The Galena Trail owes its existence to galena – also called lead sulfide (PbS), a mineral often alloyed with silver as was the case in the Kootenays. This ore is what made the Slocan mining district famous in the late 1800s. Today's Galena Trail follows the historic route of the Nakusp and Slocan Railway from Rosebery to Three Forks for over 13 km.
With three entry points, you can choose to bike along the Galena Trail as an out and back workout or just part of it. If you only have time for one section and want to try out the cable car, head to Three Forks. If you prefer a slightly easier bike ride with lake and mountain views, cycle out and back to Rosebery.
The highlight for most cyclists is the short cable car crossing at Carpenter Creek. But there's plenty to enjoy along the trail including big trees, mountain views, mining artifacts, Slocan Lake, and a scenic section along the creek near Three Forks.
Galena Trail Overview
distance: 13 km one way from Rosebery to Three Forks. It's about 6 miles from New Denver to Three Forks.
Time needed: About 4 hours all out and back but only about 1.5 hours from New Denver to Roseberry and back. If you're a good, fast mountain biker, you can probably cut your time in half.
difficulty: Easy for regular mountain bikers. There were a few narrow sections that I walked through.
Best time to ride a bike: Mid-April to mid-November, before the snow comes or after it melts.
Dogs: Allowed but must be under control. Be sure to bag up their droppings or bury them in the woods.
Good to know: Carry water and high energy snacks and please practice Leave no trace principles.
It costs: Remove five rocks or sticks from the driveway bed.
Wildlife: I packed bear spray. A lady I met said there have been cougar sightings, so be aware and make a lot of noise.
Plants: Look for but don't choose the white Mountain Lady Slipper and the pretty purple Calypso Orchid.
Camping: Nothing along Galena Road. There is camping in Centenary camp In new denver and in In Valley Camps In rosebery with Rosebery Provincial Park.
Terrain type: Forest paths, gravel and railway beds.
Highlight: The famous cable car crossing adds a fun and adventurous touch.
Path access points
There are three access points to the Galena Trail in Rosebery, New Denver and Three Forks.
Rosebery
Park on Rosebery Loop Road and take the path just west of the road.
New Denver
Access is from Denver Siding Road off Highway 31A just outside of New Denver. There is plenty of parking.
Three prongs
There is a new parking lot on Sandon Road just after the turn off of Highway 31, about 5 miles east of New Denver.
Safety tips
Although biking the Galena Trail is generally very easy, there are some safety issues you should be aware of.
You cross a cliff and bike down some steep inclines. Walk your bike if you are not comfortable. You may encounter wildlife, but if you make some noise, you reduce the chance of encountering wildlife.
On the cable car you may need a pair of gloves, so as not to hurt your hands.
If you enter the forest, be sure to avoid the Devil's Club, a large bush covered in thorns. Also, pay attention to stinging nettle because contact with it results in a short-term rash.
My mountain biking experience on the Galena Trail
I started out on Sandon Road in New Denver and immediately encountered the woman pictured below. She rode her bike from Rosebery, something she did several times a week for exercise. She had heard there was a cougar in the area, so she asked me if I wanted to bike with her. I said a resounding yes and we set off toward Three Forks.
In places, the track ascended gradually – all at railway level, a fairly wide and easy single track. We passed a small rock slide and soon came to a sharp U-shaped bend with two trails branching off. Take the upper path to continue on the cable car. She told me that the lower trail to New Denver was difficult. I didn't do that.
Cable car crossing
Crossing the cable car over Cumberland Creek is not difficult, especially since you can lock the cable car in place while loading your bike. Earlier in the summer I had done North Coast Road Trip And there was no lock to hold it in place while loading your luggage. This cable car design is much better.
Once you reach the other side of Cumberland Creek, you pass the Alamo Siding and artifacts from the mining era. The rest of the Galena Trail is straightforward although you do have to climb some switchbacks to reach the bridge and trailhead at Three Forks near the end.
New Denver to Rosebery on the Galena route
It's a fun bike ride from New Denver to Rosebery on the Galena Road as it's mostly downhill, so cycling is fast. I loved the views of Slocan Lake and the Valhalla Range where you can still see the burning fires from the summer.
Aside from that, Valhalla Provincial Park is a great place for hiking. try Trip to the Gwilym Lakespreferably on a night backpacking trip.
It's easy to ditch the bikes and walk to Slocan Lake as you approach Rosebery. On a hot day, swimming will be a real bonus.
The return to New Denver from Rosebery is quite strenuous, but it is an uneventful and not difficult journey. The Galena Trail is so wide until you approach New Denver that there is little singletrack to contend with.
Overall, this is a fun mountain bike ride and is perfect for beginners who want to try something a little harder than those straight flat trails.
Where to stay nearby
I stayed in Adventure domes In New Denver. It has a great location and a great atmosphere to match. The Domes are a short walk from the grocery store to the beach. It's also just a 2-minute drive from the Galena Trail in New Denver.
the Cabins overlooking the glacier It would be another option, especially if you like to cook your own meals.
Map showing the approximate location of the Galena Trail
Thanks for Tourism in the Kootenai Rockies To host my stay. If you're in the area, the Galena Trail is a fun bike ride.
Interested in more cycling in British Columbia?
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