Seven Summits Alpine Ridge Trail

30 kms
12hours
moderate
Event, Snowshoeing, Hiking, Back Country Skiing, Mountain Biking
Winter, Fall, Summer
Rossland, BC

Anonymous

The Seven Summit Trail, true to its name, is a 30.4 km ridge ride that passes within a half hour ascent of seven major peaks in the Rossland area. Traversing above the well known Red Resort ski hill, the trail takes you past the treeline on a breathtaking alpine challenge. This newly constructed alpine trail was completed as of September 2004 and finishing touches will continue this summer and beyond.

Above the "Alpine City" of Rossland, the Seven Summit trail is the essential back country trail of the Monashee Mountains. Traveling south will allow for an initial elevation gain with an overall descent for the rest of the way. Starting at the north trail head parking lot at Nancy Greene Summit (21.2 km from Rossland), the ride will land you at the12 km sign up the Old Cascade highway. Turn left onto this old settler's route to take it back to downtown Rossland for a round trip (13.8 km). The north and the south trailheads have easy vehicle access.

Alternatively, the trail can be assimilated with the Dewdney trail at the south end of Record Ridge where it meets up with the old Cascade Highway. Instead of hanging a left onto the old Cascade Highway continue straight past it for an added 5.4 km and an extra 700m of elevation drop. This will land you down highway 22, 3km north of the American boarder near Patterson.

A light and agile full-suspension or hard tail bike will best suit this 4-6 hour ride (some lugging required). There is a "leave no trace" policy and there are no official rest stops, so bring plenty of water and supplies (especially when exposed to the alpine sun and winds).

For more information go to www.Rosslandtrails.ca or pick up a Seven Summit Trail brochure on Columbia avenue at the Rossland Chamber of Commerce, Rossland Pro Hardware or Revolution Cycle.

7-Summit Key Info

Elevation : North end 1575m

South end 1412m

Old Glory Junction 1805m

Max 2200m

Average 1980m

Distance : 4-6 hrs Biking,10-12 hrs hiking, 30.4 km

Access : Easy

Map Sheet : NAD 82 F/4(Rossland-Trail)

Rating : Challenging day trip

Directions:

North Trail Head - Nancy Greene Summit 21.2 km's from Downtown Rossland. Roadside parkinglot. Head north from Rossland past Red Mountain Resort on highway 3B. Elevation 1575m

South Trail Head - 1st summit on Cascade Rd @ 12km sign. 13.8 km from Downtown Rossland. Head south from Rossland on Cascade Rd off of Highway 22 just past the Rossland Museum.