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| Hiking above Radium Hot Springs in the Redstreak Campground |
From Calgary (where honestly we do still live,) it is a 3 hour drive to the Village of Radium Hot Springs and the gateway to the Columbia Valley (aka "Heaven on Earth.") The drive is very doable for a 2-day weekend but you'll probably enjoy yourself more if you spend at least 3 nights here (especially if you're camping.)
Below are ten of the activities we personally enjoy when we visit Radium Hot Springs in the warm months from spring through autumn - and you definitely won't knock them all off in one visit so you'll have to plan several trips here in the coming months.
We've already spent 4 weekends in Radium Hot Springs since the end of March with another trip coming up in a few weeks.
Below are ten of the activities we personally enjoy when we visit Radium Hot Springs in the warm months from spring through autumn - and you definitely won't knock them all off in one visit so you'll have to plan several trips here in the coming months.
We've already spent 4 weekends in Radium Hot Springs since the end of March with another trip coming up in a few weeks.
This story has been updated for 2023.
Start your visit to Radium Hot Springs at the Visitor Information Centre where you can spend some time looking at the educational exhibits on the animals of the valley and the landscape/environment that has shaped their home. Also take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about tours or activities in the valley. You can get trail reports here as well along with maps and brochures to plan out your trip.
Read more about the services offered at the Visitor Information Centre here. - and you'll find the Information Centre on the main street of Radium Hot Springs right along Highway 95 beside the grocery store.
Once you've learned all about the bighorn sheep, you're going to want to go explore the village (either on foot or on bikes.) We love riding and walking around the quiet streets looking for sheep and deer in the morning or evening. You'll also find a great playground on the corner of St. Joseph Street and Park Drive (conveniently located behind the Bighorn Cafe if you're walking around.)
If you're looking for a hike to enjoy with the kids while camping or spending a few days in Radium Hot Springs, I recommend the following options:
You'll find the parking lot by driving through the sawmill located off Forsters Landing Road. See the trail on Trail Forks or read about it on the Village of Radium Hot Springs website here.
Trail length: under 3 km return
You can reach this trail from the Canyon RV Resort (park in visitor parking and walk through the new "Creekside in the Canyon" development beside the campground, following signs for the Sinclair Canyon hiking trail.)
Trail length: approximately 1 km return from the campground
Alternately, you can drop down into the canyon following a series of switchbacks from highway 93 just outside the west gate near the hot springs. (Download a map here)
This is a great option if you're camping at either Redstreak or at the Canyon RV Resort. The full loop is approximately 6.5 km but you can shorten the hike by doing just one of the trails. Download a map here to see the full loop.
And best of all, you can follow these trails to reach the hot springs from either campground. Distance to the hot springs is 7.4 km return from Canyon or 5.4 km return from Redstreak.
This is a gorgeous trail that starts from the E loop in the Redstreak Campground. It climbs up to a viewpoint over the village in an easy 2 km return hike. There are benches at the top and it's a very scenic spot.
Read more about camping at Redstreak here:
Read: Why we LOVE Camping at Redstreak, Radium Hot Springs
This is a great option if you're camping at Redstreak, The trail is a short 1 km loop where you walk across a wide open meadow reborn by a prescribed burn.
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| Spring camping in Radium Hot Springs (Photo: Redstreak Campground) |
Ten Fun Activities for Active Families in and near Radium Hot Springs
1. Start with a Trip to the Visitor Information Centre
Start your visit to Radium Hot Springs at the Visitor Information Centre where you can spend some time looking at the educational exhibits on the animals of the valley and the landscape/environment that has shaped their home. Also take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about tours or activities in the valley. You can get trail reports here as well along with maps and brochures to plan out your trip.
Read more about the services offered at the Visitor Information Centre here. - and you'll find the Information Centre on the main street of Radium Hot Springs right along Highway 95 beside the grocery store.
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| Checking out the wildlife display at the Radium Visitor Information Centre |
2. Explore the Village on Foot and Explore the Town Trails
Once you've learned all about the bighorn sheep, you're going to want to go explore the village (either on foot or on bikes.) We love riding and walking around the quiet streets looking for sheep and deer in the morning or evening. You'll also find a great playground on the corner of St. Joseph Street and Park Drive (conveniently located behind the Bighorn Cafe if you're walking around.)
