World-class mountain bike park at Kamloops ski resort – Making Tracks

Photo: JP Squire

The cross-country trail to McGillivray Lake on Mt. Morrisey has an interesting feature, a log bridge. No one tried to bike across it, especially after a day of rain at Sun Peaks Resort this past weekend.

Southern Inland mountain bikers should head to Sun Peaks Resort at least once each summer for its world-class bike park.

That’s not the only reason to drive three hours from Kelowna to Kamloops, though. The Sheriff and Constant Companion Carmen recently tested themselves not only on the introductory trails at the Mt. Tod/Sundance bike park, but also checked out the cross-country trails on Mt. Morrissey, attended a Retro Festival featuring six tribute bands, and visited a Sunday market.

“There are a number of introductory trails to choose from here,” said Emily MacInnes, market development manager at Tourism Sun Peaks, who provided hiking and biking trail maps.

“You can also visit the hiking page on our website for more trail information and some additional information such as flora and fauna guides. I recommend taking the chairlift and checking out some of the trails on Mt. Tod as there are quite a few to explore.”

There are signs on all trails to help you navigate, she added.

“Personally, for an introductory trail, I like to do the lower portion of the West Bowl Loop and return via Crystal Bowl (on the trail map). It’s a very moderate trail with very little elevation gain, but offers some great views. Depending on how fast you move, it should only take you 30-45 minutes.”

The Vista Trail is also a nice green, low-elevation trail, she said. “Going up the Top of The World Trail is great if you prefer more inclines. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you can go as far up as you want and turn back at any time if you don’t want to do the whole trail. Again, it offers great views.”

Photo: Submitted

Cross-country and downhill trails on Mt. Morrisey are accessible from the valley floor, a five-minute walk from the village of Sun Peaks Resort north of Kamloops. These free trails were developed and are maintained by the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association.

The sheriff and CCC decided to warm up on the free Mt. Morrissey trails, accessible from the valley, which are developed and maintained by the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association.

“If you’re interested in being near water, there’s a trail that goes to McGillivray Lake, which is fairly moderate in elevation but quite long,” MacInnes said. “I often drive to the lake (a seven-minute drive down a dirt road from town) and hike the trails around it, so I can skip the long trek to the lake.”

Cedar Twist on Mt. Morrisey is a nice trail through the trees. Again, it’s an out-and-back trail, so you can go as high as you want and come back at any time, she said. Trails on Morrisey are also dog-friendly.

The McGillivray Lake trailhead is at the base of the Morrisey Lift, right next to the start of Cedar Twist.

Contrary to information on the website that McGillivray Lake Trail is closed during the week due to construction of a new cross-country ski trail, McGillivray is still accessible during the week with a small detour that takes you around the main trail, she said.

“It’s a little more technical. But, again, as a beginner, I did it without any problems. It’s a short section of the trail. The trails are well marked for this information, so it’s hard to get lost no matter what day you go. I went to McGillivray Lake the other week on the e-bike. I’m an extremely novice cyclist and I really enjoyed it. My partner regularly cycles to Morrisey on the e-bike and he really enjoys it too.”

McGillivray starts as a service road (also called a wide cross-country ski trail) and then narrows to double and single track, all introductory trails. The lake is a great place for a snack or lunch.

Last Saturday’s persistent rain meant the bike park outing had to be postponed until Sunday. Liftees helped carry heavier e-bikes on the Sunburst Express at the base and at the top. E-bikes, as long as they have front suspension, are allowed on the lifts and are welcome on the XC trails, MacInnes said.

The Sheriff and CCC started with the green, introductory Level Up Trail (which is not flat at all).

Sun Peaks wasn’t kidding when they warned, “Over the years, our trails have become steeper and more technical, pushing both riders and cyclists to their limits.”

All trails within the bike park are marked with colored trail markers at the start of each descent. Trails with an orange oval indicate “freeride” trails, with man-made features and possibly requiring jumping skills. Trails without an orange oval indicate “technical” trails. You can progress to more advanced trails and features based on your progress, skill, and comfort level.

So, a word of warning: Level Up is indeed a “freeride” trail, with many man-made elements and may require some jumping skills. If you find that too much, there’s always 5 Mile Road, which offers all the mountain views, wildflower meadows, and even a glimpse of a dozen snow cannons waiting for the freezing temperatures to start making snow on the mountainsides.

The bike park offers two chairlifts, over 51 miles (83 kilometers) of trails, and 1,952 feet (595 meters) of vertical lift access. Riders can also pedal up Altitude for another 500 feet (155 meters) of technical descent.

These legendary trails have a legendary downhill racing history that continues to this day. In 2024, Sun Peaks will host the Canadian National Down Hill Championships and the Canadian National Enduro Championship.

And if something goes wrong with your gear, District Bike Shop stepped in to help the sheriff when a valve stem on his front tire broke. Manager Paul Willert, who runs the shop, fixed it himself.

District Bike Shop is located at the top of the village, next to Powder Hounds Restaurant in the Fireside building.

The bike park is open from 10am to 7pm from 15th June to 2nd September and from 10am to 5pm from 3rd to 30th September. Access to the trail and lift/opening hours may vary depending on weather conditions.

Photo: JP Squire

A little low cloud on Mt. Tod this past weekend did nothing to dampen the beauty of the alpine flowers at Sun Peaks Resort north of Kamloops. The Level Up Trail crosses many of the popular ski runs used in the winter months.

This article was written by or on behalf of an external columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.