railyard
- Turn left at Reflection Lake, where parking is available and the access road to the top of the hill begins
Directions to the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- Take the Hwy 95 turnoff left at Golden from Hwy 1, and exit onto Main Street
- Turn right at the first street with Kicking Horse Mountain Resort signage, and follow Kicking Horse Trail all the way to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort parking lot