G8

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This is one of the older singletrack loops in Canmore and is accessed by riding the Horseshoe Loop. The actual G8 starts on the other side of the ravine, but is shown on this map as starting at the outer end of the Horseshoe, so read that trail description first. The multi-user/intersection/route finding advice from that route description applies to the G8 as well. The original G8, as shown on Google Maps, is virtually never ridden; this version is the local's consensus of the 'G8 trail.'

From the T-junction after the fallen tree as described in the Horseshoe Loop, turn left instead of right; 50 metres on you'll overlook a large ravine. Follow the trail that descends to the creek bed and up the other side. Ride down 100m and take the left trending trail - this will lead you on the upper leg of the G8. Follow this main trail, ignoring junctions, through meadows, poplar forest, narrow, fast, rocky, at times technical side slope riding that's flowy but always gently climbing. Eventually, you'll come to a sweeping left turn (ignore the smaller junctions) and a short but difficult climb to the top of a side slope meadow. Stop, eat a bar, drink - you've made it to the top!

Now the fun begins. The initially level terrain will descend, sweep left and into a technical rock hop hidden by trees. Try this 2-3 times until you make it, it's a good feeling when you do! Continue on variable terrain with another nifty technical challenge or two until the continuous downhill begins.

Descending, you'll have a sharp switchback to the right, then a bit later another 180 turn to the left, then another couple hundred metres to an open slope on your right. At this point, watch for a left trending drop back into the woods and a ravine, which is fantastic high-speed - but bumpy - berms. However, if that's a bit too tricky for you, continue straight down the beeline variation.

At the bottom of the berms (or beeline), the climb back up to Grotto ravine begins. There are quite a few minor trail junctions, ignore them and stay on the main trail that's leading you on a consistent long uphill.

You'll eventually get to the ravine descent; retrace your steps to the other side.

At the top of the ravine on the opposite side, retrace your path down the main trail that heads into the woods. Watch for where you turned left off the Horseshoe Loop - this time, you'll continue straight. Follow the rest of the Horseshoe Loop trail description from the 'fallen tree' section.