About the Route:
The Chief Isadore Trail from Cranbrook to Wardner has a packed gravel surface, which is half on old Rail Grade and half new trail. A 17-km “Mayook Trail” section is a new trail with enhanced single track, 1.3 metre width, with a sustained 5% grades with some short sections up to a 10% grade.
Do a loop adventure! Rampart Rest Area Loop, 6.5 km: The Rampart Loop is a family cycling or hiking loop. It begins (and ends) at the Rampart Rest Area on Highway #3. On a bike, ride the trail in a clockwise direction starting from the restroom because it is an even climb. After 2.1 km - turn right (west) onto the rail grade trail (this is an intersection with a new road). Hike or bike the rail grade west for 2.7 km. Turn right at a kiosk sign and head back to the rest area by the pond.
Mountain Bikers - try the Mayook Trail! With 17 km of trail, Mountain bikers (intermediate level) will love the fun ride along lower flanks of Mount Baker on a 1.3-metre-wide gravel trail. Elevation gain is 200 metres on well-made switchbacks and gradual grades. Begin from either the Ha-Ha Creek Road or the Pritchard Road Trailheads
Looking for a scenic 21 km loop that includes rural paved roads? Try the Ha-Ha Creek Road Loop Ride, with a stop in Wardner! Start from the trailhead at Ha-Ha Creek Road (the junction between the Mayook Trail and the Wardner Trail sections) and ride the rural paved Ha-Ha Creek Road around to Wardner, then complete the loop by riding back along the old rail grade of the Chief Isadore Trail.
The Chief Isadore Trail is a public recreation trail within active forest, range, and grassland. You may encounter livestock (May to October) and /or wildlife year round. Please do not approach livestock or wildlife. Logging may also take place near the trail. Deer and elk hunting season begins in September and throughout autumn
Trail Highlights and Developments:
- Cranbrook's Community Forest, located just off the Isadore Canyon trail, is a great place for novice mountain biking
- Wardner Provincial Park (day-use park on the river bank within Wardner)
Chief Isadore Trail from Carla Sinclair on Vimeo.
Trail Operator:
- Within Cranbrook city limits, the trail is operated by the municipality
- The Chief Isadore Trail sections are located on Ministry of Forest lands and are overseen by Recreation Sites and Trails BC, excluding portions of the route on roadways (that are not forestry roads)
Trail Stewards and Volunteers:
Trails BC is the steward of the Chief Isadore Trail. You can report all issues, such as damage, vandalism or problems to us (see the form at the bottom of this page).