Travel tips
Yukon mountain biking: Epic trails for all riders
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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.
Grey Mountain, Whitehorse
Grey Mountain offers a downhill mountain biker's dream. Accessible by car or a challenging climb, the trails cater mostly to intermediate and advanced riders, with a few green cross-country trails about half-way up the climb along the road. There's truly something for everyone! The prize of reaching the summit will take you down the steep and technical trail Money Shot, that offers unparalleled views of Whitehorse. And if you want to catch that late-night light the Yukon is famous for, head up Grey Mountain Road for your ride around 10:30pm on a clear night. The midnight sun won’t let you down.
Hailey Elise
Should you visit 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 also 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.”
Distance from Whitehorse: 2km from city centre (to parking lot)
Right in the heart of Carcross is over 40km of single-track trails 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. 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.
Shuttles up the rocky road are recommended, but you can bike up if you want to get a bigger workout. There are a few up-track trails, but most of them are exclusively downhill.
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.
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.
Distance from Whitehorse: 8km from city centre (to parking lot)
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, berms, and technical terrain for prospective riders looking for a big rush above this small town.
There’s Paydirt and Dome Dive for seasoned riders, but also plenty of intermediate options for downhill, all-mountain, and cross-country like Hammarstrand and Dish Pig. Set up a shuttle or earn your turns by riding up the Dome Road before dropping in. Make sure you savor the view at the top before you let off the brakes. 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.
Conquer challenging terrain without leaving the city limits at Mount Sima, Whitehorse's lift-accessed downhill haven. Catered towards all skill levels, this bike park boasts flowy intermediate trails for a confidence boost, alongside heart-stopping black and extreme diamond descents for adrenaline junkies.
Mount Sima
Soft, bermed sections contrast with technical rock slabs and bridges, providing a diverse playground for riders to shred right within city limits. Open on Wednesdays and every-other Friday throughout July and August, Mount Sima is a must-visit for adrenaline-seeking mountain bikers.
Distance from Whitehorse: 15km from city centre
Trail ratings: Blue to Double Black
Mount Sima
Time to start planning
The Yukon mountain biking season typically runs from late May/early June to late September, with the warmest weather and extended daylight hours between June and July. Riding in Whitehorse and Dawson City means recreating on the traditional territory of the Ta’an Kwachan Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation. Remember to leave no trace, treat the land with respect and make noise for other hikers, bikers and wildlife as you make your way down the trail.
With its epic trails, stunning scenery, and rich history, biking in the Yukon promises an experience that's more rewarding than striking gold.
