It’s rare when trails built during the formative years of mountain biking still hold up to today’s standards.

And, rightly so, it was a different time. Early ‘90s bikes were shorter, with smaller wheels and a narrower turning radius for tight, slow tech or entirely focused on cross-country racing. In turn, trail design was based around different parameters. Many of mountain biking’s original, bucket-list trails just aren’t possible to ride on today’s longer, faster, and squishier bikes. Except in Kamloops.

Driven by local riding style, moto influence, and topography, central British Columbia’s trail builders seemed to have held a special clairvoyance for where the sport was headed. The result is a desert playground that continues to be a top riding destination 35 years later.

Kamloops sits at the northern tip of the Sonora Desert at the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers and is the ancestral home of the Tk’emlúps Secwépemc First Nation. The visible geological history carved into the local hillsides is partly why Kamloops is so good for riding. A complex mix of limestone, volcanic rock, and ash make up the glacier-rounded mountains of the interior plateau, but the bottom of the Thompson Valley is an ancient mudstone lakebed holding the good stuff for mountain biking. After the larger rivers carved out wide valleys and set the foundation for the landscape we see today, the soft mudstone walls left behind—gradually eroded by wind and rain—were sculpted into steep chutes, canyons, and knife-edge ridges that early freeride pioneers saw for their untapped potential.

Widely regarded as the birthplace of freeride, Kamloops has influenced modern mountain bike culture like few other destinations. From open scree faces and one-off super-booters obscured behind stacked ridges bathed in that iconic golden desert light, Kamloops was at the center of early bike films such as the infamous “Pulp Traction” and foundational “Kranked” series all the way through the modern era and each transitional phase along the way. Featuring a homegrown cast of characters from Brett Tippie, Richie Schley, and Craig Olsson to modern style icons like Matt Hunter, Graham Agassiz, and Matty Miles, as well as countless builders and under-the-radar shredders. The name of the game in town has always been, and continues to be, progression.

RIDING AREAS

Freeride is more than a riding style here—it’s a state of mind, and local builders have taken this to heart. The first thing you’ll notice is the speed. Your choices are low angle and fast, or steep and fast. The dirt, trail design, and rolling terrain allow for a natural flow and let the freeride heritage shine through each trail regardless of the difficulty rating. A central goal of the past decade has been to make mountain biking more accessible by filling in gaps between easy and death-defying. What becomes quickly apparent is that green trails aren’t just for beginners. The trail experience is different depending on trail speed and the creativity to find the plethora of side hits and sneaky doubles. An open mind will go a long way and mixed-ability riding groups can shred together on most trails here. Adaptive riders are also considered with trails meeting adaptive standards throughout the network with more modified trails coming online each year. Another unique factor is how much the character of the riding changes with elevation. Valley bottom trails are distinctly desert in nature with a mix of sand and clay under the rubber with wide open sight lines, whereas trails at higher elevations are longer, rockier, and grittier through dense forest. The themes of speed, flow, and full send permeate each riding area for a cohesive and diverse riding experience that is uniquely Kamloops. It’s big mountain riding without big mountains, all within 30 minutes of downtown.

THE BIKE RANCH

Whether it’s an inaugural or a yearly trip, “The Ranch” will likely be your first port of call. Established in 2005 from a growing need for a legitimate, legalized, progressive riding area within the city limits, The Ranch evolved from a handful of short, steep freeride lines behind the arena, and a few humble dirt jumps (now called The Corral) into Canada’s largest municipal bike park. The park’s inception was a critical turning point in the acceptance of mountain biking in the eyes of the non-riding populous. Despite being situated between the Valleyview and Juniper Ridge neighborhoods with a paved shuttle road, the 26-hectare bike park feels wild and remote—akin to its wild-west themed trail names.