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| Main Town Playground in Radium Hot Springs |
If you're looking for a hike to enjoy with the kids while camping or spending a few days in Radium Hot Springs, I recommend the following options:
Sinclair Creek Hike or Bike
You'll find the parking lot by driving through the sawmill located off Forsters Landing Road. See the trail on Trail Forks or read about it on the Village of Radium Hot Springs website here.
Trail length: under 3 km return
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| Biking the Sinclair Creek Trail in Radium |
Sinclair Canyon and Waterfall Hike
You can reach this trail from the Canyon RV Resort (park in visitor parking and walk through the new "Creekside in the Canyon" development beside the campground, following signs for the Sinclair Canyon hiking trail.)
Trail length: approximately 1 km return from the campground
Alternately, you can drop down into the canyon following a series of switchbacks from highway 93 just outside the west gate near the hot springs. (Download a map here)
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| Sinclair Canyon, Radium Hot Springs |
Juniper Trail / Redstreak Campground Trail Loop Hike
This is a great option if you're camping at either Redstreak or at the Canyon RV Resort. The full loop is approximately 6.5 km but you can shorten the hike by doing just one of the trails. Download a map here to see the full loop.
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| Viewpoint on the Juniper Trail |
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| Hiking the Redstreak Campground Trail |
And best of all, you can follow these trails to reach the hot springs from either campground. Distance to the hot springs is 7.4 km return from Canyon or 5.4 km return from Redstreak.
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| Bridge on the Juniper Trail down at Sinclair Creek |
Redstreak Loop Hike
This is a gorgeous trail that starts from the E loop in the Redstreak Campground. It climbs up to a viewpoint over the village in an easy 2 km return hike. There are benches at the top and it's a very scenic spot.
Read more about camping at Redstreak here:
Read: Why we LOVE Camping at Redstreak, Radium Hot Springs
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| Viewpoint at the top of the Redstreak Loop Trail |
Redstreak Restoration Trail Hike
You can also start by the campground woodpile (where they store their wood supply behind a protected fence before making it available to the public.) - Take your first right as soon as you enter the campground, before the kiosk where you check in.
From the wood storage lot, there's a trail that takes you along a pretty ridge overlooking the town. A loop can be done taking you through the prescribed burn area.
You'll see my photos of us on bikes, but new signage has been placed asking that visitors walk this loop.
Download a map here to see the full loop.
We love exploring here as we look for bighorn sheep and pay a visit to the Narnia lamp (a lamp post straight out of the pages of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - sitting in the middle of the meadow.) And there's nothing strange about that at all??
This one is a given! If you're going to spend time in Radium Hot Springs, you have to visit the hot springs!
What we love most about these hot springs is that there are two separate pools, one for hot soaking, and one for swimming. And, the swimming pool has both a slide and a diving board!
I also recently discovered that capable swimmers can play in the cold pool alone if you want to soak in the hot pool while the kids play in the swimming pool. (Check the age requirement for this when you visit. My son was allowed to swim there alone but he is 10 years old.) For me, this has become a game changer because I love jumping off the diving board with my son, but after 20 minutes in the swimming pool I just want to retreat to the hot pool.
Visit the Radium Hot Springs website for more information.
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| Exploring the Redstreak Restoration Trail |
We love exploring here as we look for bighorn sheep and pay a visit to the Narnia lamp (a lamp post straight out of the pages of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - sitting in the middle of the meadow.) And there's nothing strange about that at all??
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| The Narnia lamp post in the middle of the meadow on the Redstreak Restoration Trail |
3. Relax at the Radium Hot Springs Pools (with a swimming pool for the kids)
This one is a given! If you're going to spend time in Radium Hot Springs, you have to visit the hot springs!
What we love most about these hot springs is that there are two separate pools, one for hot soaking, and one for swimming. And, the swimming pool has both a slide and a diving board!
I also recently discovered that capable swimmers can play in the cold pool alone if you want to soak in the hot pool while the kids play in the swimming pool. (Check the age requirement for this when you visit. My son was allowed to swim there alone but he is 10 years old.) For me, this has become a game changer because I love jumping off the diving board with my son, but after 20 minutes in the swimming pool I just want to retreat to the hot pool.
Visit the Radium Hot Springs website for more information.
Note for 2023, the cold swimming pool is closed for repairs. Opening date is TBD.
I've written a comprehensive guide to all of the bike trails in the Columbia Valley that I recommend for families.
Read: The Best Family Bike Trails in the Columbia Valley
From Radium Hot Springs, I especially recommend the areas below for families:
There's a sweet little bike park and pump track located in Sinclair Creek just down off Forsters Landing Road in Radium Hot Springs.
