Mt. Tzouhalem (Pi’paam) is the most popular hill in the valley, and it's easy to see why. The Tzou has a wide range of trails to satisfy anyone from relative beginners to expert riders. Here you can find classic cross country riding, descending-focussed tech, high speed flow, and creative wood features along with jumps and drops. There truly is something for everyone at Tzouhalem.
A byproduct of this wide range of trails is a somewhat of a braided network (many intersections). The addition of signage in 2019 has made this much more manageable, but do note that you will have to pay attention to your route a little more than some of the other hills. Tzouhlalem’s popularity also means that traffic and parking is a concern and it is advised to avoid peak times whenever possible.
Kaspa Road:
Following Kaspa Road to the top and through the gate, you will find the Valley's most popular trailhead. Although the parking lot is large, it often overflows. It is best to avoid this lot between 10:00am and 3:00pm on weekends and holidays.
Here you will find a washroom, tool station, bike wash, and map kiosk.
Nevilane Drive:
Following Kingsview to the top of the hill and through the roundabout, Kingsview becomes Nevilane. Continue down until the road levels out, and the parking lot is on the right.
This trailhead is the start of A Grand Traverse, one of the best climbing trails on the island. Follow AGT until the top and you will join the rest of the trail network.
This is the most recent trailhead and is not yet fully developed. Because of this, there are no facilities here.
⭑ Featured Routes+ Beginner+ Intermediate+ AdvancedRoute-1Bumble BeeA Grand TraverseDouble DEmma's ExpressField of DreamsFluidFinalityM OneRonnie's Rockin RideRoy's RevengeSally O'MalleySchool's OutShore Pine ConnectorShore Pine LoopBisecticonChicken RunChocolate TungleDanalyzerLoam LineLower TResurrectionRocky Mountain RidgeShow TimeT BoneTwist & ShoutYBA Roadie
This route has a good mix of what Tzouhalem has to offer; great climbing, stunning views, and a solid mixture of flow and technical riding. Suitable for a fit intermediate.
Nevilane Parking Lot >>> Up A Grand Traverse >>> Up Tzou Main Road >>> Up Field of Dreams >>> Down Rocky Mountain Ridge >>> Up Chicken Run >>> Down Double D >>> Up Tzou Main Road >>> Down Bumble Bee >>> Neviline Parking Lot
Trailforks Link.
For those ready for takeoff, this route features most of the jumps and drops on the hill, with the omission of Loam Line. Suitable for an intermediate rider, but treads into advanced territory depending on if all features are ridden.
Kaspa Parking Lot >>> Up Main Road >>> Up School's Out >>> Climb Main Road to summit >>> Descend T-Bone >>> Descend Showtime >>> Traverse M One to mid mountain intersection on Double D >>> Cross DD into Fluid >>> Turn Right on M One, then immediately left Emma's Express (unmarked) >>> Emma's rejoins Fluid >>> Finish on Resurrection >>> Kaspa Parking Lot
Note: Trail names and signage around M One, Fluid, and Emma's Express (unmarked) are not an exact match when comparing Trailforks to physical signage.
Trailforks Link.
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Return to Trail List Menu.
Bumble Bee is FAST. This is a very high speed fall-line trail that takes you from the main network back to the parking lot on Nevilane. Expect long straight sections into tight corners. There are a few optional jumps that can easily be ridden around.
Trailforks Link.
AGT is an exceptional climb. It is engaging enough to keep you interested, without being overly punishing. The terrain and scenery is also very pleasing on this climb.
Trailforks Link.
Arguably the most popular trail in the valley if not on the entire island, Double D is flow perfected. High speed with large supportive berms, some tight, some long; DD also has a number of small hits along the way where riders can opt for some airtime. Everything is rollable with the exception of the very last jump above the parking lot. This is a large gap style jump that should be considered expert only. While not rollable, this feature can be easily ridden around.
Trailforks Link.
Short and sweet. Emma’s Express drops off of M-One and connects back in to Fluid. A fast run with some fun corners and a lofty step down.
Trailforks Link.
Field of Dreams is a nice way to extend your ride. It winds off to the side of the main network for an enjoyable detour before bringing you back over to the other trails. Field of Dreams has a good mix of smooth sections and technical challenges. It doesn’t gain or lose much elevation so expect a bit of up and down throughout the loop.
Trailforks Link.
Fluid is quintessential Tzouhalem. Another packed dirt ribbon of single track, Fluid is best ridden as a descent, with some berms allowing riders to reach higher speeds when coming down. There are, however, some sections that are commonly linked up for climbing, particularly towards the top. Fluid is a great flowy connector that leads to the start of Resurrection.
