The Overlander Trail in Jasper, Alberta is a “classic” in the true sense of the word. This hiking and mountain bike trail is part of a historic route that had been used, starting in the mid-1800′s, by the “Overlanders” – gold seekers heading to British Columbia to hopefully find their fortune. For more history lessons class, check out:
http://www.jaspernationalpark.com/overland.html
As such, this is point-to-point ride that can be ridden in either direction (east to west or you can switch it up). Arranging to have a shuttle vehicle will save your legs for the ride or you can, in the spirit of the Overlanders, ride out to the trailhead located right beside the Cold Sulfer Springs on Hwy 16 (18 KM that is mostly pavement with a couple km of singletrack). A short hike-a-bike from the highway will get you to the start of the trail and some amazing views of the valley, Pyramid Mountain http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_Mountain_(Alberta) and the Athabasca River.
West vew from Overlander Trail
The trail has a mix of rolling singletrack, loose off-camber shale sections and a few technical rock-strewn climbs just for fun. This Overlander is a mountain bike ride that every one of intermediate-level should do once. Bring your camera for photo ops along the route. You’ll even see the ruins of the Moberly cabins along the way. Quite a nice setting for a mountain retreat but no cable or running water! Don’t forget that bears like to frequent this area especially in the spring. Pack the pepper spray and ride in bigger groups if you can.
Rocky climb on the Overlander Trail - Jasper, AB
