About the Trails
If you’re a mountain biker, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the Okanagan as a riding destination. Vernon’s Kalamalka Provincial Park is one of many trail networks in the area, and boasts the largest variety of riding styles, trail difficulties, and scenery. Whether you’re riding the Honest Ed Loop or something more challenging like the Big Ed, there is something for all riding levels here.
During your ride in Kal Park you’ll experience a mixture of desert grassland, wetlands, canyons, thick pine forests, and of course incredible views. Being on the edge of Kalamalka Lake, there is a sandy beach near the trailhead of over 70km of mountain biking and hiking trails. These trails are supported and maintained by the North Okanagan Cycling Association (NOCS) – an organization that was built to provide a positive riding experience for mountain bikers in the North Okanagan.
The riding season in the Okanagan is dependent on the snow and weather, however typically begins in early to mid April and continues through to mid November. The best time of year to ride here is in the spring and fall, as the hot, dry summers create dusty and dry trail conditions….but as locals, we like that too!
Riding
Due to the high concentration of trails, there are often many hikers and trail runners sharing the area. Mountain biking is permitted on most of the trails, but be aware that the Jade and Juniper beaches and trails to Rattlesnake point are not suitable for biking due to the high foot traffic from hikers and walkers. If you want to cool off after your ride, Cosens beach is bike permitted and makes for the perfect post ride cool off.
There’s a wide variety of trail types here in Kal Park. From easygoing green trails to steep, fast, technical double black diamond trails, you’ve got options here. The recently built trail “Flovid” has quickly become one of the most popular trails thanks to its smooth, flowy sections and moderately challenging terrain.
The popular green trails here are “3 Rings” and “Gingerly”. These are perfect for those just getting comfortable on a mountain bike, those with children, or those who are opting for a mellow ride. The well frequented blue trails include “Twista”, “Twisted Sistas”, and “Stone Free”. The blue trails here combine flow and technical riding, allowing you to progress your skills without being too far out of your comfort zone. The more challenging routes, also known as blacks and double black diamonds offer steep, technical, and fast riding. These trails should only be ridden by experienced riders, with the most popular being “Big Ed”, “36”, and “Fraidy Cat”.
Access
There are multiple access points to this large trail network, so depending on what trails you plan on riding, the parking lots will vary. The two most common parking lots are Cosens Gate Parking Lot and Cougar Canyon Parking Lot. Cosens Gate has a limited number of spots, so if you plan on parking there, be sure to arrive early.