Mountain biking in Waterton Lakes National Park is limited to five trails, including the Kootenai Brown Trail, Snowshoe Trail, Akamina Pass Trail, Wishbone Trail, and Crandell Loop. Snowshoe and Crandell Lake backcountry campgrounds are accessible by mountain bike, but a permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Mountain biking etiquette includes being courteous to other users, yielding appropriately, riding on designated trails, respecting trail closures, riding within your limits, wearing appropriate gear, making noise to alert wildlife, and leaving no trace.
The Kootenai Brown Trail is a 6.9 km scenic multi-use pathway that offers unparalleled views of Waterton Lakes and surrounding mountains. The Snowshoe Trail is 8.2 km long and is a good choice for beginner cyclists, with access to other trails and a backcountry campground. The Akamina Pass Trail is a short, steep trail that climbs to the Alberta-British Columbia boundary and continues into Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park. The Wishbone Trail is relatively flat and wide, with a creek crossing towards the end, and cycling is not permitted on certain sections.
The Crandell Loop is a challenging trail for intermediate or advanced mountain bikers, with steep and rocky sections along the Akamina Parkway and washed away portions along the Red Rock Parkway. Some cyclists prefer to make a loop by traveling the Akamina and Red Rock Parkways, linking them via the Crandell trail. Overall, mountain bikers in Waterton Lakes National Park must follow etiquette guidelines, stay on designated trails, and obtain permits for backcountry camping.
