4.1 miles
Distance
485 ft
Climb
-480 ft
Descent
00:40:52
Avg time

Elk Rim Loop 3 Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Baynes Lake
    , British Columbia
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (1 vote)
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Global Ranking
    #76196 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #8761 in Trail Running
    • #25430 in Hiking
  • Local Popularity
    90 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 90 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking

This is the 3rd loop of the Elk Rim trail network. It is moderatley more difficult than the first two. Doing all three makes it a 20 kilometer, 400 m elevation gain/loss loop.

The trail is in great shape and there is good signage. This loop takes you closest to the confluence of the Elk and Kootenay Rivers with a great viewpoint.

Be aware that dirt bikers (although forbidden) may be seen.

This route is believed to have been used in 1897 by two bicycle riders coming from Kalispell to provide a much-needed communication link between the East Kootenays and the wider world.

A traditional Ktunaxa trail, this trail was first used by Europeans in 1864 to carry supplies to the gold rush at Wildhorse Creek and smuggle gold back to the US to avoid the 25% BC Tax.

Trail was also travelled by David Thompson (1807-1811), Father De Smelt (1850s), Blackiston and John Palliser (1858 ). Lots of history at this location.

NO EBIKES ALLOWED

Access Info

From Fernie, drive towards Cranbrook, turning left onto the 93 heading South for about 15km. You will cross the big bridge over the Elk River, and climb steeply up the highway. After crossing the Elk River Bridge climb 1.2 kilometers to the top of the south bank and turn right onto a dirt road and across a cattle guard. Will see the parking lot and toilet at the trailhead.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Elk Rim Loop 3 mountain bike trail trail
  • Altitude change
    5 ft
  • Altitude min
    2,501 ft
  • Altitude max
    2,864 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,835 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,838 ft
  • Grade max
    -31.8%
  • Grade min
    31.1%
  • Distance climb
    2 miles
  • Distance down
    2 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,303 ft
  • Avg time
    00:40:52
  • Avg reverse time
    00:52:51
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Sep 10, 2023
Ideal
Avg: 3.75 (4 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Ideal
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      Directions to elk-rim-loop-3 trailhead (49.153500, -115.194310)
      update trails status or condition

      Elk Rim Loop 3 Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      Sep 10, 2023 @ 12:16pm
      Sep 10, 2023
      		 A few downed trees, all can be ridden around except one. That one is near the end of the loop, very close to the cattle gate thing.
      Sep 1, 2023 @ 9:42am
      Sep 1, 2023
      		 Trail was slow, damp and in fair condition. As result of the recent 30-50mm of rain, the trail was covered in needles, twigs and branches. Some...
      Aug 8, 2023 @ 9:11am
      Aug 8, 2023
      		 Deadfall on the descent and we removed the deadfall on the first climb out of the Elk River
      Jul 12, 2023 @ 8:42am
      Jul 12, 2023
      		 One significant piece of deadfall through the rock garden which I couldn’t move on my own
      Jun 24, 2023 @ 11:31am
      Jun 24, 2023
      		 Long grass. Needs a haircut.
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 0 rides
      •  
      6 Months
      • 112 rides
      • 15 miles avg distance
      All
      • 485 rides
      • Last: Sep 16, 2023

      Photos

      more »
      62 |
      Aug 26, 2021 @ 8:44am
      Aug 26, 2021
      120 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021
      96 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021
      109 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021

      2 Reviews & Comments


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      Videos

      more »
      Early Spring Riding! Elk Rim Trail
      21:00 | 240 | Apr 9, 2021 , Baynes Lake

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