Squamish has over 300 trails across multiple networks. That’s incredible if you know where to go. If you don’t, it’s overwhelming — and a lot of riders end up spending half their day figuring out logistics instead of riding.
That’s the problem a guide solves. Here’s exactly what to expect when you book a guided mountain bike tour with Dialed In Cycling.
Most rides start at Dialed In Cycling — 1796 Depot Rd East, right at the base of the Alice Lake trail network. There’s free parking on site, and if you need a rental bike we’ll get you set up before you head out. From the shop you can ride directly onto trail or jump on the Shred Shuttle to start the day up high in the Diamond Head zone.
If you have a specific adventure in mind — a particular trail network, a zone you’ve heard about, a shuttle mission — we’ll start wherever makes the most sense for your day. The itinerary is built around you, not the other way around.
There’s no formal skills test or awkward assessment process. Your guide will have a conversation with you before you roll out — what you’ve been riding at home, what you’re hoping to get out of the day, whether you want to push your limits or keep it mellow. Then they’ll watch you ride in the first few minutes and adjust from there.
Squamish has trails for every level, so wherever you land on the spectrum there’s a perfect day waiting. The guide’s job is to find it for you as quickly as possible and stop wasting your time on trails that aren’t right.
Most people assume guided rides are for beginners, or that if you’re an advanced rider you’ll end up on a sanitized tour that doesn’t reflect what Squamish riding is actually about.
That’s not how it works here.
Our guides are shredders. They ride these trails every day and they know where the good stuff is buried — the lines that don’t show up on Trailforks, the trail combinations that make a day feel like a proper Squamish experience, the features that get experienced riders genuinely excited. If you want to get into the gnar that Squamish is known for, that’s exactly where we’ll take you.
Want something more relaxed and scenic? Also no problem. The guide tailors the day to your objectives, not a fixed itinerary.
Beyond trail selection and navigation, here’s what makes a guided day different from going it alone:
They know the trails in real time. Which lines are prime right now, which are wet, which are worth the extra effort to get to. You’re not relying on an app — you’re riding with someone who was out yesterday.
They handle mixed groups. Got a group with different skill levels? A family where one person is more confident than the others? Guides are good at this. They know which trails work for everyone and how to structure a day so nobody feels held back and nobody feels in over their head.
Most of our guides are also coaches. If you want tips — on your body position, your line choice, how to ride a feature you’ve been avoiding — they can jump in. Not a full lesson, just the kind of real-time feedback that makes an immediate difference. If you want to focus purely on riding and not think about technique, that’s fine too.
We offer several options depending on how much time you have and what you want to get out of the day:
All prices are based on one rider — group rates available.
Not necessarily — bring your own if you have it. If you need a rental, we have a full fleet of mountain bikes and eMTBs available. Booking a rental and a guided ride together is the most seamless option, since everything starts from the same location and your guide can make sure your bike is set up properly before you head out.
If you’re visiting Squamish and you have limited time, yes — without question. The trail network is enormous and the difference between a day with a guide and a day without one is the difference between riding the best trails for your level and spending half your morning figuring out where to go.
If you’re a local or a repeat visitor who already knows the network well, a guide is still worth it when you want to push into new zones, ride with a mixed group, or just have someone else handle the planning for a day.
Where do guided rides in Squamish start?
Most rides start at Dialed In Cycling, 1796 Depot Rd East — right at the Alice Lake trailhead with free parking on site. If you have a specific adventure in mind we can start wherever makes the most sense.
Do I need to be an experienced rider to book a guided ride?
No. We offer guided rides for all skill levels from complete beginners to experienced riders who want to explore Squamish’s most challenging terrain. The day is tailored to you.
Will a guided ride be too easy if I’m an advanced rider?
No. Our guides are experienced riders who know Squamish’s most technical and demanding terrain. If you want to ride the gnar Squamish is known for, that’s where we’ll take you.
Can guides accommodate groups with mixed skill levels?
Yes — this is something our guides are specifically good at. They’ll structure the day so riders at different levels are all challenged appropriately and nobody feels left out or in over their head.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
No. We have mountain bike and eMTB rentals available at the shop. Booking a rental alongside your guided ride is the most convenient option.
Can I get coaching tips during a guided ride?
Yes. Most of our guides are also certified coaches. If you want real-time feedback on your riding during the tour, just ask — they’re happy to jump in with tips that make an immediate difference.
What’s the difference between a half day and full day guided ride?
A half day covers a solid session on trail — typically a few hours with good variety. A full day is a proper big day out with maximum trail time, more zones, and more descents. If you want to experience as much of Squamish as possible in one day, the full day is worth it.
