Current Trail Conditions

Updated: Nov 1, 2009


It's winter go skiing

• Happy Creek

• Halloween

• Just Giver

• Jack's Trail

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Trail Maps and Brochures

• We are pleased to provide you with an updated version of Hinton’s mountain bike trail map! We hope that this new map brochure will help you discover and enjoy the trails Hinton has to offer. We would like to thank and recognize the support of Hinton Wood Products (A Division of West Fraser Mills Ltd.), the Town of Hinton, Travel Alberta, Bike Boy, and the efforts of our keen members, who were pivotal in the development of these maps. 

• Please use your discretion when using these maps, because conditions/trails can change and signage could be vandalized or removed. We will do our best to maintain the trails and signage. 

Trail Etiquette 

• Respect other trail users, pass with care and yield to pedestrians 

• Leave no trace and pack out any litter

• Respect wildlife

• All terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motor bikes are not permitted on singletrack trails

• Stay on existing trails

• Dogs are permitted on trails but should be kept under control

• Avoid muddy trails to prevent trail widening and erosion

Trail Systems

Hinton's trails are grouped into three sections: Town Trail System, Happy Creek Trail System and Jack’s Trail System. Please use the following files in your GPS unit and associated software at your own risk. Data is in UTM - NAD83:

• Download the complete new trail Map / Brochure: Here (7MB File)
  
• Download trail GPS data in most formats (zipped) Here

Click on Image for a larger view:

New Bike Park Map / Brochure:

Trails Map

• Hinton is located adjacent to jasper national park and offers excellent mountain biking terrain and trails for all skill levels. The intent of this brochure/map is to provide an overview of the two major trail systems accessed from the town of Hinton – the Happy Creek Trail System and Jack’s Trail System. Each of these trail systems also has its own brochure/map. Download the Brochure for more info, detailed map, trail descriptions and ratings.
  

• Happy Creek Trail System
  

• The Happy Creek Trail System is a series of connecting singletrack trails with a wide range of options for all skill levels. Rolling terrain and an interesting mix of roots, sidehills, climbs, stunts, boardwalks and viewpoints make this a local favorite. Download the Brochure for more info, detailed map, trail descriptions and ratings.

• Jack's Trail System

• Jack’s Trail System is a beautiful (primarily singletrack) trail, that slowly, and gradually, gains elevation until you reach the furthest point from the trailhead, at which time the trail is then almost entirely downhill back to your original starting point. Download the Brochure for more info, detailed map, trail descriptions and ratings.

 

Trails Near Hinton

• There are many more trails near Hinton, but they are not currently mapped or signed. Our focus will be to ensure the main trails around Hinton are well maintained and signed, but plan to grow the network each year. Several additional Trails near the Overlander Lodge and Brule area are provided in the book: Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies 3rd edition (Doug Eastcott) 
• Bighorn Trail: Official website  
• Please note that this is a challenging trail for experienced riders. As such, this trail is recommended for strong intermediate or advanced bikers.

  Here is a summary from some club members who rode the trail. Overall the trail would be classifed as Advanced Cardio and Intermediate Technical.

  Trail Notes: When starting at the north kiosk off Cold Creek Road, there is a 6km uphill section where >500m in elevation is gained. This translates into ~400m-1000m of pushing your bike depending on your physical condition. This section of trail is mostly a quad trail in fairly good condition (some wet sections). If you are in good condition it will take approximately 1 hr to get up this section. That being said, the next 8km of excellent terrain is your reward for the initial grunt. It follows a ridgeline until km13 , is mostly single-track, rolling terrain (i.e., intermediate cardio) and full of excellent views to the west. There is a fast downhill section of single-track trail at the south end of the ridge btn km13 and km15 - watch out for trail hazards such as hidden stumps!

                The last 5-8km of trail is NOT RECOMMENDED. It is very poor for biking (or hiking for that matter) -                boggy and  overgrown in sections, poorly maintained, and poorly designed.

According to our bike computers, the full distance is approximately 23km. It took us about 3.5 hours to complete the full trail - we had several short stops, a bit of trail maintenance, but otherwise we were hustling.

Note: This trail is located in a remote environment - ride in groups, bring a full first aid/bike repair kits, along with personal equipment for variable wilderness/ mountain/weather conditions. Watch out for wildlife - you are biking in prime bear habitat (make noise, be aware, and bring bear spray).

Jasper Trails

Here are some links to Jasper Trails: 

• Trails Project 
• Jasper Trail Map