9.0 miles
Distance
1,720 ft
Climb
-1,708 ft
Descent
3,693 ft
High Point

Let's see how this goes. I hope it goes well. I will let you know, when I get a chance to ride it.

Detailed Description
Big loop Smith Creek is a 9 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near West Kelowna British Columbia. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 13 trails. This route climbs 1,720 ft with a max elevation of 3,693 ft then descends -1,708 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
West Kelowna Trail Crew Society (www.westkelownatrailcrew.ca)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
donate to earn trail karma!

37 Reviews & Comments

  • - 1
Poachninja (Oct 27, 2021 at 14:53)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
I’m not a fan of climbing but this trail is actually enjoyable. Best climbing trail in the okanagan for those who just want to enjoy the ride.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Poachninja (Oct 27, 2021 at 14:53)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
I’m not a fan of climbing but this trail is actually enjoyable. Best climbing trail in the okanagan for those who just want to enjoy the ride.
[Reply]
  • + 1
oldschool24 (Apr 25, 2021 at 17:33)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
This trail is totally sanctioned
[Reply]
  • + 1
oldschool24 (Apr 25, 2021 at 17:33)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
This trail is totally sanctioned
[Reply]
  • + 0
gasman5 (Nov 5, 2020 at 14:27)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Amazing climbing trail! So fun you almost forget you’re climbing. Well done to the builders.
[Reply]
  • + 0
gasman5 (Nov 5, 2020 at 14:27)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Amazing climbing trail! So fun you almost forget you’re climbing. Well done to the builders.
[Reply]
  • + 0
gasman5 (Nov 5, 2020 at 14:25)
Trail Kid DinoMyt Descent
Rode yesterday. Excellent conditions.
[Reply]
  • + 0
highstep (Aug 31, 2020 at 21:35)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
long but a super chill way to get to the top. enjoyable.
[Reply]
  • + 0
highstep (Aug 31, 2020 at 21:35)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
long but a super chill way to get to the top. enjoyable.
[Reply]
  • + 0
CarbonKits (Jul 24, 2020 at 9:15)
Trail Travellin' Man (Top)
Amazing trail with a few off camber switchbacks to keep you on your toes. Two washed out sections from recent mudslides are super sketchy, but luckily only a few meters long. Other than that, pure XC heaven, really enjoyed the decent!
[Reply]
  • + 0
tallisman (Jul 11, 2020 at 14:46)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Best climbing trail I've ridden so far. Feels like you're flying uphill and the short downhill section is a fun break from pedalling. Great job to the builders
[Reply]
  • + 0
tallisman (Jul 11, 2020 at 14:46)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Best climbing trail I've ridden so far. Feels like you're flying uphill and the short downhill section is a fun break from pedalling. Great job to the builders
[Reply]
  • + 1
TarraPedersen (Apr 17, 2020 at 19:36)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
We rode these trails Thursday April 16. My husband lost his wedding ring. If someone has found it please contact me. Thanks so much.
[Reply]
  • + 1
TarraPedersen (Apr 17, 2020 at 19:36)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
We rode these trails Thursday April 16. My husband lost his wedding ring. If someone has found it please contact me. Thanks so much.
[Reply]
  • + 0
valour59 Simpcw (Oct 22, 2019 at 14:15)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Great steady climb woth a few climbing features that are fun
[Reply]
  • + 0
valour59 Simpcw (Oct 22, 2019 at 14:15)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Great steady climb woth a few climbing features that are fun
[Reply]
  • + 1
timsavre (Oct 7, 2019 at 19:07)
Trail Travellin' Man (Top)
Trail is getting pretty narrow. Couldn't really flow much as was worried about falling off the trail most of the time. Wish we had spent more time on the other trails.
[Reply]
  • + 0
backtosage (Jun 3, 2019 at 12:38)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
This trail takes all the whining out of cycling uphill. It’s positively enjoyable and we had it all to ourselves. Good work local builders. We appreciate your efforts.
[Reply]
  • + 0
backtosage (Jun 3, 2019 at 12:38)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
