Best hiking routes in Bragg Creek

Hikes in Bragg Creek and Sheep River

Region in Kananaskis Country, Alberta

We love hiking in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, SW of Calgary. This area, which includes Bragg Creek and much of the Sheep River, has some great, and very quiet hikes. The are of these front-ranges are popular daytrips from Calgary, and you'll mostly find locals from Calgary exploring these great hiking trails.

Hiking the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains is a special place, as it’s not that busy but still has some beautiful hikes. These hikes generally provide great views of the Rockies to the west and prairies to the east without a huge amount of work. Terrain varies between grassy, wild-flower filled meadows to thick forests to rocky exposed ridges.

This area near Bragg Creek and the Sheep River is also great for shoulder season hiking, as it doesn’t see as much snow. Some of our favourites here are hiked all year long. The town of Bragg Creek is also a charming village with a couple of great restaurants. This makes a great break after a long hike. Other authentic towns such as Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Millarville make this area a unique opportunity to explore life in the Canadian Foothills.

SW Alberta is a wonderful region for beginners as well as experienced hikers, and there are many great hikes within the area.

THE TOP 10 HIKES NEAR BRAGG CREEK AND THE SHEEP RIVER, ALBERTA

  1. ForgetMeNot Ridge (24.5 km, 944 m, 7-8h): Great views without a ton of work? Sign me up! This walk up Forget Me Not Mountain gives great views of the surrounding peaks, the elbow river valley, and gravel fields.
  2. Moose Mountain (14.7 km, 573 m, 4.5-5.5h): This long but rewarding hike starts in the trees and bring us to the fire lookout at the top of Moose Mountain. This is really popular shoulder season hike just 45 minutes from Calgary.
  3. Nihahi Ridge (10.0 km, 706 m, 3-4h): This hike has it all, starting in the forest before traversing a beautiful grassy meadow then gaining elevation in the alpine as climb the ridge. The views are spectacular throughout the hike.
  4. Volcano Ridge (18.7 km, 659 m, 5.5-6.5h): This is a relative low effort high reward hike up a grass topped foothill of the Rockies just west of turner valley. From the top we have great views as the foothills turn into the towering peaks of the Rockies.
  5. Mesa Butte (3.5 km, 229 m, 1-2h): At only 3.5 km round trip this is a short and easy hike that is perfect for after work. Mesa Butte is a mid elevation hill with tremendous views of the surrounding area. The fire pit at the top it also made for a great picnic.
  6. Powderface Ridge (14.3 km, 656 m, 3-4h): Powderface Ridge is a popular early or late season hike at the end of Highway 66. There are several variations of the trail, all with decent views, making it suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
  7. Foran Grade and Windy Point (12.5 km, 454 m, 4.5-5.5h): Foran Grade and Windy Point Ridge are two smallish peaks in the front ranges providing great views of the surrounding ranges to the west and the prairie to the east. The views are gorgeous, especially considering the limited elevation you gain at just over 305 m.
  8. Mount Ware (14.5 km, 603 m, 4.5-5.5h): This mid-length moderate hike has us summit Mt. Ware. As our final elevation takes us above all the surrounding foothills we are afforded great views of the surrounding area, including the impressive Bluerock Mountain to the west.
  9. Praire Mountain (6.9 km, 699 m, 3-4h): While this is not the most scenic of hikes until you reach the summit, it can be done year-round (no avalanche risk) and is one heck of a workout.
  10. Canyon Creek Ice Caves (13.7 km, 285 m, 5-7h): This hike is more about the destination than the journey. The first 6.0 km is more of a walk along a forestry road before things get good, with a steep 1.0 km hike before we reach the cave.

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Best Hikes in Bragg Creek and Sheep River

Showing 1 to 20 of 33
    Open details for Cox Hill Hike

    Cox Hill Hike

    Hard
    13.4 km
    774 m
    4.5-6.5h

    Hiking Cox Hill Ridge is a great way to spend a half-day in the summer. Save this one for wildflower season, and you won’t be disappointed. The multi-use trail can get busy with bikers, hikers, and runners, so be prepared to run into some speedy trail users.

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    Open details for Eagle Hill Trail

    Eagle Hill Trail

    Moderate
    14.2 km
    453 m
    4-5.5h

    The Eagle Hill trail climbs the foothills of Kananaskis Country to reach a ridge that looks out into the Prairies. It is an easy-to-follow, gradual trail that is the perfect day trip from Sibbald Lake Campground. There are no technical sections on this trail, making it excellent for hikers of various abilities.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Sibbald Flats Trail

    Sibbald Flats Trail

    Easy
    1.9 km
    92 m
    0.5-1h

    The Sibbald Flats interpretive trail travels around Sibbald Lake and includes many educational signs. It starts in the central Sibbald Flats Recreation Area, which makes it great for those looking for something quick and easy from a central area.

