The Mighty Fraser
Caution! We do not provide turn-by-turn directions in our GPX files. Those are auto-generated by your bike computer and are usually less than 70% accurate. Learn more.
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DownloadWhen We Like to Ride This
Early spring to late fall.
Terrain & Riding
A ride totally worthy of being called epic, you name it and this ride will deliver. Roll out early because you are in for a long day.
The pavement section to the town of Pavillion (~ mile 20) gives your body a chance to warmup for the demanding day ahead. From here, climb up and over to Kelly Lake. The ride takes a turn for SAVAGE on the suffer meter at this point. Rip the switchback descent to Kelly Lake to fill up your bottles and lick your wounds because you’re almost done!
After a nice warmup begin the climb up to on Kelly Lake. Take a few minutes to snap some photos at the Cougar Point Lookout. Here get a first glimpse of the incredible scenery that you will be riding through for the next few hours.
Burn down the 23% descent to the valley and roll along the picturesque road to Big Bar Ferry. Hop on board the car ferry or if you’re lucky, the cable car and be transported to the west side of the Fraser River.
Back on your bike, settle into one of the hardest but most scenic climbs around. Summit this monster and be treated to a series of climbs and ripping descents leading you to the village of Lillooet. Fuel up on food and water here and gather yourself as there still is a long way to go.
The Start
Dirt parking lot on the west side of the Old Bridge.
Food & Water
- ~ Mile 34: Water at Kelly Lake. Water tap is at the north end of the lake in the parking lot.
- ~ Mile 64: Water at Big Bar Reaction Ferry
Route Notes
We’ve rated the technical difficulty as Moderate, but the aerobic and power demands are Extreme. Expect brutally steep climbs and descents, switchbacks galore, and exposed stretches where the wind can make a hard day even harder. In summer, the heat can crank up fast, so come prepared.
There is little to no cell reception. Once you cross the Big Bar Ferry you really enter no man’s land and must commit. We recommend a Garmin InReach or similar satellite communication device.
We recommend a red blinky on your bike for the paved sections.
This route may ride better in the opposite direction, where the paved is at the end and is downhill. If you do it in the counterclockwise direction, we would love to hear your feedback, leave it in the comments section.
Love Where You Ride! Learn More
Much of this ride is through First Nations tribal territory. We believe it is important to take some time to learn about where you ride — the history, culture and heritage. One way you can do this is by visiting the town of Lillooet (~ mile 104).
Videos
Riding Caribou Country!
Big! Beautiful! Bold!
The Salmon and the First Nations People
Learn how the salmon plays a vital part in the First Nations’ diet and mythology.
Be Informed!
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!