In 2018, Hoots Ltd. worked with West Fraser Mills Ltd. and the HMBA (Hinton Mountain Bike Association) for the design-build of two significant trail facilities, contributing to the Bighorn Recreational Trails. Following approval, Hoots engaged in sustainable redevelopment of the existing Bighorn Trail between the 5km/15 km upper ridge trail marker to the lower north parking area into a dedicated Downhill (DH) mountain bike trail; and creating a ~12 km riding and bi-directional trail along the east side of the Bighorn Mountain from the lower north parking to the upper 5km/15km marker.

Bighorn Downhill Trail (~5km)
Work began in 2018 with flagging, brush / deadfall clearing, machine and handwork to create a high intermediate - advanced trail keeping within the original corridor of the Bighorn Trail built in the early 1900s. Having been introduced to the trail in 2007, Jay and the Hoots Ltd. team were very excited to formalize and re-route into a dedicated DH trail. Incorporating berms, rollers and several table top jumps, the trail has been optimized for downhill riding and sustainably built with drainage plan directing water flow into smaller segments to reduce surge and concentration, installing drainage pipes and infrastructure where needed.

Addressing trail erosion, wear, drainage challenges and inundation from winter / spring / wet seasons incurred over the years, the Bighorn DH trail incorporates sustainable building methods with bench contour methods, drainage infrastructure, new innovative trail hardening techniques and leading edge environmentally friendly products for elevated boardwalk / bridging over wet areas. Highlights include:

• over 500m machine built / 200m hand built re-routed trail sections
• over 100 hand dug trail crossings & ~100m of re-aligned trail for big drainage crossing
• ~500m of hand built rehabilitated trail damaged from heavy traffic / rutting
• rock armoured fall line seeps & French drain to manage water flow
• tread / slope stabilization through timber retaining, industry approved geotechnical applications, raised tread & surface hardening
• over 110m of elevated boardwalk / bridging, removing & rebuilding existing bridges & installing additional boardwalk over wet areas / water crossings

Bighorn ‘Up Flow’ Trail (11.8 km)
Following trail flagging, corridor preparation and deadfall clearing in 2018, the Up Flow trail was completed over the next 2 years with final touch-ups scheduled in 2021. The bi-directional trail was machine built with hand finish employing sustainable building methods as outlined above for the Bighorn DH trail.

Winding and traversing along the east topography of the Bighorn mountain, the 11.8 km Up Flow trail averages around 10 - 15% grade with long pedal runs in between corners, and swooping downhills after uphills to reward the rider. Having been test ridden and proven for fun, the signature trail is optimized for uphill travel providing flowing up and down opportunity, and endurance training for intermediate and advanced riders.

In order to manage development in the steep wooded area and watershed, both trail were built with small mechanized equipment and hand tools, and using in situ material (including gravel / screening) with locally imported resources / materials brought in where appropriate.

Check out HMBA webpage link for Bighorn Ridge updates with more to come!