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.
Route Supporters
Shuswap Trail Alliance
since 2007
Local Trail Association
Shuswap Trail Alliance (www.shuswaptrailalliance.com)Trails in Route
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Details
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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Route TypePoint to Point
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Bike typeXC
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Physical ratingHard
More Stats for Larch Hills Traverse mountain bike route
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Altitude change-1,599 ft
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Altitude min1,463 ft
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Altitude start3,067 ft
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Altitude end1,468 ft
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Grade-1.457%
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Grade max-61.229%
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Grade min36.762%
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Distance climb9 miles
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Distance down10 miles
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Distance flat1 miles
- Unknown
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Dry
- Very Dry
Photos
Recent Trail Reports Along Route
- embed Larch Hills Traverse route on your website
- By JoeDick STAB SCC & contributors
- #6748 - 25 views
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