Mountain Biking Jasper: A few more trails
Mountain biking is one of the many great ways to see what Jasper National Park has to offer. It’s a nice alternative to both hiking and driving tours, as it allows you to cover more ground than hiking, but lets you into places cars can’t go.
It’s a great Jasper vacation activity, as it gives you the chance to see lots of this amazing park, gives you some exercise, and, depending on what trail you take, will give you a nice adrenaline rush.
Below you’ll find a selection of Jasper mountain bike trails. To see Jasper, live, check out the Jasper webcam. Also, you may want to visit this Rockies biking blog.
Oro Valley/Tucson Loop Bike Path
TucsonLoop.org
Tucson’s Best Mountain Bike Rides
https://www.tucsontopia.com/best-tucson-mountain-bike-trails-beginners/
Best Tucson Road Bike Rides
https://bikeaz.org/orovalley-bicycle-rentals/best-tucson-road-bike-rides-southern-arizona-offers-worlds-best-cycling/
Arizona’s Most Scenic Mountain Bike Rides
https://tucsonbikerentals.org/best-tucson-roadbike-rides/arizona-scenic-cycling-rides/
Best Tucson Arizona Road Bike Rides
https://tucsonbikerentals.org/best-tucson-roadbike-rides/
Best Cental Tucson Arizona Mountain Biking
https://tucsonbikerentals.org/mountain-bike-guide/best-central-mountainbiking/
Discover Oro Valley Tucson Loop Bike Path
https://www.biketucson.com/oro-valley-tucson-loop-bike-path/
Offical Oro Valley/Tucson Loop Bike Map
https://tucsonbikerentals.org/tucson-loop-river-path-bicycle-rentals/
Fortress Lake Trail
Distance: 25 km
This ride begins at Sunwapta falls and following an old fire road. The trail is great for the first 16k, all the way to the Athabasca Crossing suspension bridge. After the bridge the biking gets pretty rough, but it is possible hike another 9 km to Fortress Lake.
Jacques Lake
Distance: 13 km
Begin at Medecine Lake’s south end, at the Beaver Lake picnic area, and follow a lushly vegetated valley 5 km to the first Summit Lake. The going is pretty flat up to Beaver Lake, making for an easy ride suitable for just about anyone. The going to Jacques Lake can be somewhat difficult due to mud, if there’s been lots of rain or recent snowmelt.
Fryatt Trail
Distance: 10 km
Jump on this bike trail 2 km up the Geraldine Fire Road at the Fryatt Valley parking lot. The trail cuts through a somewhat thick forest at a low elevation for the first 8.2 km, the ride includes several creek crossings. From the lower Fryatt campsite, you can hike another 10 km to the upper Fryatt Valley on foot.
Whirlpool Fire Road
Distance: 11.5 km
Driving down Hwy. 93A catch the Moab Lake turnoff and go to the Moab Lake parking lot. From there it is 8.5 km to the end of the fire road. You can hike or bike another 3 km from here to Tie Camp on foot.
Snake Indian Falls
Distance: 48 km
Drive down Celestine Lake Road to the Celestine Lake parking area where the North Boundary Trail begins. A nicely-graded gravel road goes from here for 22 km to Snake Indian Falls. Just 1 kilometre past the falls, the road becomes a heavily-trafficed trail to the Willow Creek area and the Rock Lake exit.
Here’s are 7 Rules of the Road for mountain biking in Jasper, or anywhere, really:
- Plan it, darn it! Know your equipment, be honest about your abilities, and check up on the riding trail, preferably with a park ranger. Prepare accordingly. A little planning is often the difference between a horrible day and an awesome day.
- Stay in Control. Don’t go faster, or attempt terrain that you know you can’t handle. Always be attentive and mind bicycle regulations and recommendations.
- Leave no trace. It’s everyone’s park, so treat it with respect by following a few simple rules. Stay on maintained trails and don’t create new ones. Pack out what you pack in, and bonus points if you pack out some other jerk’s discarded rubbish.
- Don’t scare the wildlife. You don’t like it when someone sneaks up on you, and neither do wild animals. Usually, the repercussions of doing this with a bear are worse though. Avoid unannounced approaches, a sudden movements, or a loud a noises. These actions can be dangerous for you, others, and wildlife. Give wildlife space and time to adjust to you, and make some noise as you come down the trail.
- Ride open trails only. Respect the trail and avoid areas which are closed to bikes. They are closed for a reason. Seriously, no one is trying to hide trails from you just to ruin your vacation. Also, remember that the way you ride will influence Parks Canada trail management decisions and policies.
- Always yield the trail. Make your approach known well in advance. A greeting, a bell or some other noise is basic politeness; don’t startle others. Show respect when passing by, slowing to a walking pace or, if need be, stopping. Anticipate trail users around corners and in blind spots.
- Put a lid on it! Always wear a helmet.
Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.