Focused on progression, The Ranch offers riders the chance to sample the creative and cultural side of Kamloops riding with quick, repeatable laps to acclimate to trail ratings (which will likely feel different from ratings at home), feature sizes, and the speed-forward characteristics that define desert trail riding. Tumbleweed is a great warm up to feel out the features. It’s also the perfect steppingstone onto bigger jump lines like Tombstone and Wrangler or the XL test-piece, Fist Full of Dollars. If jumps aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of snaking singletrack to keep you pointing it back up hill on XC Trail, which climbs to the top for another lap. Additional hike-primary and cross-country trails are accessible east toward Valleyview. It’s easy to spend full days at The Ranch, or it can be a perfect place to pop in for an extra lap to milk the lengthening twilight of warm spring evenings, or to hit the floodlit dirt jumps at The Corral.

And, with its newly opened $1.3 million pumptrack, The Ranch offers yet another way to get in a quick session between bigger excursions. The Kamloops All Wheels Pump Track Facility was built to world class standards and, thus, will be eligible to host future world championship events.

HARPER MOUNTAIN

Harper Mountain is a long-time locals' favorite shuttle zone with a mix of steep and loose legacy trails and newer, modern flow trails for all ability levels. Harper has its own distinct flavor from classic Kamloops desert riding—the air is cooler, the dark, earthy soil holds moisture for longer, and ponderosa pines tower over grassy green slopes. The lower trails are sectioned by a mid-mountain bench around 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) of elevation while the upper trails top out an additional 1,050 feet (320 meters) higher. The official trail opening happens on May 1 each year.

Located 20 minutes northeast of town, shuttle access is via the two-wheel-drive-friendly (but bumpy) Harper Mountain dirt road or earn your turns on the Ket-R-Done climb trail. T.E.A. Time or the new flow masterpiece Cucwéll are good warm-ups before tackling classics like Unicorn DH and Nates. For getting sendy, Pimpernot offers up large jumps, drops, and road gaps. Trails also finish up at Paul Lake campground which makes for a great basecamp for a few days.

SUN PEAKS BIKE PARK

Established in 1999, Sun Peaks was an early pioneer in lift-accessed riding. True to the area's burly riding heritage, the trails built on Tod Mountain developed a reputation for steep, technical, and rugged hand-built singletrack like Insanity One, Gnar-Boom, and Sugar. In 2005, the mountain expanded its terrain to adjacent Sundance Hill and introduced machine-building alongside the rugged gnar. The current version of the park features 52 miles (84 kilometers) of trails descending 1,952 feet (595 meters) of sweet elevation. Trail crews have retained the perfect mix of OG, steep, technical trails with modern, machine-built flow trails for all ability levels.

Emerging as one of BC’s favorite bike parks, Sun Peaks hosts the Canada Cup Dunbar Series—touted as the premier, affordable downhill race event with the Canadian National Downhill Championships tucked into the final day of the weekend at the end of July. The dirt at Sun Peaks is of a different caliber, adhering to the steeps and is perfect for sculpting air-time trails like the machine hewn Stella Blue and Steam Shovel. The park is open from June 13 to September 27 and can add some nice diversity to a trip to the ‘Loops.

PINEVIEW

Pineview is Kamloops’ most underrated trail network offering a slightly different take on ‘Loops freeride. The area retains the fast and loose feel of classic freeride zones but takes cues from enduro and cross-country riding for an engaging blend of disciplines. Think fast, sweeping corners slicing through generously spaced ponderosa pine with a speed and confidence that will make most skill levels feel like a pro. The extensive network is split into East and West sections connected by cross-country trails on the summit plateau and descents flowing down the north, east, and west aspects. The open, sunnier East side opens by mid-April while the steeper and more forested West side (facing both north and west) generally opens one to two months later. You’ll need to earn your turns here with each lap but the views over the Thompson Valley and Kamloops Lake are well worth the effort. Not to mention stand out descents like A Blaze on the Hillside, Mine, and the latest double-black tech test-piece Bangers and Mash while Beer Run on the eastside is a standout. 

