Let’s be clear here, this trail does not lead to the summit of Mt 7.  Rather, this trail descends the front (west) side of the shoulder of Mt 7 from the main paraglider launch site down to a point approximately mid-way along the Bowle-Evans FSR.  It was rehabilitated in 2015 by the Golden Cycling Club and makes for a pleasant descent down the mountain through open forests with panoramic views of the Columbia Valley.  This trail was originally built for downhill biking and is still primarily used for that purpose.  Nonetheless, it makes for a great hike with tremendously scenic views.  Make noise so that your presence is known to bikers.  You will need to be loud.  Watch  and listen for bikers!  They will come upon you extremely fast.

Trailhead

The trailhead begins at the old cabin and outhouse located just below the parking lot south perimeter. There is a newer toilet facility available. There is limited parking at the exit at the 7km point of the Bowle-Evans FSR if you elect to start the trail there.

Trail

One of the original biking trails on Mt 7, the Summit Trail was rehabbed in 2015 to improve the trailbed and manage water issues. Now multiuse, the trail is much improved.  However, downhill biking remains its most popular use – hike with caution.

Cautions

Three downhill mountain bike trails cross the trail. It is highly recommended that you do not attempt to hike these trails. They are steep, fall-line trails and encounters with cyclists can be dramatic.

Head south from Golden on Highway 95 and turn off at Reflection Lake 200 m past the railway overpass Go straight through the Y-junction (do not go right) and follow the road up the hill. Turn right on to the Bowle-Evans FSR, set your odometer to 0 here, and drive up the road for 13.8 km to the parking area.

Some notes on the road: at 6.6 km stay right, at 7.6 km go straight, at 8.1 km stay right and at 11.8 km stay right. There are now kilometre markings for the whole route.