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    Open details for ForgetMeNot Ridge

    ForgetMeNot Ridge

    Hard
    24.5 km
    944 m
    7-9.5h

    Great views without a ton of work? Sign me up! This walk up Forget Me Not Mountain gives great views of the surrounding peaks, the elbow river valley, and gravel fields.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.8
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Moose Mountain

    Moose Mountain

    Hard
    14.7 km
    573 m
    4-6h

    This long but rewarding hike starts in the trees and bring us to the fire lookout at the top of Moose Mountain. This is really popular shoulder season hike just 45 minutes from Calgary.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    8.7
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Nihahi Ridge

    Nihahi Ridge

    Hard
    11.4 km
    706 m
    4-5.5h

    This hike has it all, starting in the forest before traversing a beautiful grassy meadow then gaining elevation in the alpine as climb the ridge. The views are spectacular throughout the hike.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.9
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Volcano Ridge

    Volcano Ridge

    Moderate
    18.7 km
    659 m
    5-7h

    This is a relative low effort high reward hike up a grass topped foothill of the Rockies just west of turner valley. From the top we have great views as the foothills turn into the towering peaks of the Rockies.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.8
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Mesa Butte

    Mesa Butte

    Easy
    3.5 km
    229 m
    1-2h

    At only 3.5 km round trip this is a short and easy hike that is perfect for after work. Mesa Butte is a mid elevation hill with tremendous views of the surrounding area. The fire pit at the top it also made for a great picnic.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.8
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Powderface Ridge

    Powderface Ridge

    Moderate
    14.3 km
    656 m
    4.5-6h

    Powderface Ridge is a popular early or late season hike at the end of Highway 66. There are several variations of the trail, all with decent views, making it suitable for a variety of fitness levels.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.9
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Foran Grade and Windy Point

    Foran Grade and Windy Point

    Moderate
    12.5 km
    454 m
    3.5-5h

    Foran Grade and Windy Point Ridge are two smallish peaks in the front ranges providing great views of the surrounding ranges to the west and the prairie to the east. The views are gorgeous, especially considering the limited elevation you gain at just over 305 m.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.6
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Mount Ware

    Mount Ware

    Moderate
    14.5 km
    603 m
    4-6h

    This mid-length moderate hike has us summit Mt. Ware. As our final elevation takes us above all the surrounding foothills we are afforded great views of the surrounding area, including the impressive Bluerock Mountain to the west.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.8
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Prairie Mountain

    Prairie Mountain

    Moderate
    6.9 km
    699 m
    3-4.5h

    While this is not the most scenic of hikes until you reach the summit, it can be done year-round (no avalanche risk) and is one heck of a workout.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.5
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Canyon Creek Ice Caves

    Canyon Creek Ice Caves

    Moderate
    13.7 km
    285 m
    3-4.5h

    This hike is more about the destination than the journey. The first 6.0 km is more of a walk along a forestry road before things get good, with a steep 1.0 km hike before we reach the cave.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.4
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Little Elbow Trail

    Little Elbow Trail

    Very Easy
    11.5 km
    238 m
    2.5-4h

    Little Elbow Trail connects with Big Elbow Trail to form a loop that connects three backcountry campgrounds. It’s a beautiful hike with views of Mount Romulus, Mount Glasgow, and more. You can go as far as you like on this trail, and it’s largely family-friendly.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Fullerton Loop Hike

    Fullerton Loop Hike

    Moderate
    6.9 km
    239 m
    2-2.5h

    The Fullerton Loop offers superb views of Moose Mountain and the foothills surrounding the area. This trail has a long season and is a great choice for early and late season hiking. There are many connecting trails nearby if you are looking for something a bit longer.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Big Elbow Trail

    Big Elbow Trail

    Very Easy
    11.8 km
    172 m
    2.5-3.5h

    Big Elbow Trail is a scenic, easy hike that leads to a backcountry campground. The trail follows an access road with very gradual elevation change, making it a family-friendly outing that’s shoulder season-friendly. The views of Threepoint Mountain and Banded Peak are fantastic.

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    No Reviews
    Open details for Sheep River Falls Hike

    Sheep River Falls Hike

    Very Easy
    0.5 km
    7 m
    0.5h

    The Sheep River Falls trail is a short and easy trail that leads hikers to a beautiful waterfall along the Sheep River. Consider spending some time having a picnic or splashing in the water when visiting this area. You likely won’t get your heart rate up, but it is the perfect spot to enjoy some nature.

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    No Reviews
    Open details for Elbow Falls Loop

    Elbow Falls Loop

    Very Easy
    0.8 km
    25 m
    0.5h

    The Elbow Falls Loop is a popular trail for good reason. Only a short drive from the city, this beautiful trail shows off the wonders of the Elbow River Valley in a short distance. Bring the whole family, and plan a good half-day of relaxing and outdoor activity to make the most out of this area.

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    Open details for Sulphur Springs Trail

    Sulphur Springs Trail

    Moderate
    11.7 km
    515 m
    3.5-5h

    The Sulphur Springs trail in the Elbow River area is part of an extremely well-maintained multi-sport trail system. The trail is forested with many clearings that provide great views. There are lots of junctions along this route, so using a GPS is recommended. Join the Riverview Trail to create a full loop.

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    No Reviews
    Open details for Alder Trail Hike

    Alder Trail Hike

    Very Easy
    1.6 km
    68 m
    0.5h

    The Alder Trail is a short lollipop loop in Bragg Creek Provincial Park. It is an educational interpretive trail that is host to signage that discusses local flora and fauna. The trail is easy to navigate and perfect for all abilities. Please note, you must cross a busy road to access the trail.

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