Trail of the Month - November - by Erin Jeziorski

With winter just around the corner, I cant help but get excited to cross-country ski. Actually, by the time you read this Trail of the Month article, my hopes are that the ground will be snow covered and a brave few of us will test this coverage on the trails for the first time this season. Our trails are so amazing that it is tough to pick a favorite. With miles upon miles of trails in the Fraser Valley who can? If you love mountain biking and hiking our local trails during the summer, then Im betting you will enjoy cross-country skiing these trails during the winter! My favorite go to trail is Crosstrails in the Idlewild Trail system. While there are a number of access points to the Idlewild Trail System in Winter Park, Crosstrails itself is easily accessible in Rendezvous. To get there, turn into the Rendezvous subdivision from Hwy 40 between Winter Park and Fraser. Follow Rendezvous Road up hill to Friendship Drive. Turn right and the national forest sign is hard to miss. Park here and follow the trail up a short distance to Crosstrails. Here, the world is at your fingertips! Crosstrails is the main trail connector in the Idlewild Trail System. Follow Crosstrails for a mile or a few. While you will gain elevation, I consider this trail to be easy. From Crosstrails, you will notice many trail signs which allow you to travel off the beaten path. You can create a loop as long or short as youd like back to Crosstrails. Be prepared to potentially break trail after a new storm! I assure you it is well worth it and remember your map. If you dont have one, stop by Real Estate of Winter Park in downtown Winter Park for your free copy. See you on the trails!