Experience Bragg Creek

Your base camp for adventure; at the confluence with the Elbow River, where foothills meet mountains. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or weekend getaway, Bragg Creek offers outdoor adventures for every season. Discover Bragg Creek’s hidden gems and best festivals here.

The Elbow Valley unfurls with new sights around every turn as we head south on Hwy 66. I feel a rush of anticipation knowing the best is yet to come. Today, we’ll ditch the car at Elbow Falls and bike to Forget-me-not Pond. This unique opportunity to ride the highway without cars (or snow) is only available for a few weeks each year.

As we leave the winter gate and hikers behind, we ride in the middle of the lane - because we can - and revel in the solitude. It’s easy going to Beaver Flat Campground (2 km), followed by a steep climb to Rainy Summit. We take in the mountains and open road - and a few much needed gulps of water - before whipping downhill to Cobble Flats, and the pond.

Deer emerge from the trees to graze while raptors ride the thermals off Forget-me-not Ridge. It’s a pleasant change from summer when the banks are lined with picnickers. We silently savour the moment before heading back to reality.

Elbow Falls to Forget-me-not Pond via Hwy 66: 10 km one way. Go: late Apr-May 14, or early Dec, conditions permitting. The winter gate on Hwy 66 is closed from Dec 1-May 14.

The first warm weekend we’re at Little Elbow Campground. From our walk-in tent site, we can hike Nihahi Creek, the Nihahi Ridge, or Little Elbow Interpretive Trail; mountain bike Elbow Loop; and picnic at Forget-me-not Pond.

While Nihahi (“rocky” in the Stoney) Ridge looks imposing, the shoulder of the ridge is attainable provided you don’t mind some elevation gain. 3 km one way, 390 m elevation gain. We hike until the ridge gets sketchy, then play along the river.

As I scan my trusty topographic map, I’m intrigued by an unnamed peak near Powderface Ridge. It looks promising at 2,100 m, so we scout it out. Within an hour, we have a bird’s eye view of the Elbow Valley that rivals Powderface Ridge but requires less effort (and time). A sign at the summit reveals its name: Sunrise Hill. It’s the best short hike we’d never heard of!

To get there, park at the junction of Hwy 66 and Powderface Trail, in the pullout on the north side of the road. Head up the grassy hill on the same side of the road and follow the forested trail for about 2.5 km until you reach a junction marked by a large cairn. Go up the steep hill on your right for 300 m and enjoy the panoramic views. 5.7 km return, 504 m elevation gain. Go: Jun-Nov.

When it cools off, West Bragg Creek is the hot spot for outdoor adventures. With a 141 km network of well-signed and well-maintained trails, West Bragg is frequented by snowshoers, cross country skiers, fatbikers, hikers, and equestrians. It is one of the few places in Kananaskis that allows skate skiing and the only place that allows dogs on groomed trails.

Go snowshoe the Snowy Owl Trail (6.6 km), fatbike Braggin’ Rights and Merlin View (14 km and a 363 m of elevation), or ski from West Bragg Creek to Allen Bill Day Use via Sundog Loop and Iron Springs/Elbow Loop (12.7 km loop, 129 m of elevation / 378 m total of elevation).

Whenever you visit there are adventures to be had!

Photos and Story By: Karen Ung