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    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 21 to 33 of 33
      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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      Open details for Iron Springs Trail

      Iron Springs Trail

      Hard
      17.2 km
      453 m
      4.5-6h

      The Iron Springs trail connects Highway 66 with Township Road 232. It is a great multi-use trail for intermediate hikers. The straightforward trail travels through the forest and features moderate rolling elevation.

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      Open details for Diamond T Loop

      Diamond T Loop

      Easy
      4.0 km
      149 m
      1-1.5h

      The Diamond T Loop is an excellent beginner-intermediate trail in Kananaskis. It is part of a broader trail system and has many options to extend your trip. The trail is mostly forested but has plenty of clearings with great views and one prominent viewpoint that makes the whole trail worth hiking for.

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      Open details for Green Mountain Trail

      Green Mountain Trail

      Hard
      16.4 km
      737 m
      5-7h

      Green Mountain trail is a must-do in Bragg Creek. Not many surrounding trails have the views and lookout options that Green Mountain has. This is an excellent option for intermediate hikers ready to tackle some elevation and make a full circuit of the area.

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      Open details for Foran Grade Trail

      Foran Grade Trail

      Moderate
      6.9 km
      314 m
      2-3h

      The Foran Grade trail is a great running and walking trail near Turner Valley, Alberta. It follows a semi-forested path with excellent clearings for sightseeing. This trail travels counter-clockwise through a birch forest and other beautiful groves between viewpoints.

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      Open details for Nihahi Creek Trail

      Nihahi Creek Trail

      Moderate
      15.8 km
      463 m
      4-5.5h

      Leaving from the central Little Elbow area, Nihahi Creek is an excellent half-day trip that takes hikers up the creek and through the valley below Nihahi Ridge. If you aren’t up for the elevation gain that the ridge requires, this is the perfect trail for you.

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      Open details for Pine Woods Loop

      Pine Woods Loop

      Easy
      4.5 km
      162 m
      1-1.5h

      Hiking the Pine Woods Interpretive Loop Trail doesn’t take long, but is an excellent way to find solitude in the woods. The less frequented area along AB-68 is free from the crowds that Highway 40 sees. Take the family on an educational outing along this easy forested trail.

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      Open details for Buck Mountain Trail

      Buck Mountain Trail

      Moderate
      7.6 km
      397 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Ole Buck Mountain is a great trail to tackle when exploring the Sibbald Flats area. Whether you are staying at the campground or just checking out Sibbald Lake, this achievable summit is well within your reach and definitely worth the effort.

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      Open details for Sugar Momma Trail

      Sugar Momma Trail

      Moderate
      9.5 km
      361 m
      2.5-4h

      Hiking the Sugar Momma trail near Bragg Creek is a great way to spend a half day. The multi-use trail offers some wide open clearings with excellent views of the foothills and the rockies in the distance. This is a popular trail that has plenty of opportunities to explore nearby and connecting trails, so if you would like to lengthen or even shorten your trip, this is a great trail choice with many options.

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      Open details for Tom Snow Trail

      Tom Snow Trail

      Hard
      24.5 km
      772 m
      6.5-9h

      The Tom Snow trail is a simple one. It follows mostly decommissioned fire roads between Elbow River and Sibbald Creek valley. It is a common route for horseback riders and mountain bikers, so be prepared for traffic while hiking this route.

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      Open details for Barwell Trail

      Barwell Trail

      Hard
      15.9 km
      749 m
      5-7h

      Hiking the Mount Barwell Trail is a half to full day effort that is very rewarding. With minimal crowds and excellent views, you can hike this as a lollipop or an out-and-back route. Watch for other users as this is a multi-use trail that is frequented by mountain bikers.

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      Open details for Powderface Creek Trail

      Powderface Creek Trail

      Hard
      12.4 km
      553 m
      3.5-5h

      The Powderface Creek trail in Kananaskis is a popular hiking, biking, and horseback trail, so be aware of traffic when you are using this trail. This route is well-maintained and follows an open bench that offers incredible views of the Elbow Valley. The wildflowers are plentiful midsummer as well.

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      Open details for Gorge Creek Loop

      Gorge Creek Loop

      Hard
      22.4 km
      744 m
      6-8.5h

      Hiking the Gorge Creek Loop requires some route knowledge and a bit of extra effort as it is not as well-maintained as other Kananaskis trails. It is a beautiful loop that circumnavigates other trails in the area. Take in the views of the vast and remote wilderness that surrounds you on this gentle full day route.

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