Gravel Riding

Revelstoke has a long history of logging, which has resulted in a large network of forest service roads (FSRs) that are perfect for gravel cyclists. There are many opportunities to ride on dirt, whether on the valley flats, alongside mountain streams, or climbing high onto the flanks of the peaks above. Many of these roads are active resource roads, so you should expect to encounter heavy truck traffic and pull over as needed—radios are recommended. Other roads are no longer maintained and you should be fully prepared to self-rescue should anything occur.

The Flats – 12 km (to 9 Mile)

“The Flats” are a vast stretch of old farmland stretching south of Revelstoke that were flooded by the construction of the Hugh Keenleyside dam in 1968. The area is snowbound in winter and flooded in the summer, but in the spring and fall, the old roads that once connected the valley make for amazingly scenic and mellow gravel rides. Starting at Kovach Park, you can follow old dirt roads as far south as 9 Mile and enjoy the tranquility of the grasslands and views of the Selkirks and Monashees as you go. There are many smaller trails to explore along the way.

Boulder Loop – 25 km

This short loop brings you through the Big Eddy to the backdoor of Boulder Mountain. A punchy climb brings you to great views of town and Revelstoke Dam. The Boulder FSR is busy with gravel trucks and mountain bike shuttles, so be careful.

Mount Macpherson

Mount Macpherson’s Nordic ski trails make for gravel trails come summer. Road quality varies from well-graded dirt to rough-and-tumble double-track. Check out the Nordic trail map for ideas. You can even try out some of our singletrack while you’re at it.

Crawford and Alkokolex FSRs – up to 150 km return trip

These generally well-maintained FSRs extend from the end of Airport Way, well south of Revelstoke along the east side of Upper Arrow Lake. At kilometre 12.5 you can either choose to head east and follow the bucolic Alkolkolex River deep into the Selkirks. Alternately, take the switchback to head south past the roaring Alkoklex Falls (18 km), and continue all the way to the Sproat Mountain trailhead, with incredible views of the Gold Range across the lake almost the entire way.

Downie Creek FSR – up to 82 km return trip

There are many logging roads off Highway 23 N that penetrate the Selkirk Mountains. The best of these is the Downie Creek FSR. Starting about 65 km north of Highway 1, the road curves southeast into the Selkirks and has towering rock walls on one side and glaciated peaks on the other. There’s minimal climbing and the views get better the further you go. There’s also the option of taking the Sorcerer FSR at km 15 to explore another stunning drainage.

North Fork-Gorge Loop – 135 km loop (175 km to Seymour Arm and back)

Possibly the greatest gravel ride near Revelstoke, this monstrous loop includes over 3,000 m of climbing. Start up the North Fork FSR, cutting between the Jordan Range and Antsey Range. Enjoy glacier views as you cross through several major slidepaths. The return journey up the Gorge FSR starts out steep and loose, but eventually delivers you to some stunning views of Shuswap Lake. There’s a nice camping spot at the bottom of the Gorge Road, near Ratchford Creek, which lets you break up the ride into two days. Or you can extend it 20 km to Seymour Arm and camp on a white sand beach at the northern tip of Shuswap Lake.

Photo credit: Alex Cooper.