Seven Summits

Trail Description
From Nancy Greene Pass it’s a long singletrack climb (625m vertical gain to the highest point) into the high alpine and the numerous peaks and sub peaks which comprise the Rossland Range. You’ll pass signs along the trail indicating peaks accessible from the trail via short side trips (intended more for hikers), and other notable features. At Km 10.4 there’s the option of detouring (at least 2hrs) to the summit of Old Glory Mtn (the highest peak in the Range) or descending via the much rougher Plewman trail to Hwy 3B and the Hanna Creek Trailhead. Descending from Gibbard’s Junction at Km 13.7 to Hwy 3B is not recommended due to the poor condition of the trail. The only other escape route exists at Km 18.4, where it’s possible to descend via South Side Rd through Red Mountain Resort to Rossland. At Km 21.4, the trail tops out on Record Ridge (2025m) noteworthy not only for the incredible views, but also because it’s almost all downhill for 9 km from here. You’ll pass through several vegetation zones, from wildflower meadows on the peaks, dense coniferous forests, and the unique dry grasslands of lower Record Ridge. At the end of the actual Seven Summits trail on the Rossland Cascade Rd, continue for a further 5km of downhill thrills on the Dewdney Trail, which begins immediately opposite the South Trailhead (signed). The Dewdney descent is intermediate level, mostly flowing singletrack and will add a further ½ hour to the ride. If you’ve planned things properly, you’ll have a well earned cold beer stashed in your waiting vehicle.

Biking the Seven Summits Trail
The Seven Summits trail, completed in the summer of 2004 by the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society
(KCTS), is a spectacular point to point single-track traverse of the Rossland Range. Widely acclaimed by
mountain bikers, acknowledged by the International Mountain Biking Association as an official Epic, and
awarded the 2007 ‘Trail of the Year’ by Bike magazine, it is the crown jewel of the Rossland trail network.
Challenging, adventurous, and spectacular, it is a true epic ride.
What to Expect
Riding the Seven Summits is a significant undertaking, and for most riders it will take the better part of a day.  It’s long (30.4km officially, but 36km if the Dewdney trail is included), unrelentingly technical, and physical demanding (1035m of vertical gain). Lung bursting climbs alternate with exciting descents and swooping singletrack through high-country meadows, dramatic ridges and mountain forests. The fastest expert XC riders can complete the entire distance in less than 3 hours, while competent recreational riders will walk some sections, and take 6 hours or more. Although the trail is free from stunts, jumps or severe steepness, it’s not suitable for beginners, with the majority of riding falling between intermediate and advance levels. The climbs are long and strenuous, however, most grades are moderate and are not overly sustained. Riders can expect the highest level of trail maintenance on the Seven Summits as the KCTS works to provide a quality trail experience for users. Typically the trail opens by July 1st, and closes in October with the first snowfalls.
Logistics
The Seven Summits trail is designed to be ridden in a North – South direction, and to link with the
Dewdney trail. Leave a vehicle at the bottom of the Dewdney trail on Hwy 22, near the US Border in
Paterson (12 km South of Rossland) and arrange a 30km shuttle to Nancy Greene Pass. The trail
begins immediately behind the trailhead kiosk at the Pass. Marathon riders and masochists can
complete the entire loop from Rossland, adding a climb of Doukhobor Draw for the full experience.
The Seven Summits trail is very remote, with no water available, so riders should be completely selfsufficient and prepared for mountain weather. Cell phone coverage is not consistent.