Find directions to the Pump and Jump Bike Park on Trail Forks.
We also love riding our bikes along the easy Sinclair Creek Trail, a wide gravel trail that is popular with cyclists, hikers, and dog walkers. There is an official parking lot that you can find off Forsters Landing Road by driving through the sawmill.
Find directions to the parking lot for Sinclair Creek here on Trail Forks.
This was one of my son's first mountain bike trails back when he could barely start and stop on his own (and my husband had to run alongside him for the entire 9 km distance.)
The Old Coach Trail is an old gravel road without any technical challenges. There are some nice views though and it makes for a good family ride.
We always park at Dry Gulch (see the trail on Trail Forks here) and ride back to Radium. It is mostly a gradual downhill ride in this direction with a few long hills beginners may find challenging if they get going too fast.
The crux of the ride comes at the end when you have to climb back up to Radium for the final kilometre. Honestly though, we just ride what we can and walk the rest. It's far easier to walk the ending than to return back to Dry Gulch (which would be uphill for a good 8 km.)
Intermediate mountain bikers will find other unofficial and unsigned trail options off the Old Coach Trail.
Shuttling tip: Send an adult back for the vehicle before you get to the uphill climb at the end. Make your way to Radium with the kids and hang out at the Bighorn Cafe on the main street while you wait. (They have great cinnamon buns and baking.) There's also an ice-cream store on the main street or you can bike to the town playground (a couple of blocks back behind the cafe.)
Families will enjoy a quick spin around the Junior Johnson on the Lillian Lake Trail Network. It is a double track loop, 3 km in length, and a good opportunity to practice with brakes and gears on the short hills. (See the trail on Trail Forks here.)
Once you've mastered that, or if you want a solo ride while the kids play at the lake (where there's a dock for jumping off of on a hot day,) I recommend the Kloosifier Loop, a gorgeous flowy 8 km intermediate mountain biking loop. My 10-year old just rode it but he is a strong rider. Alternately, check out the full Johnson Loop (slightly more technical than the Kloosifier.)
We got to try a tour with the Valley Zipline Adventures this month and it was a LOT of fun.
While it's not the biggest zipline course, there were a few things we really liked about it including how hands-on the tour was. Read my full review below:
Read: Valley Zipline Adventures Tour, Radium Hot Springs
This one is easy to explain - drive to Invermere for a day and hit the beach! Lake Windermere is a great spot on a hot day and kids will love the slides out in the water at Kinsmen Beach.
And, before you head to the beach, make sure you stop by Far Out Gear Rentals in Radium to pick up inflatable stand up paddleboards (including youth sized ones,) single kayaks (child, youth, and adult sizes available,) tandem kayaks, or canoes - with racks available for the kayaks and canoes.
We love paddling the Columbia River from Invermere back to Radium Hot Springs in the summer. We've done the trip a number of times and I always use a stand up paddleboard for the gentle float trip. My boys use a tandem kayak or my son paddles his own sit on top kayak.
And if you need to rent boats or arrange for a shuttle service, you can either contact Far Out Gear Rentals in Radium Hot Springs or Columbia River Paddle in Invermere. Both companies offer guided or self-guided tours of the Columbia River wetlands, shuttle services, and a variety of boat rentals.
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| Kids will love the swimming pool at the Radium Hot Springs pools |
4. Hop on your Bikes to Explore the Valley Trails
I've written a comprehensive guide to all of the bike trails in the Columbia Valley that I recommend for families.
Read: The Best Family Bike Trails in the Columbia Valley
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| Mountain biking near Radium Hot Springs |
From Radium Hot Springs, I especially recommend the areas below for families:
Biking Sinclair Creek and Playing at the Radium Pump and Jump
There's a sweet little bike park and pump track located in Sinclair Creek just down off Forsters Landing Road in Radium Hot Springs.
Find directions to the Pump and Jump Bike Park on Trail Forks.
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| Playing on the Radium Pump and Jump along the Sinclair Creek Trail |
We also love riding our bikes along the easy Sinclair Creek Trail, a wide gravel trail that is popular with cyclists, hikers, and dog walkers. There is an official parking lot that you can find off Forsters Landing Road by driving through the sawmill.
Find directions to the parking lot for Sinclair Creek here on Trail Forks.
