Are the MacPherson Trails in Revelstoke good for kids?

MacPherson is one of the better family trail systems in the Kootenays. The Rotary Skills Park has green through black options so different ages and skill levels can ride at their own pace, and trails like Dusty Beaver offer more challenge than the green rating suggests without overwhelming newer riders. Families were gearing up in the parking lot on both days we visited — it's clearly a go-to spot for local families too.

How long is the Dusty Beaver trail in Revelstoke?

Dusty Beaver combined with the FSR climb and Beaver Tail loop comes out to roughly 10–12km. Plan for 3–4 hours on trail if you're riding with kids, or add an hour if you're stopping for skills park laps on the way out.

Can you shuttle MacPherson Trails in Revelstoke?

Yes, and it works well for families with younger riders who've had enough climbing. We dropped the kids at the picnic bench near Beaver Lake and they rode Dusty Beaver, Toad School, Leap Frog, and Eager Beaver without the FSR grind. One car is enough — one parent drives while the other rides up with the kids.

What age is appropriate for MacPherson Trails?

Six and up is a reasonable starting point for the main trail network, though confident younger riders can get a lot out of the skills park. Our youngest was on 20" wheels and managed the FSR climb and Dusty Beaver, but felt the effort — having the shuttle option on day two made a big difference.

When is the best time to ride MacPherson Trails?

Late summer riding is great but expect dust and heat on the exposed FSR climb — pack more water than you think you need. The trails are typically rideable from late spring through October, with July through September being peak season for dry, firm conditions.

MacPherson Trails Revelstoke: Family MTB Guide

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you didn't plan for. In late August, a last-minute camping trip landed us in Revelstoke, and with trails I'd ridden plenty of times myself, I couldn't wait to show the kids and husband around MacPherson.

Quick Notes

- Location: MacPherson Trails, Revelstoke, BC

- Best ages: 6 and up; confident younger riders welcome at the skills park

- Distance: Varies by loop — Dusty Beaver + Beaver Tail loop is roughly 10–12km including the FSR climb

- Time on trail: 3–4 hours for the main loop; add an hour for skills park laps

- Trail ratings: Green to black available; Dusty Beaver is green-rated with more personality than that suggests

- Parking: Griffith upper lot

- Shuttle option: Drop-off at the picnic bench near Beaver Lake; Klaus ran the kids while I shuttled — worked well

- Pack: Snacks, plenty of water (it gets dusty), and a pump — the FSR climb is exposed and warm in August

The Climb: Turning a Grind into a Game

We parked at the Griffith upper lot and started up Griffith Cr. FSR toward Beaver Lake Road. It's a kid-friendly climb overall, but let's be honest — a wide, straight forest road isn't exactly thrilling for young riders.

So we made a game of it. I had the kids "paperboy" up the steeper sections, weaving side to side across the road instead of grinding straight up. It turned a boring slog into a fun challenge, though our youngest, still on 20" wheels, definitely felt the burn.

The payoff came fast. Once we reached the lake, the terrain got interesting: divots, bumps, and rocks to roll over. Exactly the kind of stuff that makes kids forget they're tired.

Dusty Beaver: A Green Trail With Personality

Don't let the "green" rating fool you — Dusty Beaver has some surprisingly technical moments. Both kids loved it.

There's a bit of climbing before the descent kicks in, and it kept them engaged the whole way:

- Kyle was all smiles, yelling "yahooooo!" the entire way down

- Our oldest dug into the technical climb, working through bumps and rollers that kept him focused and having fun

- Parents had fun on this trail too, with different line options and little things to pop over along the way

We linked up with Beaver Tail to round out the loop — a flowy, satisfying finish to a trail that delivers far more fun than its rating suggests.

Finishing Strong at Rotary Skills Park

No ride day is complete without a few laps at the skills park, and this one didn't disappoint. It's easy to lap and lets everyone ride at their own pace.

- Kyle got some extra mileage on Miller Time, a perfect longer lap to close out the day

- Our oldest headed straight for the rollers and small drops, working on his skills right up until we called it

My favourite part as a coach is having these short progressive trails available so kids can lap them and practice a skill on the same trail. Jayden liked the features on Blue Bird and Black Bear for practising getting more air time, while Kyle was thrilled to ride Green Grasshopper. He also liked riding Blue Bird simply so he could brag about riding a blue trail. Since the skills park has multiple trail options from green to blue and black, each kid can choose their own adventure.

Shuttle Laps

The kids loved this ride so much they wanted to go back the next day — with the caveat of skipping the slog up to Dusty Beaver. So I shuttled while Klaus took them for a ride. I dropped them off at the picnic bench by the lake, and this time they peeled off from Dusty Beaver and did Toad School, Leap Frog, and finished on Eager Beaver. Toad School was fun and flowy; Leap Frog was a bit dusty and exposed, but still a crowd-pleaser from top to bottom.

Why Revelstoke Works for Families

What stood out most wasn't just the trails — it was the scene at the parking lot. Families were gearing up everywhere, all heading out for their own version of this same adventure.

MacPherson has something for every skill level in one loop, which makes it an easy destination to plan around. Whether your crew is building confidence or ready for a technical challenge, this is a spot where everyone comes home smiling.

A Family Ride to Remember: MacPherson Trails, Revelstoke