The West Coast Fossil Park mountain bike trails are situated near Vredenburg about 90 min from Cape Town. The MTB trail in the Fossil Park is a time warp experience. This is a great historic location with easy non technical trails ideal for kids and the whole family. Cycle in one of the richest fossil sites in the world on a mountain bike. This historical ride winds its way in and around the park where now extinct animals roamed 5 million years ago.
The closest town is Vredenburg and has easy to moderate routes up to 10km long. The MTB trail is 100% dirt jeep track with Green 3.5km, Red 6km, Blue 8km, Yellow 10km route options. The trailhead is at the Visitors Centre – West Coast Fossil Park with normal park entry fees. Facilities include a coffee shop, toilets, garden for picnics and rental bikes as well as guided fossil park tours.
How to get there From Cape Town City Center, Take N1 (Paarl) On ramp, Take R27 (Marine Drive) off ramp, 27 continues as West Coast Road, travel along R27 for ± 120km, Take right turn at Engen 1-stop towards R45/Langebaanweg. At Langebaanweg turn left towards Vredenburg on R45, look out for gates on left handside.Alternate Route from Cape Town: Take the N7 North, pass through Malmsbury, then take R45 to Hopefield and Vredenburg. Lookout for park turnoff after Langebaanweg
Mountain Bike Trail Description
The Fossil park trail is a time warp experience, riding in one of the richest fossil sites in the world on a mountain bike. Educational and informative fossil tours are available for the curios. The West Coast Fossil park is a national museum site with a rich heritage of geophysical forces, prehistoric animals, mining exploitation, fossil discovery and natural regeneration.
Starting from the park visitor centre, there are 4 different marked trail options of varying distances covering the entire 250Ha park. The trails utilise the old mining roads on the property, and there are some tricky uphill and downhill sections for the adventurous. The northern end of the park has a good view of the Saldanha and Vredenberg areas. Being out in the open on the dirt is a great way to appreciate and view the emerging fynbos. The route along the western end leads to the longest climb of the ride with a view over the dig site. The scenic trail back passes the bird hide and then winds its way back to the visitor centre and coffee shop.
Looking for other trails, check out MTB Trails on the Cape West Coast.
