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Turkey Vulture Loop

A wonderful quick hit which feels much more remote than it really is.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
5.4 km
Ascent
201 m
Descent
201 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
669 m
High Point
754 m
Gradient
Turkey Vulture Loop Map

There are some epic long rides to be had in Rose Valley, but the area is also excellent for little trips like this. The riding is pretty straightforward and despite never taking you more than a few kilometres from the parking lot, this journey feels disproportionately wild.

Description

You've got a few options on how to access this ride and we've marked the shortest, easiest option here. It could be added to the Rose Valley Lake Loop or combined with some of the many fun trails which lie in the southern part of Rose Valley Regional Park.

Park at the top of West Kelowna Road and make the short climb up to the famous Rooster Tree - a distinct feature from where you can enjoy a fabulous vista across the central part of the Okanagan valley. Carry on north past the tree and follow the undulations of the Turkey Vulture Loop past a gorgeous little pond and around to a shelf which hangs high above the valley. Ride along the shelf - trying not to be too distracted by the view - and enjoy the fun terrain. The riding is varied but there are no particularly challenging sections so you can get on with savouring it all.

Eventually the trail begins to climb up to the Rooster Tree again so make the short climb up to it, take one final look at the breathtaking view and roll then down to the top of West Kelowna road. Alternatively, drop from the Rooster Tree down to Rose Valley Lake and extend your ride.

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

3 out of 4

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

Best time to visit

between April and October

Features

  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Roots
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area