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| Biking the Sinclair Creek Trail in Radium Hot Springs |
Easy Mountain Biking on the Old Coach Trail, Dry Gulch to Radium
This was one of my son's first mountain bike trails back when he could barely start and stop on his own (and my husband had to run alongside him for the entire 9 km distance.)
The Old Coach Trail is an old gravel road without any technical challenges. There are some nice views though and it makes for a good family ride.
We always park at Dry Gulch (see the trail on Trail Forks here) and ride back to Radium. It is mostly a gradual downhill ride in this direction with a few long hills beginners may find challenging if they get going too fast.
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| Biking the Old Coach Trail |
The crux of the ride comes at the end when you have to climb back up to Radium for the final kilometre. Honestly though, we just ride what we can and walk the rest. It's far easier to walk the ending than to return back to Dry Gulch (which would be uphill for a good 8 km.)
Intermediate mountain bikers will find other unofficial and unsigned trail options off the Old Coach Trail.
Shuttling tip: Send an adult back for the vehicle before you get to the uphill climb at the end. Make your way to Radium with the kids and hang out at the Bighorn Cafe on the main street while you wait. (They have great cinnamon buns and baking.) There's also an ice-cream store on the main street or you can bike to the town playground (a couple of blocks back behind the cafe.)
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| Easy mountain biking on the Old Coach Trail |
Easy to Intermediate Mountain Biking at Lillian Lake, Invermere
Families will enjoy a quick spin around the Junior Johnson on the Lillian Lake Trail Network. It is a double track loop, 3 km in length, and a good opportunity to practice with brakes and gears on the short hills. (See the trail on Trail Forks here.)
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| Easy riding on the Junior Johnson Trail, Lillian Lake |
Once you've mastered that, or if you want a solo ride while the kids play at the lake (where there's a dock for jumping off of on a hot day,) I recommend the Kloosifier Loop, a gorgeous flowy 8 km intermediate mountain biking loop. My 10-year old just rode it but he is a strong rider. Alternately, check out the full Johnson Loop (slightly more technical than the Kloosifier.)
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| Beautiful flowy riding on the Kloosifier Trail, Lillian Lake |
Paved Pathway Riding on the Westside Legacy Trail, Invermere
If it's pavement you're after, this is your best (and only) option near Radium Hot Springs. The Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail connects Invermere and Fairmont in one long 24 km trail.
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| Paved pathway riding on the Westside Legacy Trail, Invermere |
And to find the trail, just drive out of Invermere on Westside Road (which parallels Highway 95 on the far side of Lake Windermere) and drive along until you see a paved bike trail beside the highway. There are a couple of parking lots so you can choose where to start and end (and shuttling is an option if the kids want to ride one way on the entire distance that's open so far, which is at least 10 km.
One big thing to know in advance about this trail is that it is not a beginner bike trail, even though it is paved. There are gigantic hills and climbs along the trail, and it doesn't matter which direction you ride because you'll be climbing up and screaming back down multiple times in either direction. There are always good switchbacks for climbing and descending (but they are steep.)
Gears and hand brakes are necessary for this trail.
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| Climbing a steep section of the Westside Legacy Trail |
5. Spend a few hours at the Valley Zipline Adventures near Radium
We got to try a tour with the Valley Zipline Adventures this month and it was a LOT of fun.
While it's not the biggest zipline course, there were a few things we really liked about it including how hands-on the tour was. Read my full review below:
Read: Valley Zipline Adventures Tour, Radium Hot Springs
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| Our family loves ziplining and it's great that we can enjoy it close to home |
6. Take a day trip to Lake Windermere and Hit the Beach
This one is easy to explain - drive to Invermere for a day and hit the beach! Lake Windermere is a great spot on a hot day and kids will love the slides out in the water at Kinsmen Beach.
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| Trust my kid to go head first! |
And, before you head to the beach, make sure you stop by Far Out Gear Rentals in Radium to pick up inflatable stand up paddleboards (including youth sized ones,) single kayaks (child, youth, and adult sizes available,) tandem kayaks, or canoes - with racks available for the kayaks and canoes.
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| Jumping docks on Lake Windermere |
7. Spend a day on the Colulmbia River floating from Invermere to Radium
We love paddling the Columbia River from Invermere back to Radium Hot Springs in the summer. We've done the trip a number of times and I always use a stand up paddleboard for the gentle float trip. My boys use a tandem kayak or my son paddles his own sit on top kayak.
