Travel tips
A mountain biker's guide to shredding in the Yukon
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Legendary trails by legendary locals
Mountain bikers know that finding the best trails sometimes requires a little insider information. So we thought we’d get down to the nitty-gritty details by sharing the actual trail names, where to find them, a little bit about the people who built them, and a couple of quotes from the riders who know them best.
Best View of Nares: Montana Mountain
Right in the heart of Carcross is a smorgasbord of mountain biking runs for all kinds of riders—built and maintained by local youth organizations, bike clubs, and city crews. Beginner? Lower Dei Kwaan, Caribou, and Porcupine Climb are a great place to start. Intermediate? Black Bear, Upper Dei Kwaan, and Nares View will test your limits without making you wish you completed your will before your ride. But the trails known as Goat and Wolf on the other hand—well, you might want to get your forks tuned and that will of yours in order before you go rolling down these monsters.
This is also Carcross/Tagish First Nation traditional territory, so respectful leave-no-trace riding is essential. We recommend checking with the First Nation community before you head up to ensure you’re good to go. For more information on these trails and the people who made them, be sure to check out Shift, a short film about the Indigenous youth of Carcross who have shaped this world-class riding scene.
If you want to be screaming, “Show me the money!” like Tom Cruise in Jerry Macguire while flying at Mach 1 like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, then “Hello!” this is the ride for you. Located on Whitehorse’s Grey Mountain, this four-section trail can be accessed by driving to the summit or pedalling to the B&S trail parking lot. It’s all downhill from there (mostly) as you careen down steep, technical singletrack.
A Cooper
In the fall, you’re in for a colourful ride, according to Colin of Contagious Mountain Bike Club (CMBC). He says, “Whitehorse trails turn into yellow brick roads with poplar leaves lining the tread.” But he’s not the only one singing the Yukon riding scene’s praises. Pro rider Casey Brown paid the territory a visit and had this to say: “All the trails in the Yukon were amazing. I especially liked Whitehorse: the unique history of the town and the story behind the trails and who built them. I love when there’s a bigger purpose behind the trail you ride.” And hey, while all those details are enough to make you want to pack your bike and head to the Yukon ASAP, we know we had you at “Hello!”
A Cooper
Big Mac: Mount MacIntyre
It may not have two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun, but a day of riding these trails will certainly work up an appetite for a burger with those ingredients. This entire mountain is mostly made up of very approachable single track trails with plenty of ups and downs. Local rider and CMBC President, Samantha Salter, says, “October riding is best on lower Grey Mountain and Mount MacIntyre, where you can still enjoy some fall colours, and the trails will be hard packed.”
Michael Overbeck
Trails like Starbuck’s Revenge and Blown Away require more of a climb, but the rewards are long, technical runs that will keep you on your toes (and hopefully on your bike). During the fall months, it’s also a good idea to check at your local bike shop to see if Starbuck’s is open. The trail, not the coffee shop. But feel free to ask the locals if that’s open too.
Michael Overbeck
Moose Hide Trails: Midnight Dome
The view from here is a must-see for anyone visiting Dawson City. And the trails are a must-ride for anyone with two wheels, some suspension, and a drive train. Locally built and maintained by youth from the community, the Moose Hide Trails are a gold mine of drops, burms, and technical terrain for prospective riders looking for a big rush above this small town.
There’s Paydirt and Dome Summit Trail for seasoned riders, but also plenty of intermediate options for downhill, all-mountain, and cross-country. And while we could talk all day about this mountain biking dream destination, we’d rather let this local short film fill you in about the Indigenous youth and community leaders who get their hands dirty to put these world-class trails on the map.
Get your downhill shred on within city limits at Mount Sima.
Mount Sima
With two blue intermediate, one black expert and two black extreme runs, Mt. SIma is an amazing place to work on a wide variety of technical skills. The trails on this private, chairlift-access bike park offer everything from soft, squishy flow sections, to rock slabs, berms and bridges. Open every Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon throughout July and August.
