Trail Information

Distance	40 km (one-way) km
Duration	4 - 10 Hours (one-way) bike; 11 - 14 Hours (one-way) back-country ski; shorter loop options possible
Difficulty	More Difficult
Geo Referenced PDF	View Map
Access Map	Google Maps
Latitude / Longitude	50.69453028, -119.20377159
Activities

About

The Larch Hills Traverse was the first section of the wider Shuswap Trail System to be completed and is still evolving as new singletrack trail sections get added and new loop options are created. 

The traverse links the communities of Salmon Arm and Sicamous, and connects the South Canoe trail system, Larch Hills Nordic trail system, Shuswap Outdoors! backcountry trails, Rubberhead Mountain Bike trail system, Sicamous Greenways, and Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail. In addition, it provides access to the Hyde Mountain lookout trail and the Around-the-Hill loop.  Simply put - it's the backbone connecting a whole lot of good trail karma in the Shuswap.
It’s an epic 40 km highland cross-country romp through forests and fens, interspersed with dramatic lake vistas. Open year round to bikers, hikers, equestrian riders, skiers, and snowshoers (no motorized use allowed), it’s doable in a very long day by mountain bikers or Nordic ski tourers, but also lends itself well to an overnight. Water is limited so be prepared. Parties can add overnight visits to the Larch Hills Nordic Society’s Main Chalet or Cec’s Cabin (bookings through the Larch Hills Nordic Society). 

A series of distinct sections make up the full traverse. Each offers its own unique character to the journey. The route connects forestry roads and singletrack trails through a variety of ecosystems and terrain. Many amazing viewpoints overlooking Shuswap and Mara Lakes are your rewards. Most often traveled from Salmon Arm to Sicamous for mountain bikers, it also rides very well in the other direction from Sicamous to Salmon Arm. The Sicamous Switchbacks are a surprisingly rideable uphill grade only averaging 10%, but don't be fooled on the downhill. This section is still one of the hidden wonders of the mountain biking world, with loads of undulations and meanders to make it the cherry on the cake for those riding from west to east.

With trail sections completed through Raspberry Hill, Top-o-the-Sic’, and Hyde Around, the entire east side of the traverse is effectively now doable all on sweet singletrack trails. These sections can also be combined with the old 112 FSR to create unique loops of their own for an out-and-back trail experience starting and ending in Sicamous. Check out the Around-the-Hill Loop for a very cool destination hike or snowshoe through older growth cedar/hemlock forest, or Hyde Lookout for additional views over Mara Lake. New singletrack trail sections and overnight shelters are planned to extend winter and summer touring options for the area. Watch for updates.

Access

SALMON ARM (WEST) TRAILHEAD: Park at the South Canoe trailhead east of Salmon Arm at the end of 10 Ave SE (turn east on 10 Ave SE at the crosswalk on Hwy 97B) and look for the Larch Hills Traverse kiosk at the north end of the parking lot. 

SICAMOUS (EAST) TRAILHEAD: Parking is limited at the trailhead. Alternate parking is available at Sicamous public beach 2.4 km from the trailhead. Walk or cycle west to the “Welcome to Sicamous” sign 1 km west of the Sicamous Narrows Bridge on Hwy 1. The trailhead is 400 m up the short access road. Hwy 1 is dangerous, take care when crossing the bridge and travelling along the highway.

LARCH HILLS (SOUTH) TRAILHEAD: See Larch Hills Nordic Trails access to the main Larch Hills Nordic Chalet Parking area. 

EQ ACCESS: The best access and trailer parking for equestrian riders is at the Larch Hills and South Canoe trailheads.