Seven Summits Ridge Trail, Rossland

(7) Seven Summits Ridge Trail is one of the more scenic, long-haul recreation trails situated in the mountains behind the community of Rossland, BC. The 31 kilometre trail is a sightseeing adventure in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada exploring mountain peaks and ridges in the Rossland Mountain Range.

The Seven Summits Trail is a one way route created in 2004 consisting of mostly single track and some gravel access roads. With a total elevation gain of 1035 metres, the trail explores through forests, grasslands and valleys leading up to views of mountain ranges, alpine peaks and cliffs.

The route is considered a difficult trail with some distance, challenging terrain and hill climbing. There are two main trailheads. The north trailhead is located near the Nancy Greene Pass and the south trailhead is located on the Cascade Highway. The route can be a long haul mountain bike ride or enjoyed as a multi day backpacking trip with some side hikes.

The 7 Summits Ridge Trail is a multi use and year round trail. During the summer months the recreation mountain trail is popular for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. During the winter months the trail becomes a destination for hard core cross country skiers.

The recreation trail surface changes as the terrain changes. The surface changes from earth to mud to rock to gravel. There are uphill sections of the trail with loose gravel, switchbacks and sharp rocks. Some forest sections of the trail include exposed tree roots, clear cuts and deadfall trees (early season before trail cleared). As always prepare wisely with good equipment.

Traveling north to south is considered the easier route. The Seven Summits Ridge Trail stretches from the Nancy Greene Summit in the north to the first summit on the Cascade Highway in the south. The recreation trail is recognized as an EPIC Trail by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).

The mountains on the Seven Summit Ridge Trail, from north to south, include Mount Lepsoe (2180 metres), Mt. Plewman (2241 metres), Old Glory Mountain (2376 metres), Grey Mountain (2064 metres), Record Mountain (2113 metres) and Mt. Roberts (1995 metres).

The 7 Summits Trail also connects to a few of the other trails in the region. Some of the trails near the south trailhead include the Dewdney Drop, Old Glory Trail and the Record Ridge Trail. Mountain Bikers enjoy the steep descent on the Dewdney Drop which is also a connector trail leading back to Hwy 22.

7 Summits Trail, Rossland, British Columbia, Canada