Mt. Seymour
The Mt. Seymour area is home to many trails in the Vancouver area. Severed Dick and Ned's Atomic Dust Bin are considered some of the classic cross-country trails at Mt. Seymour. The Old Buck trail on Mt. Seymour is a 5 1/2 kilometer trail and is a good place to start on the trails of the region. To get to My. Seymour, take the Mt. Seymour Parkway through North Vancouver and follow the signs to the mountain. Park in the lower parking lot and follow the kiosk trail maps.
Pacific Spirit Park
The Pacific Spirit Park trails are located on the University of British Columbia endowment lands. The Spirit Park trails are a series of rolling, forest trails best suited to beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. Maps for the trails are available at several nearby bike shops including the Mountain Equipment Coop on Broadway. Many races are held on the Spirit Park Trails. These trails are in West Vancouver and are a great introduction to Vancouver-style cross-country riding. Access points include 16th Avenue West between Crown and UBC, or from Imperial Road and Camosun Street.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Golden Ears offers cross-country mountain bike trails in the peace and serenity of the surrounding mountains. Riders can enjoy the Allouette Trail, a fire road that brings riders deep into the park. The East Canyon Trail is a one-way, out-and-back trail that follows a small creek. The round trip is 30 kilometers and requires a bit of stamina and an equipped rider. Cyclists should bring extra water, snacks and clothing. To get to Golden Ears Provincial Park, head toward the Coast Mountains 11 kilometers north of Maple Ridge. Follow park signs north from Highway 7, about 48 kilometers east of Vancouver going up the Fraser Valley.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
