Mount 7 in Golden, Canada is poplar destination for mountain bikers from the around the world and features a trail called Dead Dog which has earned the title of the world steepest trail. It is 1003 feet long with a vertical drop of 518 feet. On a clear day when the surfaces are dry, Dead Dog is challenging proposition for highly skilled riders but when it rains it can prove to be a “nightmare situation.”
This wasn’t the first time French professional mountain biker Rémy Métailler had tackled this incredibly steep pitch but it was the first time he attempted while the terrain was slick with rain, “we rode it in the past, but this time things took a different turn.”
Rémy is fluent in English and usually sticks to it while live narrating his descents. In this video he switches to French which was a telltale sign that this situation was quickly getting serious:
Golden’s hotspot for downhill biking can be found on Mount 7, the prominent peak just east of town. Named for the ephemeral 7 that appears high on the ridgeline each spring, this trail network has been the heart of local downhill riding for many years.
Mount 7 features one incredible climb, stunning views, and descent options that will blow your socks off! Catch your breath at the top and take your time watching paragliders, hang gliders and downhill mt. bikers launching themselves from the steeps of Mt. 7. Over the years, the mainly old-school style trails have taken on a rougher and more rugged appearance. Its character can be summarized as steep! It’s no bike park, just pure, proper downhill riding. Some new XC trails are starting to be developed on Mount 7. Namely the bidirectional XC trail Schacher, which climbs right up to the Launch site.
You can either drive up the Mount 7 forest service road, as the majority of downhill specialists do, or ride your cross-country mountain bike up. It is very rewarding and the views of the Rockies, Purcells and Columbia Wetlands are incredible.
The road does get graded about once a year, but it can still be rough in places and dusty in the summer. During the spring melt, the road can take until the beginning of June to fully dry out. Expect the road to be gated at the 10km mark if you come early season.
The staging area for shuttling Mount 7 is at the Reflection Lake Trailhead parking area; complete with washrooms and an info kiosk. All Mount 7 trails return to this point. It is also the parking area for the Mountain Shadows cross country network, so you can mix it up or split up if you have a diverse group.
Mount 7 Fast Facts
- Host to the legendary Psychosis race, 1998 to 2008. This was the steepest, longest and fastest downhill mountain bike race in the world.
- Summit elevation: 1942 metres (6,372 ft)
- Trail head elevation: 800 metres (2,625 ft)
- 22km of riding and 14 trails, including several black diamonds.