Intermediate trail descending continuously to the crossing of Hwy3B, then flatter to the Wagon Road.
Elevation change: 320m
Length: 3.1km
Hiking, biking, equestrian, snow shoeing: Intermediate
Trailhead:
(C) Mining School Trailhead (2.1 km; +50m & -60m from downtown) East on Columbia Ave 3 blocks, left up Monte Christo St. 4 blocks, right down 4th Ave 2 blocks, left on Georgia St. keep to right shortly onto gravel road and along about 1.0 km to end. Kiosk. Limited parking about ½ km from end.
Trail:
Green Door is an intermediate trail that descends from the Mining School and crosses Hwy#3B above Warfield. Much of the trail follows old overgrown roads and passes through a beautiful canopy of mixed species forest. Wildlife abounds on this trail including birds, deer and black bear.
Starting from the Mining School Trailhead, a signpost points the way to the right, then curving left on a descending gravel road. It passes through the large open area that was the Mining School and down the road for approximately 200m. The single track leaves the overgrown road with a sharp right that forms the first of multiple switchbacks on this trail. The trail traverses back west while descending for approximately 400m and passes through another flat opening that formed part of the former mining school. Beyond this opening the trail pitches sharply downward through another switchback and then enters a long gentle descent that passes through mixed forest of alder, popular, yew and maple.
The trail crosses a small creek and winds it way across a flat section of forest before being joined by the end of the Intermediate Milky Way Trail. Turning right and continuing downhill at this junction the Green Door Trail continues down to Hwy#3B following an old rough and rutted road. The trail arrives at the highway via the runaway lane beside the highways gravel yard.
Cross Hwy#3B
The trail continues west on the other side of the highway in vastly different terrain – an open grassy meadow, gently rolling while rising slightly (approx. 50 m) then descending to where it joins with the Wagon Road.
Trail Variations:
Green Door can be ridden backwards for a challenging climb and forms a loop when ridden this way in conjunction with the Milky Way Trail. Alternately if Green Door is ridden in the direction stated, a return to Rossland can be made via the Wagon Road, or Railgrade Trail.
Total Descent time on bike from Mining School to Highway: 30 minutes. 5 minutes more to the Wagon Road.
Other Trails in Area: Three other trails start at nearly the same spot at the Mining School and, after crossing the Highway terminate at other locations on the Wagon Road: these are Spring Cleaning, Sudden Exposure and Cemetery.
A short, linking trail, that connects the Full Monte Trail to the Columbia Kootenay Road. Located on the north side of Monte Christo Mtn., the Coffee Run crosses mixed forest and many rock slabs via a rolling single-tack.
Elevation change: 20m
Length: 1.2km
Hiking, biking, snow shoeing, equestrian: Intermediate
Refer to the Technogrind Trail, Green Door Trail, or Milky Way Trail descriptions for information on access.
Trail:
When you have climbed the Monte Christo Road (+175 m, 1.2 km), ridden part of the Techno Grind Trail (- 60m, about 0.9 km) and all of Full Monte Trail (+/-160m, 1.6 km) you can enjoy the undulating but technically challenging Coffee Run.
The Coffee Run single track section is short. It runs to the Kootenay Columbia Road (logging road) which, in turn leads on through the Old Mining School area to the (C) Mining School Trailhead in Rossland. Along the Kootenay Columbia Road is a portion of the Intermediate Milky Way Trail where it crosses this road. Near the (C) Mining School Trailhead is the top of the Intermediate Green Door Trail. These two trails descend, joining as the Green Door Trail only lower down. This leads to the “water hole corner” of Highway #3, crossing the highway and running through an open field to the Intermediate Wagon Road for the climb back up to town, arriving at (D) Wagon Road to Warfield Trailhead, a total distance of 12.2 km. Save some energy for the +180m climb up through lower Rossland to the main street.
Another option is to descend the Milky Way Trail and climb the Green Door Trail back up to the Old Mining School. That option is 8.6 km long. The combination of these trails makes for an exciting and varied riding experience with both challenging ascents and descents combined with optional stunts and natural features.
Elevation change: 80m
Length: 3km
Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, equestrian: Intermediate
Trailheads:
(H) Lions Campground (1.8 km; up 20m.70ft from downtown): West on Columbia Ave. {being also Hwy#3B/#22} for 1.2 km, left at Junction onto Hwy#22 and along 0.5 km, left onto Black Bear Drive 0.1 km to intersection, left to the Lions Campground. For Drakes continue about 50m and look on the left for an old road. If you go too far you will come in about 200m to a gate - do NOT enter this private land.
Or
(F) Railgrade & Drakes Trailhead (2.5 km; +90 m) Set odometer at 0.0 km at Start Point at Columbia Ave. Washington St. intersection. West on Columbia Ave. 1 block, left down Spokane St., right down LeRoi Ave. 2 blocks, left down Davis St. 4 blocks, left down Victoria Ave. 1 block, angle up right then shortly left down Union Ave. ½ block, right onto Spokane St. (Km 1.0), continue along south to Gelesz-Drakes Roads junction (Km 2.3), left on Gelesz Road about 200m to (F) Railgrade (left) & Drakes (right) Trailheads (2.5 km; -90m).
Then follow signs up hill to right.
Trail:
This wonderfully rolling single track begins on the left side of the gravel road with a moderate climb on an old road bed and then single track into the Cedar-Hemlock forest flanking the side of Deer Park hill. The forest is still recovering after the fires and logging of the old mining days and in late July and August it is prime huckleberry territory. The trail is pretty much single track all the way and, as it is both part of Rossland’s Loop Trail and proposed as Trans Canada Trail, it is always well maintained. This trail is not a ‘gentle’ biking trail but it is very manageable for the average mountain biker in both directions. For hikers in winter, and snowshoers it is an easy stroll, cross-country skiers may find a few of the tight downhill bits somewhat ‘exciting’ especially in the trees. Don’t expect panoramas or vistas, but the close immersion in this recovering forest is well worth it. This trail is a good winter walk as it is so frequented in winter it is well boot-packed; snowshoes are more fun though!
Pay attention to stay on the main trail unless you want to be led back into Lower Rossland. The most deceiving turnoffs are marked to help you stay on Drake’s.
At the South end the trail pops out onto a double track. Turning right leads you to the Doukobour Draw Trail. Left brings you to Drake’s Rd. (paved public road) which can be followed back to town, or you can cross the road, drop down to the Railgrade Trail and follow that back. Both options are approximately 3km back to downtown.
