Understanding the Patchwork Behind the Ride
Vernon’s mountain biking scene is one of the most diverse in British Columbia, offering everything from flowy beginner loops to rugged, technical descents. While riders often experience these trails as a seamless network, the reality behind the scenes is far more complex.
There’s no single organization responsible for all of Vernon’s trails. Instead, the network is shaped by a patchwork of land managers—each with their own mandates, priorities, and approval processes.
A Network Without a Single Owner
Unlike purpose-built bike parks with centralized management, Vernon’s trail systems span multiple jurisdictions. Trails exist within provincial parks, on Crown land, across private developments, and within municipal boundaries.
For example, trails in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Ellison Provincial Park, and Silver Star Provincial Park are managed by BC Parks. Here, conservation comes first. Trail work must meet strict environmental standards, and new builds or reroutes require formal approvals—often taking years of behind-the-scenes work.
Just outside park boundaries, such as on the King Eddie Plateau, trails are often managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) on Crown land. While the focus here is more recreation-oriented, trails still require authorization and ongoing maintenance agreements to be considered sanctioned.
Projects can also involve multiple partners. The recently completed Spanky’s Trail, for example, was the result of collaboration between BC Parks, RSTBC, and the Regional District of North Okanagan—a good reminder that bringing a single trail to life can take coordination across several agencies.
A Network Without an Owner
Not all trails fall within formal agreements. Just outside of Vernon, the growing network in Noble Canyon remains unsanctioned.
These trails have not been approved by a land manager and are currently classified as unauthorized. While many are built to a high standard, they exist outside of any formal stewardship framework. Despite years of effort, the North Okanagan Cycling Society has not been able to secure agreements to bring this network into an official, managed system.
A Network With an Owner
In contrast, Predator Ridge operates on largely private land. Trails here are developed and maintained by the resort, creating a more controlled environment.
This model allows for coordinated development, but also means access and trail decisions are tied to the priorities of the landowner. While NOCS is not responsible for trail development or maintenance at Predator Ridge, the resort is a valued supporter of the organization and the broader riding community.
Municipal and Regional Roles
Closer to the city, both the City of Vernon and the Regional District of North Okanagan play important roles in managing trail corridors, connectors, and park-based networks.
These agencies typically focus on access, safety, and liability rather than mountain bike-specific trail design. As a result, community partnerships are essential.
A great example is Becker Park, where NOCS worked with the City of Vernon to complete a new pump track and bike park in 2024. Looking ahead, similar collaboration is being explored for future trail development on Vernon Hill.
SilverStar: A Different Model
The network at SilverStar Mountain Resort represents a more centralized approach. As a lift-access bike park operating on leased Crown land, it is managed directly by the resort.
This allows for consistent maintenance, coordinated planning, and purpose-built trail design. Even so, operations remain subject to provincial land-use agreements and environmental regulations—reinforcing that no system operates entirely independently.
The Backbone: Local Trail Organizations
Across all these jurisdictions, one constant is the role of local trail associations.
The North Okanagan Cycling Society plays a critical role in Vernon’s trail network—working with land managers to secure agreements, organize maintenance, build trails, and ensure long-term sustainability.
These organizations act as a bridge between riders and landowners, helping navigate the complexities of a fragmented system while keeping trails safe and accessible.
Why This Matters for Riders
This mix of land managers directly impacts the riding experience. Trail ratings, signage, permitted uses, and maintenance standards can vary significantly between areas.
Some trails are fully sanctioned and maintained, while others remain informal or are in transition toward official recognition.
It also means that stewardship matters. With no single entity overseeing the entire network, the future of Vernon’s trails depends on strong relationships between land managers, trail organizations, and the riding community.
A Shared Responsibility
Vernon’s mountain bike trails are a testament to collaboration. What feels like one seamless playground is actually the result of coordination across multiple landowners, organizations, and countless volunteer hours.
Every berm, bridge, and stretch of singletrack exists because people worked together across boundaries to make it happen.
As the network continues to grow, that spirit of cooperation will remain essential to keeping Vernon one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the province.
