Beyond the big names in Golden, BC.
Words: Hugh Brown
British Columbia is the best place to ride a mountain bike in the world. For most riders, this would not be a hot take, but the reason why is not what you might think.
BC’s reputation on the world stage is built around the Sea to Sky icons: Whistler and the Bike Park, the freeride history of Vancouver’s North Shore and the rock features of Squamish. And it deserves the hype; it is unbelievable.
But what truly makes BC riding stand out is the diversity across the province. Almost every town has its own flavour of riding, shaped by its community and its landscape. Places you have never seen have trails you have never heard of, and they can offer some of the best rides of your life.
What truly makes BC riding stand out is the diversity across the province. Almost every town has its own flavour of riding…
Golden, BC is exactly that kind of place: a small mountain town tucked between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, about an hour from the BC and Alberta border. With a population of around 4,000 and along the Trans-Canada Highway, it is easy to drive through. But what many people do not realize is that Golden is a mecca for all styles of riding.
Golden’s freeride credibility was built on one of mountain biking’s most legendary DH tracks. From 1999-2008, Red Bull hosted the Psychosis DH race on Mount 7 and brought the best riders in the world, including Sam Hill, Stevie Smith and Kyle Strait. With 4000 feet of shuttleable descent, Mount 7 is three times the size of a normal DH track and was known as the world’s most demented downhill race. This was the predecessor of modern-day Red Bull Hardline.
A 5-minute drive from downtown, Mount 7 is one of the best shuttle mountains in the world, from smooth flowy descents to expert chutes and steeps. For lift-accessed riding, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort delivers a trail network that ranges from intermediate alpine singletrack to manicured jump lines.
Cross-country pedallers find Golden special because of the access. You have over 100km of trails straight outta town. On the east side of the valley, you have the Mountain Shadows network, with old school, tech-flow singletrack and Mount 7 Lower, which has a lot more intermediate high-speed downhill trails. Premature is a purpose-built flow trail with small jumps, where Bush Party and Berminator are great options for a small pedal from town.
Cross-country pedallers find Golden special because of the access: over 100km of
trails straight outta town.
On the west side of the valley, you have the Moonraker and CBT networks. These trails are faster and flowier, with more undulating terrain. Classic includes loops around Cedar Lake, or having a lap down Canyon Creek (and LSD trail for advanced riders) to see stunning views over a steep gorge.
Gravel bikers will find the forestry industry has provided a vast network of forestry roads that can be linked together for some incredible riding through places that would otherwise be inaccessible. For more of a beginner in town ride, the Rotary trail is a 10km loop through the suburbs and next to the Kicking Horse River and its confluence with the Columbia River.
After the ride, Golden has plenty of ways to settle in, from restaurants, pubs, and cozy places to stay. If you use the trails, please support the local riding and building community by donating to the Golden Cycling Club, which maintains this incredible network.
To get to Golden, driving is the best option, and if you are flying in, Calgary is the closest airport. The busiest times to visit are in the summer, but for the best trail conditions, spring and fall are prime when timed correctly. More moisture, fewer crowds and cooler temps.
BC’s variety of riding is what makes it special. If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten path, uncrowded, with incredible riding, Golden is the place for you.
To learn more about biking in Golden, visit tourismgolden.com/bike
Article sponsored by Tourism Golden.
