Horseshoe and G8 Loops

Canmore

A perfect after-work lap on loamy, rooty singletrack.

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
11 km
Ascent
334 m
Descent
334 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.3 km
High Point
1.5 km
Gradient
Horseshoe and G8 Loops Map

The Horseshoe and G8 loops offer a quick, easily-accessible mountain bike ride that can be reached from downtown Canmore without a car. While these trails might make for a relatively quick ride, they shouldn’t be overlooked!

Description

The delectable slice of loamy singletrack on this hillside hides deep beneath the forest canopy. It breaks out from beneath the trees in a meadow or two, but spends most of its time twisting through the deep pine forest. The singletrack is covered in webs of roots that can prove tricky when wet, and portions of the trail can be quite rocky.

Rocks and roots aside, these loops prove popular with intermediate cross country mountain bikers. On the grand scope of Alberta and British Columbia mountain biking, these trails qualify as non-technical… in comparison.

Thanks to the easy accessibility, these trails see plenty of lunch ride and after-work traffic, so don’t be surprised to encounter other trail users even mid-week.

Looking for a bike park or pumptrack fix? The trailhead noted here is also the local bike park, with several excellent jump lines allowing riders to progressively increase their skills.

Difficulty

Moderate

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area