If you’re looking for some epic wilderness rides, you’ll find them in Whitehorse. One of the world’s fastest growing mountain biking hotspots, the Yukon’s capital is surrounded by a massive network of trails. A large portion of it is stellar single track that’s spread out over three main riding areas: Grey Mountain, Mount McIntyre and the Yukon River Trail. You can base yourself in town and head out each day for a host of different rides.
In summer, the midnight sun means that if you’ve got the stamina, we’ve got the daylight.
At the foot of Grey Mountain Road, you’ll find a parking lot and trail map kiosk. There are trails that start from here, or keep going up the gravel road to access other trailheads. A multitude of cross country trails offer something for all riders from beginner to expert. You can link several trails without any road riding, while trail markers at every junction make it easy to find your way around. The single track weaves through the boreal forest with a backdrop of amazing views over the Whitehorse valley all the way to the coastal mountains. Travel along ridgelines before pitching down to a bench. Then ride through aspen meadows and along the edge of a lake.
The most challenging trail is the Money Shot, which drops 700m from the top of the mountain down to the Yukon River. This evening, sit your weary legs down on a sunny deck and enjoy a meal made with local produce and a refreshing brew from one of our microbreweries.
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One of the best things about riding in the Yukon is that you’ll often find yourself on historic trails that have tales to tell. The Yukon River Trail, a highlight of any Yukon biking trip, is such a trail. You'll be riding on a smooth dirt single track, following the Yukon River which swoops along ridge tops and bluffs, cuts across hillsides and climbs high above the rapids Whitehorse got its name from all before a beautiful roller coaster descent. You can access the trail from the Juicy Trail off Grey Mountain or from Miles Canyon by following the Upper Canyon City Trail.
At Canyon City, you’ll be riding in the footsteps of the gold rush stampeders who passed through here on their way to the Klondike. When they arrived a century ago, this section of the river was churning white water that became known as the White Horse rapids. A tent city grew as they considered how they would navigate the rapids with all their gear. If you want to keep riding, you can continue on to another set of trails around Hidden Lakes.
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Even though there’s over 700 km of trails around Whitehorse, the city only has 29,000 people. So one thing you won’t find on the trails is a crowd. Today, head up to Mount McIntyre (or simply Mount Mac to the locals) for some subalpine riding. Discover some of Whitehorse’s newest single track as well as a skills park. The trails are more technical and freeride in style with lots of banked corners.
For sensational views over Fish Lake and the Whitehorse Valley, check out Starbuck’s Revenge. From the top you’ll get a 2.5km steady descent from the alpine right to the valley floor, coming out on the Skyline Trail. The Porcupine Ridge Trail is a great ridge ride which looks out over the Arkell Wetlands. On the Blair Witch Project you’ll ride a downhill trail with wooden structures that look like they might be out of the movie. And if you’re looking for some challenging technical descents, try the Lower Goat or Midnight Run.
Note: This Whitehorse Trail Guide app can come in handy. It’s able to work without a cell signal or wifi.
