8.0 miles
Distance
1,873 ft
Climb
-1,881 ft
Descent
1,865 ft
High Point

This is one of our favorite routes in the Squamish and is featured in Freehub Magazine's Sea to Sky Photo Book: Issue 7.3.

Detailed Description
Freehub Magazine: Half Nelson Loop is a 8 mile popular intermediate route located near Squamish British Columbia. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 19 trails. This route climbs 1,873 ft with a max elevation of 1,865 ft then descends -1,881 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (www.sorca.ca)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Trail Products

81 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
drummer604 (Nov 9, 2022 at 14:22)
Lots of snow today!
[Reply]
  • + 0
drummer604 (Nov 9, 2022 at 14:22)
Lots of snow today!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Hankgrillz (Sep 29, 2022 at 23:30)
Trail Half Nelson
truly one of the best trails ive been on. they really put a lot of care, love, and thought into this trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
iMruKh (Sep 27, 2022 at 20:20)
Trail Half Nelson
Sooo good. Better than full Nelson
[Reply]
  • + 1
xaibeeh (Dec 21, 2021 at 9:12)
So, can I trust the last reports? Is the trail in good conditions or there is too much snow to ride?
[Reply]
  • + 1
canadaka Trailforks (Dec 21, 2021 at 9:47)
No, look at the date. Trail is under snow
[Reply]
  • + 1
xaibeeh (Dec 21, 2021 at 10:31)
Thank you. I looked at the date, that’s exactly why I asked.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Fishrock123 (Nov 18, 2021 at 15:02)
This is a service road that accepts all forms of traffic. The elevation cart is very obviously very wrong. The road is reasonably mellow and could be driven by car.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Fishrock123 (Nov 18, 2021 at 15:02)
This is a service road that accepts all forms of traffic. The elevation cart is very obviously very wrong. The road is reasonably mellow and could be driven by car.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Sun2306 (Nov 18, 2021 at 16:46)
Well, the elevation map is correct. Small data ranges skew.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Sun2306 (Nov 18, 2021 at 16:46)
Well, the elevation map is correct. Small data ranges skew.
[Reply]
  • + 2
djbuilder (Nov 18, 2021 at 16:50)
There's vertical exaggeration which is usually shown on profiles so you can see it more easily.
[Reply]
  • + 2
djbuilder (Nov 18, 2021 at 16:50)
There's vertical exaggeration which is usually shown on profiles so you can see it more easily.
[Reply]
  • - 3
twodeesquared (Nov 2, 2021 at 9:37)
It's a road. Why can't you shuttle it?
[Reply]
  • - 3
twodeesquared (Nov 2, 2021 at 9:37)
It's a road. Why can't you shuttle it?
[Reply]
  • + 5
djbuilder (Nov 2, 2021 at 17:04)
Well it's a logging road so you can do whatever you want. It's also an incredibly highly trafficked road for pedaling that's too narrow for a vehicle to pass someone pedaling without them pulling over. It's also faster to pedal if you're in mildly decent shape.
[Reply]
  • + 5
djbuilder (Nov 2, 2021 at 17:04)
Well it's a logging road so you can do whatever you want. It's also an incredibly highly trafficked road for pedaling that's too narrow for a vehicle to pass someone pedaling without them pulling over. It's also faster to pedal if you're in mildly decent shape.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mtnranger (Sep 12, 2021 at 15:33)
Trail Half Nelson
Fantastic trail. Well built, beautiful flow and well maintained
[Reply]
  • + 0
sjckennedy (Aug 15, 2021 at 13:40)
Super dry conditions have made this trail a bit slippery right now. Fun though!
[Reply]
  • + 0
sjckennedy (Aug 15, 2021 at 13:38)
Conditions are super dry right now making the trail a bit slippery. Super fun and flowy though!
[Reply]
  • + 1
Sun2306 (Apr 28, 2021 at 14:09)
Trail Flat Alley
Could be a fun jump line
[Reply]
  • + 1
djbuilder (May 3, 2021 at 7:18)
Trail Flat Alley
Well if used to be a jump trail back in the day but considering it crosses 2 of the most popular trails in Squamish and is an old road grade, probably not.
