Backdoor Trail

6.90 km
160m gain
3.50 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
6.90
Distance
kilometres
160
Elevation Gain
metres
3.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Backdoor is one of the most legendary mountain bike descents in Northern BC — a burly, expert-level trail starting near the top of Hudson Bay Mountain Ski Resort and dropping over 1,000m (3,500ft) of vertical all the way to the edge of Smithers. At 6.25km long, it holds the record for the most elevation descent of any trail in the Smithers trail network. The trail begins in a gully just before the top of the chairlift, passes through stunning boreal and alpine terrain with panoramic views of the Bulkley Valley, and features numerous log rides, skinny wooden features, rock slabs, and steep technical sections. Lower sections have several larger features with ride-arounds available. Managed by the Smithers Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) in partnership with the Province. Downhill only for mountain biking; hikers and trail runners may use it in either direction. Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Wet'suwet'en people, specifically the Gidimt'en Clan.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

From Smithers, head south on Toronto Street from Highway 16, turn left onto Railway Ave, follow to the end and turn right on Dahlie Road. Cross the railway overpass and follow the hard left turn onto Hudson Bay Mountain Road (follow ski hill signs). Drive up past the main Ski Hill Lodge and continue up the mountain road. A short hike-a-bike up the ski run leads to a small plateau — the trail drops in on the right. There is a well-defined 4x4 track that leads directly to the upper trailhead. The trail exits near the bottom of the ski hill's "Trail to Town," where there is a lower parking lot for shuttle vehicles.

Parking

Park at the main Hudson Bay Mountain Ski Hill Lodge for upper trailhead access, or at the lower parking lot near the "Trail to Town" exit for shuttle bottom drop-off. Both are free and informal. Shuttle riding requires two vehicles or a pre-arranged pickup. Check smithersmountainbike.ca for current seasonal access as the Backdoor/Piper area typically opens by mid-June and the season runs through to early November.

Safety & Preparation

This is an expert-level trail — do not attempt without advanced mountain biking skills and appropriate protective gear including a full-face helmet, body armour, knee/shin pads, and gloves. Do not ride in wet conditions; the trail becomes extremely slippery and muddy riding causes serious trail damage. Early season and post-rain riding is strongly discouraged. The trail is very long with limited bail-out options — ensure you are physically prepared for the full descent. Cell service is unreliable on the mountain; inform someone of your plans before heading out. Bears (black bear and grizzly) are present on Hudson Bay Mountain — carry bear spray and make noise. Check smithersmountainbike.ca for current trail conditions and seasonal opening status before visiting.

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