On any road trip I am typically excitedly scouring over any trail information I can find on stops along the way and for my intended destination. I can assure you after experiencing Vernon BC Trails in the North Okanagan this fall myself that this is a must do running and biking destination. Bring your gear, bring your energy and bring your enthusiasm because Vernon will be supplying the Stoke in spades. #ExploreVernon

Vernon Trail Running and Biking in Fantastic Fall Conditions

While the region is abundant in trails from valley bottom to mountain top, for this trip I would be focusing my trail at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Kal Park as the locals call it, is a diverse ecosystem. It consists of craggy bluffs, rolling grasslands and steep forested terrain all overlooking Kalamalka Lake and Cosens Bay below. With the beauty of nature here it is no wonder that trails span to every corner of the parks boundaries.

Hit all the best spots and Explore More of Vernon BC Trails

Fall is a perfect time to visit with vibrant reds, vivid yellows and deep greens paining the landscape of the Syilx Okanagan Nation’s traditional territory. With cooler temps and the changing seasons the trails are in prime conditions. The summer crowds have shrunk giving you more open space to find your zen and enjoy nature. On my visit I dedicated the first day to go trail running and the second day would be mountain biking.

To #exploreVernon and dive deeper into my visit with ZenSeekers be sure to read my full story; HIT VERNON FOR FALL BIKING, TRAIL RUNNING STOKE

Trail Running Kalamalka Lookout Trail

The go to spot for locals is the Kalamalka Lookout Trail. With its ease of access from the city at the Red Gate Trailead to the wide open terrain climbing to a stunning lookout I could see why they love it so much. Red and orange foliage was a beautiful contrast looking down below from the bluffs of the lookout to Cosens Bay. I enjoyed my run with locals Megan Delisimunovic and Diana Leman who are part of the local Vernon club Bush Babes & Bros Trail Running.

Mountain Biking Tombstone and Flovid Trails at Kal Park

Day 2 of my trip was time to put away my trail runners and grab my Chromag to hit the mountain bike trails. For this part of my Vernon BC trails experience we would explore the downhill trails on the north reaches of Kalamalka Provincial Provincial Park.

I was stoked to have a rad guide for the day with Brett Wood of Dialed Rides leading the way. Aside from our mutual love of mountain biking I was able to chat with Brett all about trail building, maintenance and stewardship as was the past president of NOCS ( North Okanagan Cycling Society ).

The club has been doing awesome work which was clearly evident in our ride down he newest blue Flow trail in the network, FLOVID. What a blast we had, the trails were all in great shape and the cool wetter fall weather resulted in tacky confidence inspiring conditions. Another great reason to visit Vernon BC trails in fall.

Support Vernon BC Trails and Trail Groups Everywhere

After a few years of riding and running trails in my home area I realized the importance of giving back to the trails and community. I joined up with my local trail organization, I donated to maintenance projects, bought memberships and heck eventually become a board director. It is with this intimate knowledge that I know first hand the massive impact that a simple donation or just one membership can make.

In this knowing of the hard work local clubs do I can’t urge you enough to seek out the clubs, organizations and groups that steward the local trails. In Vernon that would be North Okanagan Cycling Society whose the Bush babes and Bros have now joined as members as well. Swing by their website, grab a membership, leave a donation and spread the word on the great work the club is doing. By sharing the stoke we leave a better trail network behind for the next visitor and trail user.

Trailforks users out there, learn more about how to use the Trail Karma tool on the website and app.

#ExploreVernon – Mountain Biking and Trail Running Fun Awaits

When You Go To Explore Vernon BC Trails

  • Get the insider’s guide to the trails by booking a ride with Dialed Rides.
  • Buy a membership to the North Okanagan Cycling Society and support local trails, or leave them some trail karma on Trailforks. Your NOCS membership grows the voice of trail users in the region and supports trail development. You also gain access to community events – social rides, youth programs – and discounts at local bike shops.
  • A big shout-out to Bush Babes & Bros Trail Running for supporting NOCS through memberships, bringing the cycling and running community together. It is groups like NOCS and all their hard work maintaining, developing and building trail networks that allow us to find our zen and flow on the trails.
  • Once you’re all set up, start exploring the Vernon BC Trails, with this interactive map.
  • Be sure to tag #explorevernon when you visit the area and share your experience on social media

Disclosure: This post was published in partnership with ZenSeekers

For other road trips and travel destinations check out my Mindful Explorer Travel destination Page . As well I am always grateful for a follow on FacebookInstagram or Twitter where I share more frequent photos and stories daily.

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