Majura PinesDestination overview
Majura Pines is a collection of locally built trails in a mix of pine forest and natural Aussie bush. Originally a classic cross-country destination, it has expanded to invite a little more enduro flair with machine-built and jump-inspired trails added to the repertoire.
With a labyrinth of steep black trails and blue trails that feature fast flow, Majura is accommodating for beginners, right through to experienced riders hunting for a challenge. There are some rocky, off-camber technical up tracks for those also wanting to push the XC Strava stats on elevation to rock garden ratios.
Majura introduces some variety into the area, with red dirt and pine trees, not just the classic Stromlo silt you might be familiar with. The area is excellent for different riding styles and capabilities, with some green trails also on offer for those starting out or just wanting to go really fast and get some pedals in!
The trails are all tightly packed in close proximity to one another, but are mapped, and well-maintained. Barry and Larry are a must-visit (ahem, trails, of course).
Stromlo Stop offs
This destination is a great area for progression and one to add to the weekend list, particularly for New South Welshman heading home from Canberra. An ideal little stop off just 15-mins north of Canberra, the trailhead is just off the highway and accessed via a quick connection from the car park.
Majurassic Pines
During Covid, a collection of volunteers started to build up the dirt jumps — named after everyone’s favourite dinosaur movie franchise — and they are in prime nick if you are looking for something different and to improve your riding. Something that you don’t get as much of as the regular Canberra stop-offs.
Social media
Featured Video
Gallery
Tell us about your ride
7 responses to “Majura Pines”
Leave your review
Featured Content
-
Jack of all trades, master of all | Zoe Cuthbert and Majura Pines
Zoe Cuthbert is a jack of all trades, and somehow, also master of them all. Cuthbert is taking podiums across every discipline in the mountain ...
-
Canberra’s Cotter Pines is getting twice as big
Canberra is becoming quite the mountain biking destination, with more than a dozen trail centres scattered around the Bush Capital. The latest addition, Cotter Pines, ...
-
Must-Ride: Majura Pines, ACT
This rabbit warren of singletrack in iconic Canberran pine forest has been a part of Australian mountain biking for decades; its twisty, rooty trails have ...
Majura is small but offers a wide range of experiences. With steep tech or flow trails on the southern and northern ends, connected by more undulating hand cut single track in-between, and a great beginner area next to some prime dirt jumps – there’s something for everyone of all abilities. There are loops you can follow, but you can easily mix up trails and choose your own adventure.
For the more advanced riders looking to thread the needle, the southern end is a great place to start with Barry & Larry, Dirty Distancing and Rock Lobster. Intermediate riders will love the flow Planet Claire on the southern end and Pinot Grinio+Bombora on the northern end. Less experiences riders can tackle the same blue flow descents at a slower pace or hone their skills on classic trails like Telemark and Innabaanya.
For those looking for some old school steep tight tech XC, you can’t go past Auto Alley, Car Body, Bucket Run. Or if you’re looking to save the legs, Pitt Street and Dew Drop Inn feature Majura’s famous gully half pipes.
The Flash, Crazy Crab Walk, pump track and jumps on the eastern side of Majura Parkway are a great place for beginners and younger kids as there’s minimal climbing but plenty of flow to be found. There’s also some fun skinnies too. It’s also where you’ll find the toilets, water, picnic table, repair stand and main carpark.
The iconic trails here have lived through most stages, evolutions, and race types of mountain biking in AUS. The current state of the trail network is a reflection of this experience with the challenges and joys of modern mountain biking met for all levels or rider. A good mix of natural and artificial features shape trails in a harmonious mixture, allowing for a trail experience that reflects the topography rather than wedging trails in an unnatural manor.
The location is a well maintained, beautiful pine forrest just far enough away from infrastructure that besides the air traffic overhead you can get the feeling of the escape from everyday.
Majura is a special place to ride. It’s got everything from hand cut old-school twisty single track that is capped at the north and south ends by more modern flow and tech trails. It’s a small area but punches above its weight with variety. Well sign posted, plenty of great facilities… and it’s all volunteer run with the support of some great local businesses and the ACT Parks service. If you do ride here, try volunteering just once or if you can, donate some money or support one of the sponsors!
Although compact the Majura Pines offer heaps of variety for riders of all abilities and styles. From the beginner area, pump track and dirt jumps (Majurassic Park) over at Majura Rd, to the machine built flow descents like Barry, Planet Claire, Rock Lobster and Pinot Grinio. If XC tech is still your thing then checkout Auto Alley. If you like steep, rocky trails then you won’t be disappointed. The south end of the forest has a number of great descents like Touching Cloth and Short Memory.
A top hint is to park at the nearby Hackett shops – home of Monkey Wrench Cycles, Hackett IGA and several small cafes/restaurants. Cut through to Mackenzie Street and enter Mount Majura Nature Reserve and follow the signs up Blue Metal Road, forking left near the top to the Majura Pines notice boards.
Don’t forget to give the volunteers of Majura Pines Trail Alliance some love – either a donation or buy some merch – as they build and maintain all of these trails.
Majura Pines climbs are the bomb, tight, techy and a real challenge but the best part – that dirt…
There’s a good skills/jump park on lower Majura that’s a great place to practice, with different levels of jumps lines. But there’s a lesser known, and I think even better spot on the upper part near the winery known as the Three Bears. They’re staggered from beginner (baby bear) up to advanced (papa) and they’re really well built jumps that you’ll often have to yourself. Highly recommended to head up towards the winery or check them out on your way up Batcave and the super fun descent Pinot Grinio.
The 3 bear jump lines are so good and well built