Ride a mining trail

Take a short trip through time

Julie and Ken Drake provide interpretive trail rides. — Photo by Tanya Laing Gahr

Rossland’s history begins with mining. In 1897, at the height of the gold rush, Rossland was one of Western Canada’s biggest cities.

There were so many small claims and drill holes around the area that locals say Red Mountain resembles Swiss cheese.

Old mining trails wind through the hills; many of these have now become mountain bike trails.

But for Julie and Ken Drake, the history and splendour of the Rossland region is best seen from a saddle.

Ken was born in the area and spent his youth working with and riding horses on the old mining trails around the region.

He moved to Alberta for work—where he met and married Julie—but he longed to get back home.

When their son was born four years ago, the Drakes made the decision to pack up and move home to Rossland and put into motion the dream they’d had for 10 years—a trail riding business that took visitors along the old roads and pathways followed by prospectors and miners a hundred years ago.

My husband, Rusty, and I were recently treated to an afternoon of riding with Ken, Julie and one of their guides, Dan Adamson.

It was still early in the season and snow blocked the trails higher up the mountain, but the weather was glorious and the scenery was unparalleled.

The Drakes’ horses are gentle, sturdy and obviously loved—and eager to climb the hills.

Along the way, Ken pointed out several old mine shafts.

All that remains of most of them is an outcropping of rocks to mark the spot, but others are large enough for a grown man to stand in.

The history in this area is rich, and Ken is obviously taken with it.

Record Ridge Riding has something for every level of rider, and Ken said they are looking at multi-day trips in the near future. For more information, see www.recordridgeriding.com.