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| Floating down the Columbia River is a great way to tour the wetlands |
And if you need to rent boats or arrange for a shuttle service, you can either contact Far Out Gear Rentals in Radium Hot Springs or Columbia River Paddle in Invermere. Both companies offer guided or self-guided tours of the Columbia River wetlands, shuttle services, and a variety of boat rentals.
Read: Easy Family Day Trip on the Columbia River (Invermere to Radium Hot Springs)
Want to try an overnight trip on the Columbia River?
Read: Paddling and Camping on the Columbia River with Kids
I never knew it was a dream of mine to camp on top of a mountain, until I did it. Now I've added the experience to my annual "summer cool list" - a very long list that grows by the year, and we look forward to discovering more unique places to camp.
I should clarify that we didn't exactly camp "on top of a mountain" but rather, we camped in a yurt on a scenic bench overlooking the Columbia Valley outside the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
Mountain summit or not, it certainly felt like a mountain, AND, our nearest neighbors were a kilometre away! This was the most private campsite we've ever had, and we enjoyed sitting around our campfire without having to listen to drunken neighbors partying around us at a noisy campground.
Read the rest of the story here: Yurt Camping on top of a Mountain at Radius Retreat
Nipika Mountain Resort is an eco resort located approximately 45 minutes outside Radium Hot Springs. Spend a day here exploring the mountain bike trails, hiking along the Cross River and the Kootenay River, or playing a round of disc golf.
Families have their choice of single track mountain bike trails or double track ski trails (great if you're pulling younger children in a bike trailer) - or skip the bikes and explore on foot as you follow trails to the natural bridge or down to the river to throw rocks with the kids.
You can also spend a couple of nights here in one of the cabins located on the Nipika property.
Read more about Nipika Mountain Resort on their website.
Also, read one of my previous stories here: Kids on Wheels - Nipika Mountain Resort
We have a few favourite places to eat when we're in Radium Hot Springs:
For a great family meal: We love the sunny patio at the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery in Radium. The place is family-friendly and the food is always good. Kids will enjoy the hamburgers with the "choose your burger style" option (including options for beef, chicken, or veggie, and several options for a side including classic french fries of course.)
When you need coffee, a quick breakfast, or a light lunch: We love the Bighorn Cafe and it's safe to say we would never pass through Radium without stopping here at least once (a day that is!) - and if you love cinnamon buns, you can always call ahead and get some set aside for your family (because they do sell out each day.)
At the end of a hike or bike ride when you need Ice-cream: You'll find Screamers right on the highway (just down from the Visitor Information Centre and the grocery store.) - It's also conveniently located across from the Bighorn Cafe in case there are conflicting interests in the family (as there always is in mine!)
When it has to be PIZZA: The Wildside Pizzeria is our go-to stop for lunch before driving home on a Sunday afternoon. They sell pizza by the slice and have a couple picnic tables outside. It's also located beside the Bighorn Cafe which is perfect for us so we can grab coffee afterwards for the drive.
More dining options can be found on the Tourism Radium Hot Springs website.
Want to try an overnight trip on the Columbia River?
Read: Paddling and Camping on the Columbia River with Kids
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| Gentle family-friendly floating down the Columbia River |
8. Try Yurt Camping at Radius Retreat
I never knew it was a dream of mine to camp on top of a mountain, until I did it. Now I've added the experience to my annual "summer cool list" - a very long list that grows by the year, and we look forward to discovering more unique places to camp.
I should clarify that we didn't exactly camp "on top of a mountain" but rather, we camped in a yurt on a scenic bench overlooking the Columbia Valley outside the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
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| Yurt camping at Radius Retreat, Radium Hot Springs |
Mountain summit or not, it certainly felt like a mountain, AND, our nearest neighbors were a kilometre away! This was the most private campsite we've ever had, and we enjoyed sitting around our campfire without having to listen to drunken neighbors partying around us at a noisy campground.
Read the rest of the story here: Yurt Camping on top of a Mountain at Radius Retreat
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| Camping on top of a mountain at Radius Retreat |
9. Spend a day at Nipika Mountain Resort (biking, hiking, and disc golf)
Nipika Mountain Resort is an eco resort located approximately 45 minutes outside Radium Hot Springs. Spend a day here exploring the mountain bike trails, hiking along the Cross River and the Kootenay River, or playing a round of disc golf.
Families have their choice of single track mountain bike trails or double track ski trails (great if you're pulling younger children in a bike trailer) - or skip the bikes and explore on foot as you follow trails to the natural bridge or down to the river to throw rocks with the kids.
