Larch Ridge - Monticola Loop route

Larch Ridge begins the loop, starting from Highway 3B, 12 km north of Rossland. The first 2.4 km, is great x-country riding, rolling grades, short climbs, a few technical challenges, that climbs up to a viewpoint and rest area. Monticola begins here, and drops quickly to the south, rollercoaster like, lots of berms, super buffed and sweet singletrack. Monticola ends at the 3 km mark on the Neptune Creek FSR, where a 30+ minute climb arrives back at the trailhead and vehicle. COG trail begins the climb, moderately physical but cooling in the dark canopy of a cedar forest. The final 4 km is all logging road and pavement as it completes the loop.

Hints: Some riders may prefer completing the climb first and leaving Monticola to savoir last. If this is the case, park your vehicle at the 2nd switchback (3 km mark) on the Neptune Creek FSR, far on the shoulder to avoid turning logging trucks. Put your seat up and start by climbing COG to Gibbards Rd. Turn right onto Gibbards, then left at the junction of Neptune Creek FSR at the 1 km mark. Follow this to Hwy 3B, turn right and pedal 700 m to the Larch Ridge trailhead.

Fit riders may wish to avoid using a vehicle altogether and ride to and from Rossland. The route is too convoluted to describe here, but involves riding through the Black Jack Ski Area, past the Ophir Reservoir, and climbing Gibbards Rd to reach the Neptune Creek FSR and eventually, the Larch Ridge trailhead. Riders must ford Hanna Creek whilst on Gibbards, which is often swollen and impassable during early to mid Spring.