Trailforks Link.
Finality is a classic Tzouhlem trail that has gained recent popularity with the enduro crowd. The upper section is a little more tight and flat but after you cross Field of Dreams, it opens up into a high speed ripper. Expect a relatively narrow run with some nice rolling natural features to keep you entertained. At the Twist And Shout intersection you can either continue along Finality or turn right on to Twist and Shout which maintains more of a descending feel.
Trailforks Links: Upper, Middle, Lower.
M-One features undulating terrain and cuts across many of the mid mountain trails. It is often best used as a connector between other runs.
Trailforks Link.
A low elevation connector trail that flows well in either direction.
Return to Trail List Menu.Old school cross country tech, Roy's Revenge is tight and tricky for anyone looking for the complete challenge of climbing and descending.
Trailforks Link.
Sally is a nice connector trail that traverses across the hill between Danalyzer and Ronnie’s Rockin Ride (near the main road). Sally is a technical punchy little cross country push. It is fairly level in elevation meaning there are lots of little rooty up and down punches to keep you working.
Trailforks Link.
School's Out is a relatively smooth, packed dirt ribbon that winds through the mid-section of the hill. It is often used as a climb for riders who want to gain elevation without taking the road.
Trailforks Link.
This trail serves as a connector between the BC Hydro right-of-way and A Grande Traverse. It is mostly used by hikers but is a useful connector for riders who have ridden Loam line and want to get back into the main network.
Trailforks Link.
A connector between the bottom of Loam Line and A Grande Traverse.
Trailforks Link.
High speed and with tight pocket berms, Bisecticon is a riot. Good for high speed and slapping turns, it is officially ranked as a black trail but we view it more as a challenging blue.
Trailforks Link.
Chicken run is a chunky, rocky, rooty, winding punchy run towards the edge of the main network. It can be treated as either a very challenging climb or a technical XC descent.
Trailforks Link.
Chocolate Tungle is a beautiful rock field. We don’t get a lot of rock riding here in the valley, so this run is a nice little gem when you need to ride some chunk. It is best ridden as a descent off of Finality. You can creep though it but it also holds speed well as users get more comfortable picking up momentum. We just wish it was longer.
Trailforks Link.
Danalyzer is another well rounded cross country trail. It has sections of tricky tight chunk as well as some faster moments of rhythm. The upper section is best ridden as a descent but the lower portion of the trail is often ridden both ways. This is one of the better ways to start your ride out of the Kaspa parking lot.
Trailforks Link.
Loam Line is a feature-filled trail with gap jumps and drops. It is a great ride for riders wanting to pick up extended air time. Features can be ridden around but it does take away from the natural rhythm of the trail. Riders should be very familiar with jumps and drops before committing to Loam Line. Do note that this run takes you away from the main network and you will have to climb back up to return to the other trails.
Trailforks Link.
Lower T is another mid-mountain trail that mixes in and around Schools Out, M One, and Fluid. These trails all share similar traits in that they are not overly steep, fairly smooth, and ride well both directions. Great as a climb or connector and friendly for newer riders.
Trailforks Link.
Resurrection is a fun rip low on the hill. It is high speed and has some varied features. The drops up top are great for beginners while further down the hits get bigger and serve as a good location for riders looking to work on their skills in the air. It should be noted that as these features vary in difficulty, it is not safe to assume that you can ride the rest of the features after doing the first drops. There are multiple lines to ride around all the obstacles on this trail.
Trailforks Link.
Rocky Mountain Ridge is a special trail featuring steep sections, rock rolls, roots, and some incredible vistas overlooking Cowichan Bay. This run is one of our favourites, as not many trails combine views and riding as well as Rocky Ridge.
Trailforks Link.
Showtime has rocks, roots, and some great wooden features. There is a recent push for more high quality wood structures here in the valley and Showtime is one of the first trails to get this treatment.
Trailforks Link.
T Bone is another classic trail that has seen recent work with the addition of two new wood drops and a fresh jump/bridge. A great line for riders looking for a little tech and to practice their drops.
Trailforks Link.
Twist and Shout is mid to fast paced and is a fun twisty, chunky run. The lower section is particularly popular as it is a great alternate ending to Finality. Here the trail becomes a more sustained descent and weaves in and out of a ravine. You have to work for your speed on this run but when you find it, the pay off is great.
Trailforks Link.
YBA Roadie is best viewed as an upper / lower section. The lower portion of the trail is a popular climbing route and is used in both directions. After you cross the road, upper YBAR is more steep and technical. It is also ridden both directions but it is often used as a challenging climb. It is the kind of section where cleaning it without stalling is an accomplishment.
Trailforks Links: Upper, Lower.