[Reply]
  • + 0
sully24 (Jan 23, 2021 at 21:18)
Is this closed right now?
[Reply]
  • + 0
sully24 (Jan 23, 2021 at 21:18)
Is this closed right now?
[Reply]
  • + 0
garrettmacintosh32 (Dec 6, 2020 at 15:29)
Trail Deliverance
Tree down 20 meters up from where Yer Sister meets deliverance
[Reply]
  • + 0
garrettmacintosh32 (Dec 6, 2020 at 15:29)
Trail Deliverance
Tree down 20 meters up from where Yer Sister meets deliverance
[Reply]
  • + 0
bigredted Dream Wizards (Nov 16, 2020 at 15:30)
Tree work. Closed!
[Reply]
  • + 0
bigredted Dream Wizards (Nov 16, 2020 at 15:30)
Tree work. Closed!
[Reply]
  • + 0
bigredted Dream Wizards (Nov 16, 2020 at 15:29)
Tree work happening. Please avoid the lower section of the Legacy Climb.
[Reply]
  • + 0
bigredted Dream Wizards (Nov 16, 2020 at 15:29)
Tree work happening. Please avoid the lower section of the Legacy Climb.
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtnranger (Oct 8, 2020 at 11:51)
Nice climbing trail and beautiful waterfall.
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtnranger (Oct 8, 2020 at 11:51)
Nice climbing trail and beautiful waterfall.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Si1versmith (Sep 12, 2020 at 19:43)
Do not attempt this if you are not good at riding uphill. It will take 2-3 hours if you have to walk bits of it.
[Reply]
  • - 1
Si1versmith (Sep 12, 2020 at 19:43)
Do not attempt this if you are not good at riding uphill. It will take 2-3 hours if you have to walk bits of it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
bigredted Dream Wizards (Sep 6, 2020 at 7:45)
Trail Half Nelson
Thanks for all the positive feedback on the trail work. So many people have asked how to contribute directly to the Half Nelson improvements. This is a link to a goFundMe page. gf.me/u/ywg66u
[Reply]
  • + 1
flipfantasia WORCA (Sep 6, 2020 at 8:06)
Trail Half Nelson
done and done, thanks for all your efforts over the years and to come, Ted!
[Reply]
  • + 1
Shafto (Aug 24, 2020 at 9:28)
One of the best climb trails. Enjoyable to mash the pedals up this one!
[Reply]
  • + 1
Shafto (Aug 24, 2020 at 9:28)
One of the best climb trails. Enjoyable to mash the pedals up this one!
[Reply]
  • + 0
ttrrr21 (Aug 22, 2020 at 17:54)
Berms are well built and flowy and trail is super smooth. Would like to see some more jumps
[Reply]
  • + 0
ttrrr21 (Aug 22, 2020 at 17:54)
Berms are well built and flowy and trail is super smooth. Would like to see some more jumps
[Reply]
  • + 1
eresc (Aug 4, 2020 at 15:28)
Trail Half Nelson
I was there on Sunday, and there was a sign saying that the trail is closed for construction. Asked to use Recycle instead.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Lolahunter (Jul 16, 2020 at 12:48)
Trail Deliverance
Yn
Yy yr
[Reply]
  • + 0
Lolahunter (Jul 16, 2020 at 12:48)
Trail Deliverance
Yn
Yy yr
[Reply]
  • + 1
whyapinkbike (Jul 10, 2020 at 15:43)
Trail Half Nelson
Just when I thought it could not get any better, SORCA and Dream Wizards have added even more! IIRC it was last year when they bermed a tight turn which had, till then, a caution sign of some sort; I'd found myself slowing to a stop, on some occasions. Now, the area after that (which IIRC is near the covered bridge) has been turned into a maze of berms, a la the new additions to Pseudo Tsuga III. Great work. Positively orgasmic!