This trail takes all the whining out of cycling uphill. It’s positively enjoyable and we had it all to ourselves. Good work local builders. We appreciate your efforts.
[Reply]
  • + 1
gregval (Sep 19, 2018 at 18:56)
Trail Travellin' Man (Bottom)
See my comments on Travelin' Man Top.
A little work could make this a real top downhill run for us XC types.
[Reply]
  • + 1
gregval (Sep 19, 2018 at 18:56)
Trail Travellin' Man (Bottom)
See my comments on Travelin' Man Top.
A little work could make this a real top downhill run for us XC types.
[Reply]
  • + 1
gregval (Sep 19, 2018 at 18:54)
Trail Travellin' Man (Top)
As a XC rider, this is MY kind of downhill trail. Not too steep, so you can actually "let it go" without riding your brakes the whole way.
While the terrain forced the use of quite a few switchbacks, sections between were very flowy and fun. It would help make the switchbacks more flowy to widen them; they are so narrow that you have to slow way down to stay on the 18" wide trail, as the grade really steepens. A little in-slope bank would also help. SO, this would be a super XC/DH trail with just a little more work on the switchbacks, guys.
NOW, to get off my soapbox, again kudos to the builders/managers to see the need for a more XC type downhill for Smith Creek. Thanks guys, my wife and I enjoyed (well, me more than her).
[Reply]
  • + 2
gregval (Sep 19, 2018 at 18:47)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Generally, a well done trail. The average grade is very manageable, with steeper sections only occasionally. One puzzling feature, which confuses me as a trail builder, are the 2 or 3 "choke" zig zag turns maybe 1/4 and 1/3 the way up. These are very sharp low-speed zigzags. Are these to choke off downhill riders? These are tight enough to slow you down to 4 mph. Maybe the builders can enlighten me on their purpose.
However, this kind of trail is a much needed part of having good downhill runs, so kudos to the trail builders/managers at Smith Creek to build this.
(Also, if this is an uphill only trail, I saw no markings to suggest that, so climbers, pay attention.)
[Reply]
  • + 2
gregval (Sep 19, 2018 at 18:47)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Generally, a well done trail. The average grade is very manageable, with steeper sections only occasionally. One puzzling feature, which confuses me as a trail builder, are the 2 or 3 "choke" zig zag turns maybe 1/4 and 1/3 the way up. These are very sharp low-speed zigzags. Are these to choke off downhill riders? These are tight enough to slow you down to 4 mph. Maybe the builders can enlighten me on their purpose.
However, this kind of trail is a much needed part of having good downhill runs, so kudos to the trail builders/managers at Smith Creek to build this.
(Also, if this is an uphill only trail, I saw no markings to suggest that, so climbers, pay attention.)
[Reply]
  • + 3
oldschool24 (Oct 6, 2019 at 2:28)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
It is to discourage motorcycles.
[Reply]
  • + 3
oldschool24 (Oct 6, 2019 at 2:28)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
It is to discourage motorcycles.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Ryandury (Jul 9, 2018 at 13:14)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
This is an awesome trail. Little hits at the bottom, wood carvings midway up, and an epic lookout near the top. So fun!
[Reply]
  • + 1
Ryandury (Jul 9, 2018 at 13:14)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
This is an awesome trail. Little hits at the bottom, wood carvings midway up, and an epic lookout near the top. So fun!
[Reply]
  • + 2
dfbland (Jun 11, 2018 at 17:54)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
So much fun to climb this trail... and I usually hate pedalling uphill.
[Reply]
  • + 2
dfbland (Jun 11, 2018 at 17:54)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
So much fun to climb this trail... and I usually hate pedalling uphill.
[Reply]
  • + 1
1partatatime PACA (Sep 17, 2017 at 16:30)
Trail Travellin' Man (Top)
The description says it all, when you just don't want to go Feel The Love, this XC-ish descent is a great option. It feels like the climb you just did so don't come into it ready to coast down hill the entire time. You WILL be pedaling and you will be covering a lot of ground.
It has the same feel as the other trails around, same terrain and same little sniper berms.
Again, NOT a downhill trail but I really enjoyed it as an alternative to Feel The Love (though Santa's is still my go to).

