West Kelowna’s Smith Creek Trails – An Intermediate Rider’s Guide

Discover West Kelowna’s Smith Creek Trail Network, where adrenaline-pumping descents meet breathtaking Okanagan vistas. The Smith Creek Trail Network is a seven-minute drive from the town centre and a 20-minute drive from downtown Kelowna. It is a hidden gem for mountain bikers seeking thrilling rides and stunning Okanagan views. While the network has trails for all skill levels, it really shines for intermediate to advanced riders as it offers a diverse range of challenges and fast, flowy descents. If you’re an intermediate rider looking to explore this network, here’s your guide to navigating Smith Creek like a pro.

Smith Creek’s Terrain

Smith Creek welcomes riders of all levels and offers a ride through diverse terrain. The trail network features a variety of trail types, ranging from relatively flat and simple dirt trails to more challenging longer cross-country climbs. While some beginner sections provide ride-around options for man-made features, the trails primarily cater to intermediate and advanced riders.

The park uses colour-coded trails to indicate difficulty: green for the easiest, blue for intermediate, black for advanced, and one double black trail for the most challenging rides. According to Trailforks.com, the network includes 5 green trails, 10 blue trails, 10 black trails, and 1 double black trail, ensuring that everyone can find a challenge that suits their skill level.

Best time of year to ride Smith Creek

West Kelowna’s typically dry climate makes the ideal time to explore the Smith Creek trails from April to early December. However, riders should avoid the trails during heavy rain, snow, or thawing periods to protect the trails and ensure a safe riding experience. The best riding conditions occur when the ground is firm, hard-packed dirt or frozen.

Getting Started

• Trailhead: Located at the end of Smith Creek Road. Follow Smith Creek Road to Copper Ridge Dr, turn left here as part of Smith Creek Road is blocked off. Follow Copper Ridge Dr to Smith Creek Rd, turn left and follow until you come across the trailhead park on your right-hand side.
• Parking: Two parking lots are available, including RV day-use parking.
• Facilities: A single restroom, a wooden bench, and a bike tool stand are available at the base of the parking lot.
• Trail Rating System: Trails are colour-coded: green (easiest), blue (intermediate), black (advanced), and double black (expert). Smith Creek has a high percentage of blue and black trails.
• Tools for Navigation: It is highly recommended to download the Trailforks app, before arriving at the trailhead. This app will help with trail navigation.

Exploring the Trails:

Smith Creek offers a variety of trail types.

• For those who enjoy a relatively flat and simple dirt path, start at the Warm Up trail, which leads into Trail on the Edge.
• Start on the Holy Pail Up Climb to enjoy a longer cross-country climb.
• If one wants to push themselves and continue to climb, they can take on the Holy Pail Up/Soul Trail Climb, where they will reach the summit.
• A downhill trail that features a mix of berms, jumps, and technical terrain is the Soul Trail Descent.
• Looking for some flow trails? Feel free on trails like Feel The Love, Dear Santa, and Travellin’ Man.

The Climb: Climbing to the Summit

For those seeking an introduction to the trail network, they can begin with the Warm Up trail and then progress to Trail on the Edge. When they’re ready to climb, Holy Pail Up Climb awaits them. This gradual ascent, featuring tight switchbacks and rocky sections, culminates in breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake, a worthy reward for their effort. For a more intense challenge, one can continue their climb to the summit via Holy Pail Up/Soul Trail Climb.

• Holy Pail Up Climb:
  • This climb boasts a total elevation gain of 416 meters over a distance of 7.4 kilometres.
  • Note: This trail is one-directional (uphill) unless there’s an emergency.
  • For detailed trail information, visit Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/holy-pail-up-climb/

The Decent: Flow and Technical Trails

After conquering the climbs, prepare for fast, flowy descents. Soul Trail Descent offers a mix of berms, jumps, and technical features, perfect for riders seeking an adrenaline rush. For a more flow-focused experience, explore the popular trails Feel The Love, Dear Santa, and Travellin’ Man. These trails provide a smooth, flowing ride, allowing you to enjoy the natural terrain.

