FATMAP by Strava

Half Nelson

Half Nelson is Squamish’s marquee ride, in part due to this flow trail’s accessibility.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
7.2 km
Ascent
333 m
Descent
333 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
324 m
High Point
603 m
Gradient
Half Nelson Map

Half Nelson is one of the most popular mountain bike trails not only in Squamish, but in British Columbia as well, and quite possibly the world. According to a 2013 article published in Bike Magazine, Half Nelson averaged 120 mountain bikers per day, 365 days per year. And it's only gotten more popular with time.

Description

Half Nelson is a flow trail in the true sense of the word, with bermed corners, rollers, and jumps—all through loamy black dirt. While it’s very accessible to early intermediate riders, advanced riders can take advantage of jumps and lips to catch air that less-skilled riders will simply roll over. A few bridges are interspersed throughout, and while the trail really doesn’t have any true rocky, technical features, rocks in the trail tread prevent Half Nelson from feeling TOO buffed out.

Just how good is Half Nelson? "Half Nelson is the closest thing to perfection that I have ever witnessed," wrote Vernon Felton, author of the article in Bike Magazine.

I'd say that's pretty good.

Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfaKcnfScmc https://www.bikemag.com/blog/vault-half-full/

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Tabletops

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area