Larch Hills Traverse route

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 38 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.