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        Powderface trailhead is off of Hwy 66, just past the winter gate [Closed Dec. 1 - May 15]. There is an older outhouse and an info kiosk, plus a few picnic tables. The trails in this area are maintained by Alberta Parks.
        Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
        eBikes Allowed: No
        AKA: Powder Face
        Land Status: Regional Recreation Area
        Parking google parking directions
        Access Info:
        The trailhead is a few hundred metres past the winter gate, on the right.
        Activities Click to view
        Region Details
        • 1
        • 9
        • 4

        Region Status
        Open as of 15 hours

        Stats

        Avg Trail Rating
        Trails (view details)
        40
        Trails Mountain Bike
        14
        Trails E-Bike
        39
        Trails Winter Fat Bike
        1
        Trails Horse
        7
        Trails Hike
        40
        Trails Trail Running
        40
        Trails Snowshoe
        7
        Total Distance
        79 miles
        Total Descent Distance
        30 miles
        Total Descent
        13,613 ft
        Total Vertical
        3,250 ft
        Highest Trailhead
        8,206 ft
        Reports
        200
        Photos
        188
        Completed Counter
        5,653

        Popular Powderface Mountain Biking Trails

        65 3.4 2 miles 316 ft 813
        The trail links and trails. Most people ride it from south to north, maximizing the descent/fun. From the south it climbs on a smooth, wide track that begs for a bit of head-to-head competition with your buddies. At the first "summit"...
        60 3.8 4 miles 633 ft 383
        This trail can be ridden in both directions. I prefer riding North to South, parking at the start of the (where hwy66 turns to a gravel road at the intersection with Little Elbow Campground). Ride up the to the intersection of the...
        50 3.7 6 miles 340 ft 383
        It's a pretty mellow ride, with some punchy climbs to keep it interesting. Keep a sharp eye out for trees across the trail, at least until you get East of the Trail. The trail runs quite close to the creek, and there are often some very...
        65 2.7 5 miles 1,673 ft 370
        The trail has a split personality. The east half is wide, mellow and almost qualifies as beginner trail. From the Powderface trailhead, the trail goes straight up what is basically a rocky jeep road. Once you're over the initial hump,...
        55 2.5 4,931 ft 66 ft 167
        Little piece of single track that cuts part of the road from .
        45 5.0 2 miles 18 ft 152 hike
        Connects the summit of with . Trail surface is a mix of single track and eroded off-camber. This trail is much less utilized than the primary climb trail, so watch for downed trees and other obstacles.
        55 4.3 2 miles 2,154 ft 99 hike
        Primary trail to access the summit of . This is an extremely popular hiking trail, expect foot traffic. As a mountain bike climb trail it is easy to follow, but many sections are steep and difficult to pedal. Expect to push, but the...
        30 2.5 6 miles 665 ft 74 hike
        This old gem makes up the return leg on the - Loop [page 91 of Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies, 2nd ed.]. A mix of singletrack, doubletrack, 4x4 trail and horse track, this is backcountry riding. It's not well signed, so...

        Recent Ride Log Activity in Region

        Today
        • 0 rides
        Yesterday
        • 3 rides
        Past Week
        • 27 rides

        Powderface Mountain Bike Routes

        5.0 7 miles 879 ft 3 Loop
        Leaves from Powderface parking lot on the NW corner of the lot. Head up and take the first intersection to...
        3.7 31 miles 3,520 ft 2 Loop
        Elbow Loop is comprised of two trails: and Little Elbow. Bridges destroyed in the 2013 floods have been...
        4.2 7 miles 884 ft 3 Loop
        Old school Kananaskis classic. Most people ride it clockwise to maximize the DH fun. For the experienced...
        4.0 17 miles 2,435 ft 4 Loop
        - Start at Powderface parking lot - Ride on wide track to junction of - Ride up down to - Turn left onto...
        13 miles 2,245 ft 3 Loop
        Powderface Long Loop - to Powderface Trail to Trail
        8 miles 886 ft 1
        Powderface to to Prairie Creek

