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Blue Elephant

Rossland

An easy and fun cruise through peaceful forests

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
6.8 km
Ascent
159 m
Descent
160 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.1 km
High Point
1.2 km
Gradient
Blue Elephant Map

This is the perfect ride for those seeking a bit of evening fresh air, with zero stress. It's easily accessed from Rossland (and there's a parking lot at the very start if you don't want to ride the kilometre or so from Rossland town centre) and has zero technicality or real difficulty.

Description

The ride starts by following the Centennial Trail on the eastern shore of the lake which serves as Rossland's reservoir. The lake is lined with information boards, and reading these is both interesting and funny, with Kootenay-humour being infused throughout them. If you like your history with a twist or irony and dry humour, you'll enjoy the signs!

The Centennial Trail itself is flat and easy to ride, so cruise along it and enjoy the ambience all the way to Red Mountain village. Having reached the village make a short climb up to the popular Red Top Trail and follow this briefly to where Blue Elephant branches off. The climb then continues up Blue Elephant to its high point, almost due east of Red Mountain summit.

From here the fun really begins, with the undulating trail leading you down towards the lake. The riding is smooth, easy and super fun, so enjoy it and smile all the way down.

Finish off your ride with a brief excursion onto Larry's Trail, a fun way to wrap up an excellent trip. Roll easily along the Centennial Trail back to the parking lot, or all the way down to Rossland centre.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Picturesque
  • In the forest
  • Wet-weather friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area