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 Northern British Columbia's most iconic mountain bike descents, offering a thrilling 6.25 km ride from the upper slopes of Hudson Bay Mountain to the outskirts of Smithers. With over 1,000 metres (3,500 feet) of elevation loss, it features the largest vertical descent in the Smithers trail network.


Designed for advanced and expert riders, the trail winds through alpine and boreal forest with spectacular views of the Bulkley Valley. Expect steep technical terrain, rock slabs, log rides, wooden features, and optional advanced obstacles with ride-arounds available on many of the larger features.


Backdoor is managed by the Smithers Mountain Bike Association (SMBA) and is designated as a downhill-only mountain bike trail, while hikers and trail runners may travel in either direction. Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Wet'suwet'en people, specifically the Gidimt'en Clan, it is a must-ride trail for experienced mountain bikers visiting the Smithers area.

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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