Trails
Who says a prairie city can’t have an awesome singletrack network?!
Definitely not us.
There are more than 150 kilometers of singletrack trails in Edmonton! Some are mellow, winding along flatter sections of land, and others are super punchy with lots of climbs and descents into and out of the river valley and ravines. They’re a ton of fun to ride in all seasons! So grab your bike and get out there when the trails aren't too wet!
Trail Conditions
Are The Trails Dry?
Edmonton soils and singletrack trails are clay-based. That means they get pretty mucky when they are wet and are easily rutted if they are ridden or walked on. Ruts and deep footprints cost valuable volunteer time and money to fix! We really encourage trail users to be mindful of the trail conditions and avoid trails that are too wet to ride or walk. That way we can spend less time and money fixing ruts and damages, and more time and money on other exciting projects!
How do you know if a trail is too wet?
If your bike tires or shoes sink in and leave marks, we'd encourage you to not ride or walk on that trail. There are lots of awesome gravel or pavement paths in the city to explore when the singletrack is too wet to ride. If it's a rainy day in Edmonton, or there is a thunderstorm that produces a large amount of precipitation it's pretty safe to assume that the trails will not be okay to ride in the immediate future. We've put together some useful information to help you gauge trail conditions before heading out.
Useful Trail Condition Data
Track Your Rides!
Did you know that information from apps like Trailforks and Strava supports our work to maintain and expand Edmonton’s singletrack network? Anonymized data collected through these aps help us understand how trails are being used. And knowing how many people are riding and where they ride most is really useful to our efforts to have new trails built and approved. Do you already use a Garmin device? You can automatically upload your ride log to Strava. Garmin Connect also allows you to upload your ride log to Trailforks, you can also dowload Trailforks basemaps to your device with Connect IQ.
Trail Etiquette
The beauty of Edmonton's trail network is that it gives all Edmontontonians a barrierless, free opportunity to connect with and enjoy nature. We are grateful to share this natural space with so many, and with that comes some guidelines to follow that will ensure safe and sustainable trail use for everyone. Please familiarise yourself with the trail etiquette guidelines below.
Yield & Pass Appropriately
-
Hikers, trail runners & equestrians have right of way. Dismount from your bike and move to the side for horses.
-
Our trails are all multi-directional and downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic.
-
Mountain bikers yield to XC skiers at trail crossings in the winter.
-
Bells and yells help others know you are on the trail.
-
Let others know when you want to pass them and make sure they hear you! Only pass slower trail traffic when it is safe to do so. There are different levels of riders going at their own pace so please be mindful.
-
Listen for other riders behind you and find a safe place to pull over and let them pass.
Be Respectful To Others And Nature
-
Be friendly and considerate when out on the trails.
-
Be mindful of the diverse abilities and activities that are found on the trails.
-
Please allow at least 2 meters distance from the rider in front of you; their comfort and safety is more important than your Strava time. Follow the passing guidelines above.
-
Pack out what you pack in.
-
Do not disturb wildlife
-
Give a helping hand if you think someone might need it!
-
Do not ride on groomed XC track in the winter except when crossing a junction.
Respect Closures, Trail Work, And Vulnerable Trail Conditions
-
Ride, don’t slide! Try to avoid skidding.
-
Avoid riding wet trails where your tires leave ruts.
-
Respect closed trail sections (temporary closures and permanent closures).
-
Respect private land.
-
If you see a “Trail Work In progress” sign, please slow down and communicate with builders! If the trail is unsafe to ride, builders may ask you to walk your bike.
-
Do not alter the trails or make your own. Join a trail day if you'd like to contribute to Edmonton's singletrack network!
-
Report any trail concerns via trailforks or by contacting us.
Ride In Control
-
Know your limits, and always ride within them.
-
Be aware of trail difficulty classification and what it means to choose trails within your riding ability.
-
Make sure your bike is in good working order before heading out on the trails.
-
Slow down at trail exits, and junctions.
-
Scope out trail features before riding them. Make sure while doing so, you are not standing in spots that could be dangerous for other trail users.
-
Be aware of blind corners and the speed you carry into them.
-
Are you able to stop? Be aware of the speed you're carrying on the trails and be confident that if necessary, you will be able to stop safely.