Remark­able Epic Trail

The Remarkable Epic Trail is the big-ticket backcountry ride of Melrose—a challenging 39 km loop beginning and finishing in town before heading deep into the rugged landscapes of Mount Remarkable National Park. With around 1,100 metres of climbing and descending, this is a proper adventure ride that showcases just how spectacular the Southern Flinders Ranges can be from the saddle. Rated Intermediate (Blue) with difficult sections, the Epic is less about manicured bike-park flow and more about natural, adventurous riding. Expect long stretches of singletrack, rocky and variable surfaces, loose scree, exposed trail edges and gradients generally reaching 10%, with short, steep sections of up to 15%. Difficult features have intermediate alternatives, but the overall physical challenge means riders should arrive with a good level of fitness and confidence on technical terrain. And then there are the views. The route climbs away from Melrose into the ranges, opening up spectacular outlooks across the Willochra Plains and Black Range, with glimpses towards Spencer Gulf before eventually looping back beneath the impressive Gibraltar Rock formations. It's a ride that feels genuinely remote despite starting and finishing right from one of Australia's best-known mountain bike towns. Allow at least 4–6 hours, and potentially longer depending on fitness, conditions and how often you stop to take in the scenery. Riders shouldn't start the full loop after midday and should carry sufficient food, water, repair equipment, first aid supplies and extra clothing. Mobile reception can be limited and conditions on the range can change quickly, so this is definitely a ride to plan properly rather than squeeze into the end of the day. One of the best parts is rolling straight back into Melrose when you're finished. If you're making a riding trip of it, bike-friendly Under the Mount provides a convenient base close to the trails, while Beyond the Mount can help with rider and bike transport if the Epic is just one part of a bigger Melrose, Mawson Trail or Flinders Ranges adventure. Distance: Approx. 39 km loop Climbing: Approx. 1,100 m Difficulty: Intermediate / Blue with difficult sections Physical rating: Hard Ride time: Allow 4–6+ hours Style: Backcountry MTB / XC / All-Mountain Start & Finish: Melrose, SA Best for: Fit intermediate and experienced mountain bikers looking for a big adventure ride The Remarkable Epic is not just another trail in the Melrose network—it's a destination ride in its own right, combining a big day on the bike with remote terrain, technical riding and some of the best scenery in the Southern Flinders Ranges. As of July 2026, all designated MTB trails within Mount Remarkable National Park, including the Remarkable Epic, are open following recovery from the 2025 Wilmington fire.