Popular Trails for Intermediate Riders: FOMO and Feel The Love

The two most popular trails for moderate or intermediate riders are FOMO and Feel The Love. Riders can access these trails at different junctions while climbing up Holy Pail Up Climb, allowing them to choose their own adventure!

FOMO, a blue trail, is known for being fast and flowy. It features quick corners, with some berms that are hard-packed while others are flat and loose, containing earth’s organics. Riders are encouraged to keep their eyes looking ahead, as there are jumps and drops ranging from 1 to 3 feet that provide opportunities for getting air. Additionally, there is an option to ride around these features.

• FOMO Descent:
  • This exhilarating descent is 1.1 kilometres long.
  • Riders can access FOMO from Feel The Love at a junction point located approximately 2 kilometers from the start of Feel The Love.

Feel The Love is another fan favourite and is classified as a black trail. The golden ticket that makes this trail stand out is the wide, steep, and off-camber berms that riders encounter halfway down. The thrill of flowing through the connected berms gives riders a sense of exhilaration. Near the bottom, they have the option to ride over a wooden roll-down, or to the right of it, there is a 3 ft drop followed by a 4 ft hip wooden drop.

• Feel The Love Descent:
  • Get ready to shred down a 3.1-kilometre descent after conquering Holy Pail Up Climb.

Challenging sections and obstacles:

• The Feel The Love trail is categorized as a black trail due to its rock drops located near the top and scattered throughout the middle, along with wooden ramps designed for jumps and drops. For those who prefer to keep their wheels on the ground, there is a trail that runs alongside these challenging features.
• During the dry season, the dirt can become loose, and the earth’s organic materials filter into the trail, making it more difficult to ride. Riders must exercise extra caution while navigating the uneven terrain.
• The Smith Creek Jump Line offers a thrilling opportunity for riders looking to achieve air time and experience jumps. The jumps on this run are designed as tabletops, except for the last dirt jump at the bottom, which is a gap jump.

Bike Essentials and Safety and Etiquette:

Fun and safety go hand in hand when mountain biking. Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the trail before heading out and to complete a bike safety check to ensure their equipment is in good condition and does not need repairs.

• A thorough bike check (ABCD: Air, Brakes, Cables/Cassette/Chain, Drop Test) should be performed before each ride. It is essential to use a mountain bike equipped with front suspension, disc brakes, and tires with a minimum width of 2.2 inches. Suitable bike types for these trails include cross-country, all-mountain, enduro, fat bikes, and e-bikes.
• Riders should yield to climbers, hikers, and horseback riders, and use a bike bell to announce their presence when passing. Additionally, it is advisable to be aware of wildlife, including black bears, cougars, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
• Riding is restricted to marked trails in order to protect sensitive ecosystems and prevent the creation of unsanctioned paths. Off-trail riding, cutting corners, or creating alternate lines can contribute to erosion, disrupt wildlife, and damage the trails. Officially marked trails are sanctioned, which means they are officially recognized and are developed and maintained by land management authorities, such as local governments, park services, or trail organizations.

Additional Information:

• Fees/Permits: No fees or permits are required for riding. Business activities, however, require a permit from the Regional District of the Central Okanagan.
• Membership: Whether you’re a local shredding daily or a visitor chasing new lines, your trail membership helps build, maintain and protect the trails you ride. Purchase your membership with MTBCO here.
• What to Bring: Riders should pack essential items, including water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, bear spray, a helmet, elbow and knee pads, gloves, riding glasses, grippy shoes, a bike repair kit, and appropriate clothing layers.

Local Resources:

• For trail maps and real-time location tracking, riders can use Trailforks.com.
• To enhance their riding experience, they might consider hiring a professional coach or guide.
• Bold MTB Coaching offers lessons and community rides.
• Connecting with local bike shops such as Outbound Cycle, Smith Creek Cycle and Sovereign Cycle can provide opportunities for group rides and additional trail information.
• Looking for a bite to eat after your ride? Check out our dining guide for some ideas.
• Interested in exploring the West Kelowna Ale Trail? Discover a new favourite craft brew!

Smith Creek on Trailforks.com