The most well-known alpine mountain bike trail in the Revelstoke area – with magnificent views and abundant wildflowers on an easy grade. This is a purpose-built mountain bike trail constructed by bikers for bikers. The trail is closed annually until July 15 to protect caribou in their habitat.
Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦Location: North of Revelstoke on Frisby Ridge, the long north-south ridge between Lake Revelstoke and Jordan River.
Difficulty: C1
Elevation Gain: +829m, -221m
Key Elevations: Trailhead 1300m. The high point at 10.16kms – 2015m. End 1908m
Distance: 12 km one-way. Out and back trail.
Time: 4 hours biking
Season: July 15 to September
Access: Good 2WD low clearance possible but high clearance recommended.
Map: 82M/1 Mount Revelstoke
Drive: Drive west on Highway #1. Turn right at Highway 23 junction onto Westside Road.
8kms. At a 4-way junction, turn left on Frisby Ridge Road (also signed “Rec Trail”).
17kms. Trailhead.
Trail: The trail climbs from a cut block up through an impressive mountain hemlock subalpine forest and into alpine meadows, cresting on rolling Frisby Ridge with views in all directions. From the high point, the trail dips down to a small lake where you either turn back or continue along the alpine ridge another 6 km on Frisby Vistas trail, but remember this is an out-and-back trail so save enough energy and water for the return ride.
Views are of Lake Revelstoke, Upper Arrow Lakes, and glacier-capped mountains. Wildflowers are spectacular in season. Uphill bikers have the right of way.
This is a wilderness trail. Be prepared with lots of water, spare tubes, tools, etc. Watch for bears and carry bear spray.
What to Do: Swim at one of the numerous lakes.
References:
www.trailforks.com/trails/frisby-ridge/