Escalator

1.60 km
122m gain
0.40 hours
Level 2.0/5
2.0/5
Difficulty
Easy
1.60
Distance
kilometres
122
Elevation Gain
metres
0.40
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Escalator — known locally as Esky — is Mount Harry Davis's workhorse climbing trail and one of the most-ridden lines in the Houston network. A green-rated singletrack that gains 103 m (338 ft) over 1.6 km at a steady 6.3% average grade, it's the primary way riders earn their descent on the mountain without shuttling. XC and AM bikes are right at home here, and the consistent gradient makes it equally suitable for e-bikes and trail runners, who rank it among the most popular trails in Northern BC for running (#33,000 globally). Rideable in both directions, Esky is the reliable backbone of the Mount Harry Davis loop experience — not flashy, but deeply useful, and with 46 logged rides and still counting, it's clearly a trail people keep coming back to. Gain the mountain, know the hill, earn the descent.

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 Houston, BC, head south on Butler Avenue and turn onto Harry Davis Way toward Mount Harry Davis. The Escalator trailhead sits near the base of the trail network at approximately 910 m (2,986 ft) — close to the lower trailhead parking lot. It's the natural starting point for anyone pedalling up rather than shuttling. Follow the trail network signage from the lot; Escalator is well-marked and always easy to find.

Parking

Park at the lower Mount Harry Davis trailhead lot off Harry Davis Way — Escalator starts right there, making this the most convenient lot for riders planning a pedal-up lap. The lot is unpaved gravel with no current parking fees. Space is limited on summer weekends, so arrive early. If the lower lot is full, limited overflow space may be available further up the road.

Safety & Preparation

Two-way trail — watch for descending traffic. Escalator runs in both directions and is used as a descent by some riders. Stay alert on blind corners and call out when passing, especially during busy weekend sessions.

Max grade of 33.7%. While the average grade is mellow, isolated pitches get steep. Riders descending Esky should be prepared for sharper drops and adjust speed accordingly.

Multi-use trail. Trail runners and hikers share Escalator regularly — it's one of the most popular running trails in the region. Yield to uphill users and give trail runners plenty of room.

Wildlife: Bear country. Make noise throughout the climb, particularly through the denser forest sections.

Helmets required for all riders. Suitable for families and newer riders on the way up — but know the trail before descending.

Cell service may be limited on parts of the mountain. Let someone know your plans if heading out solo.

Indigenous territory: This trail sits on the traditional lands of the Wet'suwet'en Yintikh, Takla, and Dënéndeh peoples. Ride respectfully.

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