KENNA CARTWRIGHT

Just north across the highway from Pineview sits the picturesque Kenna Cartwright Nature Park. The cross-country-forward network can provide a nice break for pumped forearms, death-griped braking fingers and frayed nerves featuring 32 miles (50 kilometers) of ultra buff, low stress, multi-use singletrack through rolling sagebrush hills. The stacked loop layout allows for endless creative options for distance and difficulty whether it’s low-elevation loops through the rolling flats on Ponderosa and Red Tailed Hawk, or punchy, ridge climbs on the aptly named Ridge Trail to the 2,903-feet (885 meters) summit of Dufferin Hill.

FREERIDE AIN’T FREE

For years, Kamloops was a locals-only area. Traveling riders could find trails to ride in the desert city, but there was a large disconnect between what people saw in the movies and what they could (or expected to) find around town. Private land-holds and a negative public perception hindered the sport’s acceptance. There was an immense hunger and passion for building but no sanctioned space to direct this pent-up energy.

The Kamloops Mountain Bike Trails Association (KMBTA) and the Kamloops Bike Rider’s Association (KBRA) work to provide access, advocate for trails and access, oversee maintenance, and spearhead fundraising initiatives. The member-based KBRA also runs a youth race league and maintains the Lac Du Bois (Batch) trails, the Stake Lake network (a hidden gem for technical XC trails), and the KBRA Progression Park, while the KMBTA looks after The Ranch, Harper, and Pineview. Today, the scene couldn’t be more different for traveling riders than those early years. According to readily available online trail maps, Kamloops boasts 680 bike trails totaling nearly 1,180 miles!

With those mind-boggling numbers, there’s a saying in Kamloops that “freeride ain’t free,” so instead of figuring out whether it’s best to buy a membership, which organizations to support or how to donate, Tourism Kamloops has removed the guesswork for visiting riders and locals alike to give back to the trails. Funds are distributed to the organizations on the ground and go straight back into the trails, so please consider doing your part in keeping the riding here to world-class standards.

WHEN TO VISIT

Kamloops is unique in BC for its warm, semi-arid climate. Low snowfall amounts mean that it’s generally possible to ride each month of the year, but what’s even more appealing is the early thaw. The low elevation of the Thompson Valley of 1,132 feet (345 meters) means that spring arrives early to the sagebrush covered hills and is a great place to kick off the riding season. Trails are consistently maintained from March with light spring moisture keeping the dirt tacky and dust at a minimum—riders are just asked to use courtesy and common sense during freeze-thaw cycles to avoid trail damage. At higher elevations or northerly aspects, temperatures drop considerably, coniferous trees become more dense, and the soil changes from sandy clay to rich brown dirt that holds the snow and moisture longer and, as a result, open later. Expect areas like Pineview West and Harper to officially open in May or June, depending on seasonal conditions and land management requirements. Riders are encouraged to check Trailforks and local trail association updates for current trail status and opening information. Summers are dry and the trails get a surfy feel where you get to experience the Ranch’s silty “moon dust” that has surprising grip and makes cornering look badass. Rain tends to return in October and the higher networks begin closing up shop near the end of November. In winter, Isobel Lake offers 16 miles (25 kilometers) of groomed, snowy singletrack for fat biking. 

Spring temps are perfect for riding with daytime highs between 54-70°F (12-21°C), providing that first rejuvenating taste of warmth while other BC destinations are still locked in spring’s cool, wet grasp and deep mud pits. Mornings and evenings are the go for summer where the mercury can stay consistently in the 90°F (30°C) range, while fall is known for clear, crisp days in the mid-60s (15-18°C). Known as one of BC’s sunniest cities with more than 2,000 hours of sun per year, Kamloops is a premier spring riding destination. 

BIKE CULTURE

Kamloops shredding isn’t just for the bros and pros, there’s a vibrant and inclusive culture embracing all things two wheeled. The robust female riding scene owes no small debt to local community pillars Cheryl Beattie (KMBTA president, Bicycle Cafe owner and original freeride shredder) and 2x World Champion and Olympic medalist Catharine Pendrel, but also Dirt Chix founders Dana Heyman, Debbie Marasco, and Sheena Motokado. Back in 2005, Dirt Chix began as an unofficial riding club of four friends that quickly grew into a watershed movement to bring more women into the fold. Twenty-one years on, the Dirt Chix are still going strong with nearly 2,000 followers on the Facebook group and hundreds of women—from teenagers to 60-year-olds—joining the weekly Thursday night rides. For gravel group rides, check out the Kamloops Velo Club. The Kamloops Bike Riders Association (KBRA) social media channels are another great resource for group rides, community events, and general Kamloops bike community info.