[Reply]
  • + 0
vinnie03 (Jul 7, 2020 at 9:58)
Trail Flat Alley
Friendly climbing trail
[Reply]
  • + 0
Timpowers (Jun 18, 2020 at 15:02)
Trail Half Nelson
One of the funnest trails I have ridden
[Reply]
  • + 1
twowheeledwanderer (Nov 14, 2019 at 11:13)
Trail Half Nelson
Half Nelson is in my top 8 favorite trails in Squamish. Fast, flowy, and super fun! The other seven are:
twowheeledwanderer.com/posts/my-8-favorite-mountain-bike-trails-in-squamish-bc
[Reply]
  • + 0
toriwood (Nov 13, 2019 at 10:00)
Trail Half Nelson
Trueeee down !! Half way after the new section and before the big bridge
[Reply]
  • + 0
aaric08 (Nov 2, 2019 at 17:58)
So much flow in these berms. Amazing work trail crews! Thanks for all your hard work.
[Reply]
  • + 0
aaric08 (Nov 2, 2019 at 17:58)
So much flow in these berms. Amazing work trail crews! Thanks for all your hard work.
[Reply]
  • + 0
erikober (Jul 24, 2019 at 12:22)
Not meant to drive up, shuttle access via Girabaldi Park Road.
[Reply]
  • + 0
erikober (Jul 24, 2019 at 12:22)
Not meant to drive up, shuttle access via Girabaldi Park Road.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Trailblazer99 (Jul 16, 2019 at 22:56)
Trail Half Nelson
A must ride trail in Squamish!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Rmeritz (Jun 14, 2019 at 21:27)
Trail Flat Alley
Truely horrible. Like biking up a creek bed. Don't do it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
tmorto (May 21, 2019 at 15:55)
Just epic fun! Those berms keep you on your toes and give you an ear to ear grin!
[Reply]
  • + 0
tmorto (May 21, 2019 at 15:55)
Just epic fun! Those berms keep you on your toes and give you an ear to ear grin!
[Reply]
  • + 0
DHscott20 (May 4, 2019 at 22:44)
Trail Half Nelson
Super fun hard pack fast conditions, hats off to the trails crews
[Reply]
  • + 1
sogomtb (Mar 21, 2019 at 2:48)
Trail Half Nelson
To safe time and to maximise the time that we have(4 days), what are the best trial combination?
[Reply]
  • + 1
sogomtb (Mar 14, 2019 at 6:38)
Trail Half Nelson
Does the ride up to the Half Nelson trail head takes 1 full hour?
[Reply]
  • + 2
DMal SHORE CORPS (Mar 14, 2019 at 7:21)
Trail Half Nelson
www.trailforks.com/trails/ring-creek-access-road - Average time if you climb the road looks to be about 30 minutes.

www.trailforks.com/trails/climb-trail--stl-lhalem-sintl-3075 - 40 minutes if you take the climbing trail.
[Reply]
  • + 1
sogomtb (Mar 21, 2019 at 2:45)
Trail Half Nelson
Thank you so much. We’ll be there end July spending four days trailing the world renown Squamish Trails
[Reply]
  • + 1
moxiematt (Dec 7, 2018 at 8:21)
Man, they knocked the new berms out of the park. Nice job trail crew!
[Reply]
  • + 1
moxiematt (Dec 7, 2018 at 8:21)
Man, they knocked the new berms out of the park. Nice job trail crew!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Jase-the-ace (Sep 5, 2018 at 11:41)
Great to have an alternative to biking up the forestry roads. As a whole though, I think there's a bit too much descent for a climb trail. Enough to add 280m vertical up to half Nelson seems like a bit too much. Some people may enjoy it, personally I think a climb trail should be designed to efficiently get you to the top of the trails
[Reply]
  • + 0
Jase-the-ace (Sep 5, 2018 at 11:41)
Great to have an alternative to biking up the forestry roads. As a whole though, I think there's a bit too much descent for a climb trail. Enough to add 280m vertical up to half Nelson seems like a bit too much. Some people may enjoy it, personally I think a climb trail should be designed to efficiently get you to the top of the trails
[Reply]
  • + 0
webermtb (Aug 22, 2018 at 20:44)
One of my favorite trails in Squamish! A piece of art in trail making! Flooooowy
[Reply]
  • + 0
webermtb (Aug 22, 2018 at 20:42)
Very good flow
[Reply]
  • + 0
webermtb (Aug 22, 2018 at 20:41)
Trail Half Nelson
Awesome trail! Very flowy but with some step sections. The berms si good. Recommended!
