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Cranbrook
Cranbrook is the largest city in the East Kootenays and a growing hub for mountain biking in the region. The Wildhorse Cycling Club manages the local trail network, centred around the Cranbrook Community Forest and Isadore Canyon. The club runs a popular 6-week Youth MTB Program, making it one of the more accessible entry points for families new to the sport. The Cranbrook Bike Skills Park provides a dedicated space for skill development before hitting the trails. Kootenay Freewheelers, based here, is one of the longest-running cycling clubs in the region with over 30 years of history.
11 resources in this area
TrailRipper's Take
Cranbrook doesn't always get the same attention as Fernie or Rossland, but it has something those places can't match: a beginner-friendly setup with the Youth MTB Program and Skills Park right there. If you're bringing kids who are just starting out, this is a low-pressure environment to build confidence. Northstar Bicycle Co. is great for trail intel and last-minute gear.
Where to start
Start at the Cranbrook Community Forest — the trail network is well-signposted and the lower cross-country loops are accessible for riders of any age. The Cranbrook Bike Skills Park (free, pump track) is a good first stop for kids who've never ridden off-road. Northstar Rails to Trails is flat and paved — suitable for very young riders.
Trails Worth Knowing
Skills Parks & Pump Tracks
MTB Associations
2 organisationsKootenay Freewheelers
30+ year old cycling club serving Kimberley, Cranbrook, and wider Kootenays. Covers mountain, road, gravel, and e-bikes. Runs a youth MTB program. Contact for youth: freewheelerscoach@gmail.com.
Wildhorse Cycling Club
Founded 2011 to unite cyclists of all disciplines in Cranbrook. IMBA-registered non-profit. Runs a popular 6-week Youth MTB Program on trails in the Cranbrook Community Forest and Isadore Canyon.
Bike Shops
3 bike shopsFunhogz Gear Exchange
4.5Used sports gear exchange store with a good rotating bike selection. Great for affordable family bikes and trying new sports on a budget.
Gerick Sports
4.6Multi-sport retailer including bike sales and servicing. Known for thorough, knowledgeable work at fair prices. Ski and outdoor gear also stocked.
Northstar Bicycle Co
4.6Cranbrook's main MTB shop, also serving espresso. Fat bike rentals, solid inventory, and helpful staff. Active partner with local trail community.
Trails
5 trailsHillbilly Music
BlueFlowy down, not technical. A nice finish to Yer Cheatin' Heart (into Migor then Hillbilly Music for a long, sustained, flowy down.)
Roller Coaster
BlueA blue-rated singletrack trail located in the Cranbrook Community Forest with an average grade of 1.9% and a physical rating of Easy. The trail features 157 ft of elevation gain and 389 ft of descent, ranging in elevation from 3,125 ft to 3,391 ft.
Gateway Trail
GreenOriginating at the College of the Rockies, this gradual, wide trail leads up to Sylvan Lake and showcases recent ecosystem restoration treatments.
Pilsit
GreenPilsit Trail was named after the wife of revered Ktunaxa Chief Isadore. This is an easy beginner trail that is 1.2 metres wide that climbs at 3–5% from the Chief Isadore Trail to the Kettle Lake parking lot. The lower part of the trail can also be linked with Elephant Run to make a nice 3.8 km beginner loop. Makes for a great first ever downhill run. This trail is also a part of the Cranbrook Great Trail Loop.
CCF Flow Trail
Skill & Bike Parks
1 parkFrom the blog
