The best MTB trails in the Pelly Mountains

There are 6 mountain bike trails available in the Pelly Mountains region on komoot, offering a range of experiences from easy to difficult.

The Pelly Mountains offer a mix of trail difficulties. You'll find 1 easy route, 3 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels. The region is known for its rugged and wild character, with trails often involving significant elevation changes.

Yes, there is one easy route available, the Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge – Whitehorse Dam loop from Whitehorse. This 20.7 km trail leads through river valleys and past significant landmarks, making it suitable for a less strenuous ride.

The terrain in the Pelly Mountains varies significantly. You can expect rugged peaks, deep valleys, and dramatic canyons. Trails transition from boreal forests at lower elevations to alpine tundra above the treeline. Rivers like the Pelly River carve through the landscape, creating diverse riding environments. Many routes involve backcountry gravel roads and wilderness trails.

The Pelly Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, including vast mountain vistas, pristine boreal forests, and crystal lakes. You'll encounter rugged peaks, deep valleys, and the Pelly River carving through the landscape. The Schwatka Lake – Yukon River loop from Whitehorse, for example, offers views of the Yukon River.

Yes, several routes pass by interesting points. For instance, the Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge – Whitehorse Dam loop from Whitehorse leads past significant landmarks. Additionally, nearby attractions include the Grey Mountain Summit Trail, Grey Mountain Ridge, and Grey Mountain Cave, which offer additional exploration opportunities.

The best time for mountain biking is typically during the warmer months when trails are free of snow and ice. The region's crests can retain snow into the summer, so late spring through early fall generally offers the most favorable conditions. Always check local trail conditions before heading out.

Yes, the Pelly Mountains are a haven for wildlife. You might encounter inland grizzly bears, Alaska-Yukon moose, caribou, and thinhorn (Stone) sheep. The region's rich biodiversity contributes to an authentic wilderness adventure, though human contact is minimal.

Yes, many of the trails in the region are designed as loops. Examples include the Schwatka Lake – Yukon River loop from Whitehorse, the Valley Ridge Memorial Hut loop from Valleyview, and the Magnusson Trailhead loop from Whitehorse.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the remote, untouched wilderness experience, the dramatic landscapes, and the opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife.

While the provided routes are near Whitehorse, the community of Faro, often considered the 'heart of the Pelly Mountains,' serves as a starting point for significant long-haul wilderness trails like the Dena Cho Trail. Faro also has a network of gravel trails, including the Wolf, Fox, Bear, and Rabbit Trails, which navigate around the village and along the Pelly River, offering views of the valley and mountains like Sheep Mountain.

The Dena Cho Trail is a 67-kilometer multi-use wilderness trail connecting Faro and Ross River, tracing a historic route along the northern bank of the Pelly River. It offers magnificent views and varied terrain, including stretches high above the river, through forests, and across open spaces. It's designed for multi-day expeditions and appeals to experienced riders seeking less-traveled paths.