[Reply]
  • + 1
szed3 (Aug 1, 2018 at 8:24)
Didn't know climb trails could be so fun! Lots of tech to keep things interesting: roots, rocks and a few tight switchbacks. Not super steep. I dig it!
[Reply]
  • + 1
szed3 (Aug 1, 2018 at 8:24)
Didn't know climb trails could be so fun! Lots of tech to keep things interesting: roots, rocks and a few tight switchbacks. Not super steep. I dig it!
[Reply]
  • + 0
JGATBC (Jul 4, 2018 at 12:54)
Trail Half Nelson
Amazing!! 10 out of 10!!!
[Reply]
  • + 0
michaeladasilva (Jun 9, 2018 at 13:32)
awesome trail for any rider level. lots of berms, small jumps and fast flow. 5 stars!
[Reply]
  • + 1
disruptiveone (May 28, 2018 at 13:12)
Trail is awesome. Some few blown out bits on berms near the top. Donate to SORCA if you're riding here is it helps fund these awesome trails. Thanks builders for awesome times.
[Reply]
  • + 1
disruptiveone (May 28, 2018 at 13:12)
Trail is awesome. Some few blown out bits on berms near the top. Donate to SORCA if you're riding here is it helps fund these awesome trails. Thanks builders for awesome times.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Idunnoman (Oct 28, 2017 at 13:35)
22 minutes to get up this
[Reply]
  • + 0
Idunnoman (Oct 28, 2017 at 13:35)
22 minutes to get up this
[Reply]
  • + 0
davolt13 (Jul 6, 2017 at 12:00)
So fun and flowy, especially the final section.
[Reply]
  • + 0
davolt13 (Jul 6, 2017 at 12:00)
So fun and flowy, especially the final section.
[Reply]
  • + 1
zestylife (May 17, 2017 at 16:55)
Trail Deliverance
Pretty zesty!
[Reply]
  • + 1
zestylife (May 17, 2017 at 16:55)
Trail Deliverance
Pretty zesty!
[Reply]
  • + 2
JCKrahn (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:59)
Trail Half Nelson
Fun and flowy
[Reply]
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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Ridelogs
More Stats for Freehub Magazine: Half Nelson Loop mountain bike route
  • Altitude change
    -7 ft
  • Altitude min
    679 ft
  • Altitude start
    687 ft
  • Altitude end
    679 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -76.2%
  • Grade min
    60.3%
  • Distance climb
    5 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    761 ft
Avg: 4 (1 votes)
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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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youtuber Half Nelson | Squamish, B. C.
Half Nelson | Squamish, B. C.
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Dec 14, 2022
ENDURO PARADISE - SQUAMISH (ALL THE BLACK...
ENDURO PARADISE - SQUAMISH (ALL THE BLACK TRAILS)[EP.20]
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Ring Creek Access Road
Mar 22, 2023 @ 3:13pm
Mar 22, 2023
Half Nelson
Mar 20, 2023 @ 3:04pm
Mar 20, 2023
snow on access, trail has one or two patches that are ridable
Legacy Climb Trail - Stl'lhalem Sintl'
Mar 20, 2023 @ 7:18am
Mar 20, 2023
Clear & great to Ring Creek Access Road
Pseudo-Tsuga - Part 1
Mar 20, 2023 @ 12:18am
Mar 20, 2023
Pretty great. Some wet parts. No snow.
Pseudo-Tsuga - Part 2
Mar 20, 2023 @ 12:18am
Mar 20, 2023
A smidge wet. No snow. Riding well!
more reports »
  • By ReubenKrabbe & contributors
  • #2383 - 3,589 views