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| Biking across the Natural Bridge at Nipika Mountain Resort |
You can also spend a couple of nights here in one of the cabins located on the Nipika property.
Read more about Nipika Mountain Resort on their website.
Also, read one of my previous stories here: Kids on Wheels - Nipika Mountain Resort
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| Playing by the Kootenay River at Nipika Mountain Resort |
10. Refuel at Local Restaurants, Pubs, and Coffee Shops
We have a few favourite places to eat when we're in Radium Hot Springs:
For a great family meal: We love the sunny patio at the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery in Radium. The place is family-friendly and the food is always good. Kids will enjoy the hamburgers with the "choose your burger style" option (including options for beef, chicken, or veggie, and several options for a side including classic french fries of course.)
When you need coffee, a quick breakfast, or a light lunch: We love the Bighorn Cafe and it's safe to say we would never pass through Radium without stopping here at least once (a day that is!) - and if you love cinnamon buns, you can always call ahead and get some set aside for your family (because they do sell out each day.)
At the end of a hike or bike ride when you need Ice-cream: You'll find Screamers right on the highway (just down from the Visitor Information Centre and the grocery store.) - It's also conveniently located across from the Bighorn Cafe in case there are conflicting interests in the family (as there always is in mine!)
When it has to be PIZZA: The Wildside Pizzeria is our go-to stop for lunch before driving home on a Sunday afternoon. They sell pizza by the slice and have a couple picnic tables outside. It's also located beside the Bighorn Cafe which is perfect for us so we can grab coffee afterwards for the drive.
More dining options can be found on the Tourism Radium Hot Springs website.
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| You'll always need an ice-cream store or a coffee shop (even when camping!) |
Where to Stay in Radium Hot Springs
We usually camp if we're visiting Radium between May and Thanksgiving. Families looking for other options can visit the Tourism Radium Hot Springs website for ideas and some special offers.
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| You'll always see lots of bighorn sheep if you choose to camp at Redstreak up above the village |
Return in Winter!
Radium Hot Springs is magical in winter too. Read my newest guide here.
Read: Active Family Guide to Winter in Radium Hot Springs
Read: Active Family Guide to Winter in Radium Hot Springs
Special thanks to Tourism Radium Hot Springs for their support and partnership.
Other businesses that have hosted us over the past few months include the Valley Zipline Adventures, the Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery, and Radius Retreat.
Thanks to Nipika Mountain Resort for their continued support as well over the years.
Disclaimer: As always, all opinions are my own and this story was not paid for or sponsored. All photos are my own.
We did the bike trail Old Coach Trail, Dry Gulch to Radium last August. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend for everyone to turn around and bike back to the parking lot when the single tracks are done. The last part of the trail up to Radium was torture. The "trail" turns into some really fine ankle deep powder (maybe pulverized clay?) that makes even pushing the bikes really difficult (forget about riding it). Also regular coughing fits from the humongous dust clouds you're kicking up. You have to be at least 20m back from the person pushing in front of you. My husband who turned around to get the car was waiting for us for at least half an hour. Also there's absolutely no shade on that last part. That being said everyone loved the single tracks. It's definitely worth doing. The views are spectacular. Just plan on it being and our and back kind of trip.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Old Coach Trail can get very sandy later in the season. We usually bike it in May/June. It's easily rideable up the hill then as long as you can climb a steep hill with a few breaks. And yes, there is no shade there. It's not my fav. part either. We usually ride the single track sections out and back too. However, in the spring, when the trail is dry, we like to do it one-way because it's a fun ride from Old Coach to the bottom of that climb. Then we just suck it up and endure the final 2 km uphill back to town. My husband usually gets to the end to meet us at roughly the same time.
DeleteWe did the bike trail Old Coach Trail, Dry Gulch to Radium last August. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend for everyone to turn around and bike back to the parking lot when the single tracks are done. The last part of the trail up to Radium was torture. The "trail" turns into some really fine ankle deep powder (maybe pulverized clay) that makes even pushing the bikes really difficult (forget about riding it). Also regular coughing fits from the humongous dust clouds you're kicking up. You have to be at least 20m back from the person pushing in front of you. My husband who turned around to get the car was waiting for us for at least half an hour. Also there's absolutely no shade on that last part. That being said everyone loved the single tracks. It's definitely worth doing. The views are spectacular. Just plan on it being an out and back kind of trip.
ReplyDelete