Upper Oil Can is on the North Shore here in Vancouver. There are three popular local mountains that make up the Shore. Grouse (actually Mt. Fromme) is one of the most popular areas.
This trail itself may only be a kilometer long or less, however, you ride up about 5km from the parking area at the top of Mountain Highway (on Mt. Fromme), and follow all the other riders using the gravel road to access their trails. In your case you must count '6' switchbacks as the map shows. The distance from the 5th to the 6th switchback is long, be prepared for that.
When you get to Upper Oil Can, at about 6.5 switchbacks, you will see a sign, clearly marking the trail, and showing it as a black diamond, but really, this is one of the easier and sweeter trails on Grouse (really Mt. Fromme) for those who are not yet into 3 or 4 foot wheelie drops (as in Pink Starfish). There are some ladders on Upper Oil Can, some really nice log rides that qualify it as difficult. What's unique about this trail is that trail builders have placed lots of large field stones 'inlaid' into the trail, which create a nice surface, some challenges, but, also keeps the trail quite ridable when it's wet. We rode in pouring rain, no big deal. A great trail for the intermediate rider ready to start tackling Grouse. After Upper Oil Can you have a number of trial options from easier (Pipeline, Crinkum Crankum) to more difficult (Groovula, Starfish, Ladies, Air Supply, etc.).
To get to the parking area, take any of the bridges (2nd narrows or Lions) to North Vancouver, get on the Upper levels highway (99) and, get to Lynn Road, exit, and drive North to Mountain Highway. There is a starbucks at that intersection, to the right, where many riders meet. In any case, turn left onto Mountain highway and drive as close to the top as you can, without violating the parking restrictions
More Mt Fromme mountain biking trails can be found here.
ByPosted By: VDT
- Mon Apr 26 02:54:43 EDT 2004
Not Rated
CommentMan those are bad pictures.... you should check out www.gutsploder.com for better ones.
ByPosted By: regan
- Sun May 25 19:12:37 EDT 2003
Upsidenorth shore rocks,this trail is a favourite, was up there yesterday in the pouring rain the ride was sweet, didnt do the skinnys ,too tricky.Seeing Pete Morin and him telling me the correct line down a steep corner he was working on, and being up in the forest is the best.
Downside?
Commentbroke my rear hub yesterday coming out of lower ladies had to push my bike back to lonsdale Quay then up to 43rd ave to kerridale took 3 hours what a day
ByPosted By: AmyDoll
- Fri Jul 05 11:53:48 EDT 2002
UpsideUpper Oilcan is a VEY well built trail. Kudo's to Ol' Pete for his work here. Even riding it cold as an intermediate was no problem, there are easier options for most things and if you're wondering what's on the otherside of this or that, have no fear, it's so well built evrything is a roll-over, simple huck or what have you. You can trust this trail. VERY flowy, keeps you wanting more
Posted By: VDT
