Saasak' Hill Blue MTB Loop

1.80 km
113m gain
1.00 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
1.80
Distance
kilometres
113
Elevation Gain
metres
1.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Saasak' Hill Blue MTB Loop is a fun intermediate mountain bike loop designed to provide a step up from the easier green loop. The trail should be ridden counter-clockwise by mountain bikers, while hikers are welcome to travel in either direction. Hikers are encouraged to be considerate of cyclists and yield the right of way, particularly on uphill sections.

The climb is manageable and leads into a more challenging downhill section featuring additional technical features, berms, and sections of flow. Compared with the green loop, the blue loop offers more demanding terrain and provides an excellent opportunity for riders to develop their cornering, braking, bike-handling, and feature-riding skills. It is a great progression trail for riders looking to build confidence before taking on the more technical Leaping Lizard trails.

The Saasak’ Hill trail network is located in coastal temperate rainforest and forms part of a larger system of mountain-bike and hiking trails overlooking the dramatic lava beds of the Nass Valley.

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 Terrace, travel north toward the Nass Valley on Highway 113 (Nisg̱a’a Highway). Continue to Gitwinksihlkw, following signs for the village and the Saasak’ Hill trail network. The trails are located near the Ts’oohl Ts’ap Recreation Centre in Gitwinksihlkw. From the recreation-centre area, follow the signed trail access toward the Saasak’ Hill network and look for the trail junctions leading to the green and blue downhill routes. 

Parking

Parking is available near the Ts’oohl Ts’ap Recreation Centre at the main access to the Saasak’ Hill trail network. Trailforks identifies the recreation-centre parking area as the closest parking for trails in this section of the network. 

Safety & Preparation

  • Follow the bike direction: Mountain bikers should ride the blue loop counter-clockwise. Do not descend the trail in the opposite direction.
  • Multi-use trail: Hikers may travel in either direction. Cyclists should slow down and communicate when approaching hikers.
  • Yield on climbs: Hikers should give uphill cyclists room to pass where practical, while cyclists should always control their speed and yield when necessary.
  • Intermediate terrain: The blue loop has more challenging features than the green loop. Riders should be comfortable with basic mountain-bike handling before attempting it.
  • Technical features: Expect berms, turns, small jumps, and other features that may require greater control and confidence.
  • Wet conditions: Rain can make roots, rocks, soil, and wooden features slippery. Conditions can change quickly in the coastal rainforest.
  • Watch blind corners: Maintain a controlled speed and be prepared for hikers, cyclists, or other trail users around corners and trail intersections.
  • Know your limits: If a feature looks beyond your ability, slow down, inspect it, or use an easier option where available.
  • Progression: The trail is a good stepping stone toward the more technical Leaping Lizard trails, but riders should progress gradually according to their experience and ability.
  • Respect Nisg̱a’a Lands: Stay on designated trails, follow posted directions, and respect the land, community, and local cultural values. Visitors are encouraged to travel with care and respect on Nisg̱a’a Lands.
  • Check conditions: Trail conditions can change, and Nisg̱a’a's visitor information notes that trails are not monitored. Check current conditions before heading out.
  • Be prepared: Bring water, appropriate clothing, a helmet, and any protective equipment suitable for intermediate mountain biking.
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