Destinations

Ride the World: Mountain Biking Adventures in Squamish | Video

In short: Our first Squamish ride started on Treasure Trail and linked Entrails, Bony Elbows, the In N Out Burger slab and Donut, all on a short-travel bike. In Squamish it's not the travel that matters but control: braking management, a centred posture and dynamic movement let you ride almost anything, and a local guide is the smartest move if the terrain is new to you.

There's something special about riding in Squamish for the first time. For me, it all started with Treasure Trail, a name that sounds fun and friendly, but don't be fooled. This trail is raw. Riding it on a short-travel bike might not be the obvious choice, but with a bit of skill and mindful technique, it's a great reminder of how much control and flow you can find, even on challenging terrain.

Treasure Trail: technical from the first metre

The entrance throws tech at you from the first metre. Roots, compressions, tight corners… everything tests your balance and decision-making. But here's the truth: it's not the travel that matters, it's the control. Manage your braking. Shift your weight. Add pressure where it counts. Do that, and even the rowdiest features start linking together like a rhythm.

Squamish's greatest hits: Entrails, Bony Elbows, In N Out Burger and Donut

Treasure Trail sets that tone immediately. And once your body syncs with the terrain, it's time for Squamish's greatest hits. From there we roll into Entrails, drop down Bony Elbows and check out the In N Out Burger slab. It looks like a vertical wall hiding in the forest, intimidating until you trust your tires and commit. The grip is unreal. Then comes Donut, a slick, technical loop that serves up equal parts traction puzzles and line-choice fun.

These features might look easy on video or Trailforks, but don't be fooled. That's the magic of Squamish: with solid fundamentals (controlled braking, centred posture, dynamic movement) you can ride almost anything here. It's less about brute force and more about learning to move with the trail.

So, how do you ride in Squamish?

Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, Squamish rewards smart riding. And if you're new to this terrain, booking a local guide is the smartest move you can make: certified local guides know every root, rock, corner and line, and they'll help you ride better, safer, and with far more confidence and fun.

Need a bike shop or workshop while you're there? Corsa Cycles in Squamish is on our map of bike parks and MTB spots. And if you're coming back after a break, read our first ride back on the Squamish MTB trails.

Frequently asked questions

Can you ride the Squamish slabs on a short-travel bike?

Yes. Treasure Trail, Entrails, Bony Elbows, the In N Out Burger slab and Donut were all ridden on a short-travel bike. In Squamish it's not the travel that matters but control: manage your braking, shift your weight and add pressure where it counts.

What is Treasure Trail in Squamish like?

Treasure Trail sounds friendly, but it's raw. Its entrance throws roots, compressions and tight corners at you from the first metre, testing your balance and decision-making.

What is the In N Out Burger slab?

It's a granite slab on the Squamish trails that looks like a vertical wall hiding in the forest. It's intimidating until you trust your tires and commit, and the grip is unreal.

Do I need a guide to ride in Squamish?

It's not mandatory, but if you're new to this terrain, booking a local guide is the smartest move. Certified local guides know every root, rock, corner and line, and help you ride better, safer and with more confidence.

Ride Squamish with a local guide

If you'd like to ride Squamish with a local guide, write to us and tell us about your trip.