Squamish has hundreds and hundreds of kilometers of mountain bike trails to explore for riders of every ability level and riding style. Thanks to their proximity to the Howe Sound, the lower trails are often rideable for the majority of the winter as well. Valleycliffe is the name of a subdivision of Squamish, and it is also one of five main trail networks in the area. There are at least 30 named trails in the Valleycliffe area and over 200 in and around Squamish, and more are being built every year thanks to community support and hard work from Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association.
Parking is available at the Cliffside Pub on Maple Drive or on the street (check signage). The loop described here begins from the trailhead at the corner of Westway Avenue and Cherry Drive, approximately 1.2 kilometer east of the pub down Westway Avenue, and it is one of many different ways to link the trails within the Valleycliffe network. A good map will come in handy as you try to select a route.
Immediately upon entering the forest you will cross a bridge with a sign reading "Welcome to Crumpit Woods." Continue 300 meters and turn right onto S&M connector. After 1.5 kilometers of steady climbing, continue onto Sweeter The Barry and climb another 600 meters until you reach the top of Meet Your Maker. This fun descent lasts about a kilometer and exits near the bottom of S&M connector. Just before the trail hits the road, take a hard right onto The Graduate, which is a blue-rated downhill ride or a climbing alternative to the steep power line access road.
After 600 meters take another right onto 3 Virgins and climb 200 meters further until you cross the access road. From here, begin climbing Pipe Trail and watch for a very steep rock line on the left; the Cougar Ridge hike-up route is just beside it. If the hike-a-bike option doesn't appeal to you, continue on and take Doggie Style onto Mountain of Phlegm and then Silver Spoon to the bottom. If you do choose to hike up, watch for an unmarked trail called Rampage that leads off to the right just after the slope levels off at the top. This one is 1.2 kilometers of steady descent, a fun mix of technical rocks and roots with occasional views of the Stawamus Chief and Howe Sound.
Eventually you’ll exit onto Summer’s Eve, a flat and wide blue-rated trail. Take a right and follow for 300 meters, and then head left down Silver Spoon. This last section is rated double-black and has several jumps and drops on the way down as well as some steep and committing lines without ride-around options. Everything is easily walkable, but proceed with caution. Silver Spoon exits onto Plateau Drive. Take a right and then immediate left into the forest, and a short connector trail will take you back down to the Cliffside Pub.
To support local trail development and maintenance, visit SORCA's website.
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