Contrary to the current description, this did flow from 'Top' to 'Bottom' portions via singletrack.
[Reply]
  • + 0
treebc (Sep 13, 2017 at 13:43)
Trail Travellin' Man (Bottom)
Trees down on the bottom near parking lot after feature. Sections were blown out.
[Reply]
  • + 0
treebc (Sep 13, 2017 at 13:43)
Trail Travellin' Man (Bottom)
Trees down on the bottom near parking lot after feature. Sections were blown out.
[Reply]
  • + 1
oldschool24 (Jul 20, 2016 at 23:03)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
If you are looking for a trail in smith creek called The gruel it does not exist. the trail marked here is signed and named The Holy Pail.
[Reply]
  • + 1
oldschool24 (Jul 20, 2016 at 23:03)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
If you are looking for a trail in smith creek called The gruel it does not exist. the trail marked here is signed and named The Holy Pail.
[Reply]
  • + 5
oldschool24 (Jun 12, 2016 at 15:15)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
ok so once again we need to straighten out some trail names. The gruel refers to the old climb up the two track 4by4 road. The climb you have named the gruel is actually to be called the Holy Pail as a nod to the old and now defunct trail that is now part of dear santa. The Builders of this beauty climb do not think of it as a gruel and worked very hard over 15 years of different alignments to get it to where it is now. So no more gruel please.
[Reply]
  • + 5
oldschool24 (Jun 12, 2016 at 15:15)
Trail Holy Pail Up (Climb)
ok so once again we need to straighten out some trail names. The gruel refers to the old climb up the two track 4by4 road. The climb you have named the gruel is actually to be called the Holy Pail as a nod to the old and now defunct trail that is now part of dear santa. The Builders of this beauty climb do not think of it as a gruel and worked very hard over 15 years of different alignments to get it to where it is now. So no more gruel please.
[Reply]





Login or Sign Up to Comment

Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Smith Creek
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    60
More Stats for Big loop Smith Creek mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    2,140 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,140 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,152 ft
  • Grade max
    -42.6%
  • Grade min
    32.9%
  • Distance climb
    5 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,986 ft
Avg: 2.5 (2 votes)
close
  • Basemap 
  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension.
The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
  • > 96%
  • > 90%
  • > 80%
  • > 70%
  • > 50%
  • < 50%
  • bi-directional trail
  • no data
Trail Last Ridden
Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine the last time a trail was ridden.
  • < 2 days
  • < 1 week
  • < 2 weeks
  • < 1 month
  • < 6 months
  • > 6 months
Trail Ridden Direction
The intended direction a trail should be ridden.
  • Downhill Only
  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
  • Uphill Primary
  • Uphill Only
  • One Direction
Contribute Details
Colors indicate trail is missing specified detail.
  • Description
  • Photos
  • Description & Photos
  • Videos
Trail Popularity ?
Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors.
  • most popular
  • popular
  • less popular
  • not popular
ATV/ORV/OHV Filter
Max Vehicle Width
inches

Radar Time
x Activity Recordings
Trailforks users anonymized public ridelogs from the past 6 months.
  • mountain biking recent
  • mountain biking (>6 month)
  • hiking (1 year)
  • moto (1 year)
Activity Recordings
Trailforks users anonymized public skilogs from the past 12 months.
  • Downhill Ski
  • Backcountry Ski
  • Nordic Ski
  • Snowmobile
Jump Magnitude Heatmap
Heatmap of where riders jump on trails. Zoom in to see individual jumps, click circles to view jump details.
Trails Deemphasized
Trails are shown in grey.
disable
Only show trails with NO bikes.
enable

Save the current map location and zoom level as your default home location whenever this page is loaded.

Save
Trail transparency
view larger map

Photos

more photos »
308
268
312
410

Videos

more videos »
Secret Santa
Secret Santa
3:35 | 23 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 4, 2022
Secret Santa
Secret Santa
3:35 | 64 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 4, 2022

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Holy Pail Up (Climb)
Mar 6, 2023 @ 12:24pm
Mar 6, 2023
Tree down across trail between Easy/Hard Junction and Feel the Love start Unridable
Connector to Soul Train
Oct 22, 2022 @ 4:03am
Oct 22, 2022
SoulTrain Climb
Oct 22, 2022 @ 4:03am
Oct 22, 2022
Holy Pail Up (To SoulTrain/ Kid Dino Myt)
Oct 22, 2022 @ 4:03am
Oct 22, 2022
Kid DinoMyt Descent
Oct 10, 2022 @ 3:04am
Oct 10, 2022
more reports »
  • By RedAutumn & contributors
  • #9245 - 1,912 views