Larch Hills Traverse Mountain Biking Trails

The Larch Hills Traverse was the first section of the wider Shuswap Trail System to be completed. But is still evolving as new single track trail sections get added, and new loop options are created.

It’s an epic 40 kilometre highland cross-country romp through the forests, fens, and dramatic lake vistas of the Larch Hills, linking the communities of Salmon Arm and Sicamous, as well as linking into the South Canoe Trail System, the Larch Hills Nordic Trail System, the Shuswap Outdoors backcountry trails, the Rubberhead Mountain Bike Trail system, and the Hyde Mountain Lookout and Sicamous Greenway trail systems. Simply put - its the backbone connecting a whole lot of good trail karma in the Shuswap!

A series of distinct sections make up the full traverse. Each offers its own unique character to the journey. The trail connects forestry road and singletrack trails through a variety of ecosystems and terrain. Many amazing viewpoints overlooking Shuswap and Mara Lakes are your rewards. Most often traveled from Salmon Arm to Sicamous for mountain bikers, it actually also rides really well in the other direction from Sicamous to Salmon Arm. The Sicamous Switchbacks are a surprisingly rideable uphill grade only averaging 10%, but don't be fooled on the downhill. This section is still one of the hidden wonders of the mountain biking world, with loads of undulations and meanders to make it the cherry on the cake for those riding from west to east.

Explore three new trail sections added each season between 2014 and 2017, including the 3 km Raspberry Hill section with spectacular new views high over Shuswap lake, the 2+ km Hyde Around section winding through varying forest types, and the most recent 2 km Top-o-the-Sic section that now connects the top of the Switchbacks all the way over to the Raspberry Hill section, eliminating the need to use the 112 Forestry Road. Effectively, the entire east side of the Traverse is now doable all on sweet single track trails. These sections can also be combined with the old 112 Forestry Road to create unique loops of their own for an out-and-back trail experience starting and ending in Sicamous.

And a fourth section of the traverse was also added in 2017 on the west side, though not fully connected yet. Check out the Around-the-Hill Greenway Loop trail for a very cool destination hike or snowshoe through older growth cedar/hemlock forest, as well as a cool option when connecting through to the Rubberhead trails. Watch for new sections to come, including future additions to this loop trail linking back to Salmon Arm.

The route is a four season challenge, with variations in the winter where more obvious lines open up under snow cover. It’s doable in a very long day by mountain bikers or nordic ski tourers, but also lends itself well to an overnight, especially for through hikers.

As mentioned, a series of shorter circuit trips can be linked along the extended route. Together they can be collected over time to build a complete traverse. Parties can also add overnight visits to the Larch Hills Nordic Society’s Main Chalet or Cec’s Cabin. New single track trail sections and overnight shelters are planned for the future, to extend winter and summer touring options for the area. Watch for updates.