Top Trails of 2024
Add these trails to your bucket list!
Where did I go, and what did I love?
The past 4 years I’ve published a gift guide during the holiday season. But as I truly believe we could all benefit from less stuff and more experiences, especially MTB related experiences, I have decided to shift focus from a gift guide to my top trails of the year. I wish I’d started this years ago, and I was tempted to add in trails from previous years, but I’m gonna stick to trails I rode in 2024. For the most part, these are new to me trails, with only 2 exceptions.
A few things to note: I love tech trails! Steep, raw, chunky, hard. That’s my jam. As much as I love jumping, I tend to avoid fast “flow” trails. So if you prefer the flow over the tech, or the mellow over the steep, you will want to look at someone else’s list:) I don’t have specific criteria for each trail. They are simply trails I consider worth the trip and would drive (or fly) to ride again! I hope you find this helpful.
#10) South Fork Trail. Bend, OR
A “Bend Black” which means it has roots and rocks but nothing steep. A very fast and fun trail with lots of natural and playful features!
Tip: Grab a shuttle from Cog Wild and save your legs!
#9) Cacciatore. Finale Legure, Italy
Do you like rocks? Do you like steep rocks? Do you like steep and sharp rocks? Do you like sharp, steep, rocks in a narrow shoot? If, yes yes yes, you will love this trail! There were plenty of other amazing trails in the Finale area. I highly recommend a visit! Contact Jonas from Le Ripp to book your tour!
#8) Out of the Blue. Darrington, WA
I have ridden this trail one time and it was during the 2024 Racecascadia Race! I LOVED LOVED LOVED it. It’s what I call a “push up trail.” Down down down you go with a plethora of chunky roots to keep you on your toes. A very physical ride, your strength training will pay off on this one! Pro tip: grab a shuttle or take your ebike. Or, give me a shout and I’ll go pedal with you! But bring some snacks, it’s a haul!
#7) Reverence. Snoqualmie, WA
New for the 2024 Sturdy Dirty race, Reverence trail quickly rose to one of my favs in the Raging River trail system. Also a “pushup trail” looking ahead and staying light on your feet will help you float over the countless roots that speckle this trail!
Jameson Florence sends a fun stump drop!
#6) Brown Pow. Bellingham, WA
This quickly became a new favorite. I only got to ride it once, but if I’d stuck around longer I’d have been happy to rip multiple laps. A raw flow trail that has a little bit of everything from some steep shoots, to a few natural jumps and drops. As the name implies, I believe this trail is ridden best with some moisture in the soil, which fortunately isn’t hard to find in Bellingham!
#5) Slick Jimmy (upper and lower). Olympia, WA
Oh my god! This trail is so good. Steep! Fun! Loamy! Slick Jimmy will keep you on your toes for sure, and is one of the steepest sanctioned trails I’ve ridden. The whole North Slope system is incredible! Super fun, something for everyone and easy to rip ebike laps or shuttle. Grab a crew of friends, pack the cooler, and prepare to have a blast!
Note: You will need a Discover Pass to park.
#4) Captain Kangaroo. Castlegar, BC
The top rated trail on Trailforks, Captain Kangaroo did not disappoint. You start with an absolutely lovely climb trail that leads you to an epic lookout complete with a bench and the requisite cairns. I entered into a bit of a twighlight zone/flow state on the descent and felt like we descended 3X longer than we climbed. Now that’s a good trail! A delightful mix of rock slab, steeps, chunky roots, and wooden ramps/features will test your skills and leave your cheers sore from grinning.
Learn from Coach Bekah on How to Berm to ride GP with more confidence and more fun!
#3) Grand Prix AKA “GP”. Post Canyon, Hood River
According to Strava, I’ve ridden this trail 188 times. Which is actually probably closer to 250 because I often don’t run Strava when I’m coaching. Either way, no matter how many times I ride this trail - I always finish grinning ear to ear. It’s not uncommon to hear first time GPers hootin’ and hollering as they come down. GP provides ample jump options for those of you looking to send it, but if keeping your wheels on the ground is more your style you will also have a blast! Make sure it hasn’t poured rain recently as you will both wreck the trail and yourself (the heavy clay soil turns into an ice skating rink when wet).
NOTE: Grab a HRC Parking pass before you go!
#2) Redhead. Rossland, BC
The view from “Poochy’s cabin” is legit! Also always nice to ride with friends.
The climb up to the top of Redhead is covered with flowers!
This trail I did ride twice! If you’re staying at the base of Red Mountain, you can ride from your place! The trail also comes complete with an excellent climb and a cabin at the top to eat a snack and take in the view. Redhead was a descent in one of the recent TransBC Enduros, and you will quickly understand why. Think steep rock berms, steep rock switchbacks, and exposure! But you hardly need a pedal stroke on the descent. If you struggle with heights or exposure I’d skip this one. If you’re looking for a little butt pucker, amazing views, and something to keep your eyes glued to the trail, this one checks all the boxes!
#1) Cambodia. North Vancouver, BC
“Modern flow” is how this trail was described to me. A once unsanctioned trail that was recently sanctioned, Cambodia has a bit of everything. A few very spicy A lines, steep chunky shoots, tech, as well as fun berms and jumps. Ideally shuttle this trail, or tell me the best way to climb up. Do not follow my route unless you want to push your bike straight up a rather harrowing descent!
I hope you found this review helpful and inspirational! Let me know if you check out any of these trails, and what you think!