Reviewed by: les , from Valemount

Summary:
This is an awsome ride with long climbs and fun descents. You get everything from tight technical to swoopy to open fire road descent. Don't forget to hike up to the lookout tower it is only a few minutes but it opens up a beautiful view. This is a must do ride if you are in the area.

Recommended Route:
Start Lac Des Arcs and loop

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Jumping pound Cox mountain, Canmore Nordic Centre, and Lake winekaka.

Reviewed by: Ron , from Canmore

Summary:
It's a good work out, Jewel Pass is about a 300M climb (loose rocks) and Prairie View is about 500M (a decent path with good traction), both with the steepest sections at the top :-). There's some nice single track, especially the 3km along the highway and the trail once you're over Jewel Pass. The Prairie View single track down is so rooty and rocky (I think it's degraded a lot in the last while) that is wasn't that enjoyable, even on a full suspension.

Recommended Route:
Start at Lac Des Arcs, do the 3km single track (which, in my mind, is some of the most fun riding on the whole trail), go up Jewel pass, down to Barrier Lake and then up Prairie View and back.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Benchlands, Alpine Club, Minnewanka, the Nordic Centre (but you need a local to show you where all the single track is and to tie it together for you - there's some great riding there with some insane downhills but finding it is a bit of a problem).

Reviewed by: ing , from Calgary

Summary:
Easy to moderate climb up Jewell Pass, although long. We rode it at the end of October when the trail was wet and as a result, tricky in areas. Proceed over the pass and down to Barrier Lake - this section of the trail is more technical with boulders, and tight little turns. Take a breather at the lake and then ride straight on to the base of Prairie View Trail. The climb up to the summit of Barrier is relatively short (4.5K). Get ready to hike your bike the last .5K or so, check out the scenery and then start looking for the way down. The trail is not immediately obvious, but is definitely a thrill to cruise down once you find it. Lots of roots make this portion of the trail a challenge. Intersect with Jewell Pass and fly back down to the highway. Watch out for hikers. My recommendation? I wouldn't want to ride it the other way.

Recommended Route:
Highway #1, before Lac Des Arc. Avoid the 3K straight trail which runs past the pond and begin your ride at the base of the gravel road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Baldy Pass. Prairie View Trail

Reviewed by: les , from Valemount

Summary:
This route has it all. Good solid climbs and nice technical single track. There are plenty of scenic stops and even a few places to stop and swim. This is a must ride if you are in the area.

Recommended Route:
Start off highway one and make it a loop. The climbs are full but the singletrak is great!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Jumping pound Cox mountain

Reviewed by: Cyrus , from Calgary

Summary:
It can be very technical in some parts with narrow bridges and paths. there are some nice drops along the way too. Once you tough out the long uphills the downhills are crazy and never seem to end.

Recommended Route:
Start at the Heart Creek trail head to add some more awsome sections to the ride.