There’s no shortage of bike shops for spare parts when you get a bit too sendy. The Bicycle Cafe, District Bicycle Company, Cycle Logic, and Spoke N’ Motion are all full-service shops with District hosting weekly rides on Wednesdays. The other service to check out is Mostly Mental Shuttles that can provide quick and easy laps at The Ranch so the whole posse can shred together. The service has operated at Harper in the past but there are no plans for this route in 2026.

PRE-RIDE / POST-RIDE

To get your day going, Isagani Farm to Table and Hello Toast are great for a sit-down breakfast or, for a quick hit, try He Brew’s Coffee or The Art We Are Artisan Market for high quality coffee and take-away sandwiches and snacks for a day out on the trails. For lunch and dinner, Wasabi Modern Kitchen and Red Beard Cafe are standouts while taking an evening stroll down Victoria Street will offer up a plethora of gastronomic establishments.

We all know that beer and bikes are a match made in heaven, and Kamloops has an enviable aprés scene. With four unique breweries, beer lovers will be spoiled for choice. Red Collar Brewing is one of the original establishments here with a Belgian influence and some delicious, high-ABV beers. Iron Road Brewing specializes in lagers and has great Mexican food. The Noble Pig not only brews great beer but is one of the most popular restaurants in town with a spacious patio. Bright Eye Brewing is the lone wolf out in north Kamloops but definitely worth a visit for the hazy IPAs and fruited sours. Brews go straight from the fermenter into a serving tank so you’re getting the freshest beer possible, and with more than 200 batches per year, there’s literally always something new on tap. Each of the four breweries have their own great patio and you’re guaranteed to see a portion of the crowd show up dusty.

HIDDEN GEMS

If you can believe it, people who don’t ride bikes also come to Kamloops! All of those activities that regular people do add significant value to the experience and provide plenty of options for “rest days.” There are a dozen top golf courses with standouts like the GreenTee Country Club Tobiano, Rivershore Estates, and The Dunes. For activities that don’t require collared shirts, hiking around the hoodoos is a must and if I were to start talking about the expansive moto scene, we’d be here all day. An extensive Farmer’s Market takes over St. Paul Street on Saturdays from mid-April to the end of October and Wednesdays on Victoria Street from May - October.

The arid climate is also perfect for growing grapes and is home to some great wineries with vineyards dotting the landscape around Kamloops Lake. Monte Creek and Privato Vineyard and Winery offer tastings while DiVine provides full tours and loves to share the local beverage scene. For more urban cultural activities, the Secwépmec Museum and Heritage Park imbues the history of the First Nation whose land we’re riding on and, in town, the Kamloops Art Gallery, and Museum and Archives are both worth a visit with the latter having held exhibitions like “The History of Freeride Mountain Biking.”

NITTY GRITTY

Kamloops is conveniently at the crosshairs of the Trans-Canada (Highway 1) and Highway 5 so driving is the way to go. These major arteries make road-tripping convenient from other notable destinations: Vancouver (4 hours), Bellingham (3.5 hours), Seattle (5 hours), Portland (8.5 hours), Spokane (6.5 hours), Missoula (9.5 hours), Boise (12 hours), Calgary (7 hours), Edmonton (8.5 hours). The scenery alone is worth the drive and having your own vehicle for shuttles and exploring each riding area on your own schedule is ideal.

With a population of over 100,000 residents, Kamloops has all of the amenities of a small city, and being the ‘Tournament Capital of Canada’, the city is better equipped than most for hosting. There are all the chain hotels you’d expect but the Delta and Sandman Hotels are notably bike friendly. For camping, Paul Lake at the base of Harper Mountain is the best proximity to the riding but Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park and Isobel Lake are both within 40 minutes of town and gorgeous sites to set up camp and take a swim.