Mountain Biking the Pipestone Loop
The Pipestone River trail gets our vote for a perfect introductory mountain bike ride. It’s well-graded (even some of the tricky roots have been removed) and mostly spacious doubletrack. The trailhead is located just west of Lake Louise and is far quieter than many of the bike trails around Banff. The Pipestone Valley is a haven for wildlife and feels totally removed from the hustle and bustle of Lake Louise village just a 5-minute drive away.
Good To Know
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1-3 hrs
- When
- Jun - Oct
Location
- Distance from Banff:
- 60km
- Distance from Lake Louise:
- 2km
When to go
Operating Dates
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Local Tips
Respect the bike turn-around point 7 km down the trail – it’s hikers only beyond this point.
This is a popular route into the backcountry for horseback riding outfitters, so be prepared to pull over and make space for them.
Stop in at the Lake Louise village on your way home to treat yourself at the famous candy story or local bakery.
New to mountain biking? Take a guided mountain biking tour for the best experience.