Mountain bike trails and loops


Trail Difficulty Rating System

University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park’s (UC Stromlo's) network of mountain bike trails have been built and graded in accordance with the International Mountain Bike Association’s (IMBA) Trail Difficulty Rating System which was adapted from the International Trail Marking System used at ski areas throughout the world. At UC Stromlo we have grades to suit most riders, from the easy green graded trails to the extremely difficult double black diamond trails.

Trail Difficulty
Rating System

  

Easiest
White Circle

Easy
Green Circle

More Difficult
Blue Square

Very Difficult
Black Diamond

Extremely Difficult
Dbl. Black Diamond

Trail Width2100mm plus or minus 900mm.900mm plus or minus 300mm for tread or bridges.600mm plus or minus 300mm for tread or bridges.300mm plus or minus 150mm for tread and bridges.
Structures can vary.
150mm plus or minus 100mm for tread or bridges.
Structures can vary.
Tread SurfaceHardened or smooth.Mostly firm and stable.Possible sections of rocky
or loose tread.
Variable and challenging.Widely variable and
unpredictable.
Average Trail GradeClimbs and descents are mostly shallow.
Less than 5% average.
Climbs and descents are mostly shallow, but may include some moderately steep sections.
7% or less average.
Mostly moderate gradients but may include steep sections.
10% or less average.
Contains steeper descents or climbs.
20% or less average.
Expect prolonged steep, loose and rocky descents or climbs.
20% or greater average.
Maximum Trail GradeMax 10%Max 15%Max 20% or greaterMax 20% or greaterMax 40% or greater
Natural Obstacles and Technical Trail Features (TTF)No obstacles.Unavoidable obstacles to 50mm (2”) high, such as logs, roots and rocks. Avoidable, rollable obstacles may be present.
Unavoidable bridges 900mm wide.
Short sections may exceed criteria.
Unavoidable, rollable obstacles to 200mm (8”) high, such as logs, roots and rocks.
Avoidable obstacles to 600mm may be present.
Unavoidable bridges 600mm wide.
Width of deck is half the height.
Short sections may exceed criteria.
Unavoidable obstacles to 380mm (15”) high, such as logs, roots, rocks, drop-offs or constructed obstacles.
Avoidable obstacles to 1200mm may be present.
Unavoidable bridges 600mm wide.
Width of deck is half the height.
Short sections may exceed criteria.
Large, committing and unavoidable obstacles to 380mm (15”) high.
Avoidable obstacles to1200mm may be present.
Unavoidable bridges 600mm or narrower.
Width of bridges is unpredictable.
Short sections may exceed criteria.

MTB Trails

MTB Trails Map

UC Stromlo’s unique blend of terrains, natural obstacles, hand-built features, and the ever-changing wildlife, weather and scenery means that no two rides ever feel the same. We recommend downloading the map onto your mobile phone for easy access on the mountain.

Loops

Don’t know where to start, or looking for some inspiration? There are 6 suggested loops designed for various riding abilities which can be found on the downloadable Mountain Bike Trail Maps below.

Loop 1

Beginner  |  20-40 minutes

This beginner-friendly trail covers the lower slopes of Mt Stromlo and the Holden’s Creek areas. Gently winding with minimal difficult trail features to negotiate, Loop 1 can be ridden in different parts to lengthen or shorten the ride, and the return to the car park is never far away...

Loop 2

Intermediate  |  45-90 minutes

Loop 2 is one of the shorter loops we have and it includes a combination of climbing, traversing and taking you to access points to most of Stromlo Forest Park. It uses the main trunk trail network to climb gently to the top of Mt Stromlo, before a long, flowing descent back to the car park area...

Loop 3

Intermediate / Advanced  |  60-90 minutes

Loop 3 starts along the western side of Mt Stromlo via the northern trails and a steep climb to Echidna Gap. Once on the other side, you have a long descent via Slickrock Junction to the western edge of Stromlo Forest Park...

Loop 4

Intermediate  |  90-120 minutes

Loop 4 is a full lap of Stromlo Forest Park’s mountain bike trails, riding the CORC Main Trunk Trail all the way. The climb takes you up towards Mt Stromlo and the descent to the western side of the mountain is where the trails are much rockier and tree cover is more prevalent.

Loop 5

Advanced  |  45-60 minutes

Loop 5 keeps to the eastern side of Mt Stromlo and has all the ingredients of one of the toughest cross country laps. After gently climbing away from the car park and arriving at Blue Gums, the trail peels off and takes a sharp turn up via Cardiac Climb, the climb built for Round 6 of the 2008 World Cup.

Loop 6 

Intermediate / Advanced  |  60-90 minutes

Loop 6 is a demanding ride that takes you over the northern trails, climbing steeply to Echidna Gap before plunging down to the western side of Stromlo Forest Park. The superb Double Dissolution trail drops you out near the western car park before you make your way back along the northern trails to the start point.

Recommended equipment

Personal equipment: Appropriate gloves, elbow, knee and shin pads (if required), Australian Standard Certified helmet. For the harder downhill trails, a full-faced helmet, neck brace, chest and spine protection are recommended.

For your bike: A mountain bike suitable for riding on trails in good working order (front and rear brakes, off-road tyres with adequate tread) is required. For the harder trails a dual suspension or more downhill specific specific bike is recommended.

Booking

If your organisation would like to use any of the mountain bike trails for training, competition or events, please visit Book for more information.


Photo Credit: (Tile) Nick Waygood Photography