Sturt Gorge Recreation Park – Craigburn Farm Trails
| Location | Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, Craigburn Farm |
| Start/End Point | Blackwood Park Blvd / Horners Corners Trail |
| Distance | 2.9 km |
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Activity | Mountain Biking |
| Region | Adelaide & Adelaide Hills |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Trail Rating | Blue (Intermediate) |
Mountain Biking in Adelaide’s Southern Suburbs
Tucked into the steep terrain of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, Gunners Run is a purpose-built mountain bike trail that delivers nearly three kilometres of intermediate-level riding through native bushland on Adelaide’s southern fringe. Rated blue — the international standard for intermediate difficulty — this trail offers flowing singletrack with enough technical features to keep experienced riders engaged while remaining accessible to improving cyclists looking to step up from beginner trails.
The trail sits within the broader Craigburn Farm trail network, a collection of mountain bike trails that has transformed this section of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park into one of Adelaide’s most popular riding destinations. The park itself protects significant remnant vegetation and the dramatic gorge carved by the Sturt River, creating a landscape that feels far more remote than its suburban location suggests.
The Ride
Gunners Run begins just off Blackwood Park Boulevard and follows a flowing singletrack route through the eucalypt woodland and grassland of Craigburn Farm. The trail takes advantage of the park’s natural topography — the undulating terrain that rises and falls between the ridgeline and the gorge provides natural elevation changes that create a varied and engaging ride without the need for extensive trail construction.
The intermediate rating reflects a trail that includes moderate gradients, some technical features, and sections where line choice matters. Riders can expect natural surface trails with occasional rock gardens, bermed corners, and short climbs that test fitness and technique in equal measure. The thirty-minute riding time is typical for riders maintaining a moderate pace, though those exploring line options or combining Gunners Run with adjacent trails will spend considerably longer in the park.
Planning Your Ride
Access is from Blackwood Park Boulevard in Craigburn Farm, with parking available near the trailhead. The Sturt Gorge Recreation Park trail network includes several other mountain bike trails of varying difficulty — riders can combine Gunners Run with adjacent trails for longer outings. A trail map at the trailhead shows all available routes. Standard mountain bike equipment is recommended, including helmet, gloves, and appropriate footwear. The trails can be slippery after rain.
Gunners Run is proof that world-class mountain biking does not require a trip to the ranges. This well-designed intermediate trail delivers satisfying riding through native bushland barely fifteen minutes from Adelaide’s CBD — a quick escape into terrain that challenges the body and quiets the mind in equal measure.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Adelaide Hills Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.