6.2 miles
Distance
718 ft
Climb
-709 ft
Descent
00:47:15
Avg time

Elk Rim Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Baynes Lake
    , British Columbia
  • Difficulty Rating
    Green 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
    85 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 80 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking

This is a 20 kilometer, 400 meters elevation gain/loss loop to the confluence of the Elk River and Kootenay. The trail is in great shape and there is good signage.

This is a very mellow single-track ride around this area. 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 Trail mountain bike trail trail
  • Altitude change
    8 ft
  • Altitude min
    2,501 ft
  • Altitude max
    2,906 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,833 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,841 ft
  • Grade max
    -31.8%
  • Grade min
    31.1%
  • Distance climb
    3 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    3,284 ft
  • Avg time
    00:47:15
  • Avg reverse time
    01:02:54
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Jun 19, 2022
Ideal
Avg: 3.35 (3 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Basemap 
  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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  • > 90%
  • > 80%
  • > 70%
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  • < 50%
  • bi-directional trail
  • no data
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  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
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  • Uphill Only
  • One Direction
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  • mountain biking (>6 month)
  • hiking (1 year)
  • moto (1 year)
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  • Nordic Ski
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      Directions to elk-rim-trail trailhead (49.153170, -115.195110)
      update trails status or condition

      Elk Rim Trail Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      Jun 19, 2022 @ 10:36am
      Jun 19, 2022
      		 Caution: Deadfall crossing the trail on the climb out from the Elk River. Would have cleared but need a saw.
      Jun 17, 2022 @ 11:46am
      Jun 17, 2022
      		 Trail is damp from recent rains. Watch out for loose rock in some sections
      May 22, 2022 @ 10:05am
      May 22, 2022
      		 Great trail conditions. Very busy. Watch out for riders not following the trail direction requirements
      Mar 29, 2022 @ 2:31pm
      Mar 29, 2022
      Mar 27, 2022 @ 12:14pm
      Mar 27, 2022
      		 Good conditions - some of the trail has very minor mud spots. If it freezes overnight then it might be muddy as the frost comes out, so best early...
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 5 rides
      • 13 miles avg distance
      6 Months
      • 87 rides
      • 15 miles avg distance
      All
      • 348 rides
      •  

      Photos

      more »
      33 |
      Aug 26, 2021 @ 8:44am
      Aug 26, 2021
      86 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021
      63 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021
      75 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021

      2 Reviews & Comments

      • + 0
      cjlane (Apr 9, 2021 at 15:44)
       Tail is perfect. If you bring the dog, bring water as it’s very dry.
      [Reply]
      • + 0
      Diggs291 (Aug 26, 2021 at 8:42)
       Super fun family friendly trail. Well marked and manicured.
      [Reply]





      Videos

      more »
      Early Spring Riding! Elk Rim Trail
      21:00 | 157 | Apr 9, 2021 , Baynes Lake

      Nearby Trails

      Baynes Lake

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