        Photos of Powderface Mountain Bike

        mtb
        130 |
        Jan 9, 2023 @ 9:37am
        Jan 9, 2023
        mtb
        344 |
        Oct 5, 2020 @ 11:27am
        Oct 5, 2020
        mtb
        24 |
        Jul 16, 2026 @ 7:41am
        Jul 16, 2026
        mtb
        22 |
        Jul 16, 2026 @ 7:41am
        Jul 16, 2026
        mtb
        21 |
        Jul 16, 2026 @ 7:41am
        Jul 16, 2026
        mtb
        17 |
        Jul 16, 2026 @ 7:41am
        Jul 16, 2026
        mtb
        19 |
        Jul 16, 2026 @ 7:41am
        Jul 16, 2026
        mtb
        19 |
        Jul 16, 2026 @ 7:41am
        Jul 16, 2026
        mtb
        16 |
        Jul 10, 2026 @ 10:45am
        Jul 10, 2026
        mtb
        21 |
        Jul 10, 2026 @ 10:45am
        Jul 10, 2026
        mtb
        66 |
        Mar 26, 2026 @ 5:00pm
        Mar 26, 2026
        mtb
        52 |
        Jul 14, 2025 @ 7:50am
        Jul 14, 2025

        Videos of Powderface Mountain Bike

        Powderface Short Loop
        mtb
        6:59 | 541 | Jul 14, 2017
        MTB of the Full Powderface Creek - Prairie...
        mtb
        25:48 | 11 | Jul 19, 2026 , Bragg Creek
        MTB the Full Powderface Creek - Prairie Creek Loop
        mtb
        25:48 | 23 | Jul 19, 2026 , Bragg Creek
        Mountain Biking Prairie Creek Trail - Alberta...
        mtb
        19:37 | 18 | Jul 16, 2026 , Bragg Creek
        Not everybody's cup of tea
        mtb
        6:30 | 112 | Sep 3, 2025 , Bragg Creek
        Need for Endurance - Powderface Ridge | Top to...
        mtb
        16:54 | 73 | Sep 1, 2025 , Bragg Creek

        Recent Trail Reports

        Activity Feed

        usernameactiontypetitledate
        kinglisaddreportactivity #101043035
        Aug 8, 2026 @ 2:37pm
        12 hours
        RobertEUr7U3riddentrailactivity #100981750
        Aug 8, 2026 @ 12:45am
        1 day
        grunshawwishlistrouteactivity #100973500
        Aug 7, 2026 @ 7:44pm
        1 day
        PatCantinwishlistrouteactivity #100968977
        Aug 7, 2026 @ 5:57pm
        1 day
        dhanertwishlistrouteactivity #100815969
        Aug 5, 2026 @ 1:05pm
        Aug 5, 2026

        Recent Comments

        usernametypetitlecommentdate
        AnthonypmyIADtrailFord Creek TrailGood trail for running or hiking. A few small...
        May 24, 2026 @ 2:22pm
        May 24, 2026
        AnthonypmyIADtrailForgetmenot SummitHiked from Little Elbow campsite to the lower...
        May 18, 2026 @ 3:24pm
        May 18, 2026
        spoke-too-soontrailFord Creek TrailNot a good trail for mountain biking. Avoid.
        Aug 30, 2025 @ 8:09pm
        Aug 30, 2025
        TroyHollantrailPowderface RidgeGreat views up top, some loose rock and roots...
        Aug 19, 2025 @ 2:56pm
        Aug 19, 2025
        ThefifelifetrailFord Creek TrailOvergrown. Not a MTB trail. Horses destroyed...
        Jul 26, 2025 @ 10:19am
        Jul 26, 2025

        Nearby Areas

        namedistance
        Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area 33.1 km
        Prairie Mountain 1 6 5 35.2 km
        Moose Mountain 3 14 13 47.5 km
        Station Flats 2 108 km
        Mclean Creek Off Highway Vehicle PLUZ 1 49 km

        Local Badges


        Activity Type Stats

        activitytypetrailsdistancedescentdescent distancetotal verticalratingglobal rankstate rankphotosreportsroutesactivity logs
        Mountain Bike1455 miles10,240 ft23 miles2,638 ft
        #5,573#75164197114,546
        E-Bike3978 miles13,599 ft30 miles3,251 ft
        #3,832#3661763239
        Winter Fat Bike18 miles226 ft2 miles456 ft
        #2,039#4544
        Horse729 miles4,432 ft13 miles3,225 ft
        #1,248#153911
        Hike4079 miles13,612 ft30 miles3,251 ft
        1820011,984
        Trail Running4079 miles13,612 ft30 miles3,251 ft
        #3,702#312001973
        Snowshoe715 miles1,020 ft3 miles2,936 ft
        #1,368#8913

        Frequently Asked Questions About Powderface

        What are the highest rated mountain biking trails in Powderface?
        The highest rated mountain biking trails in Powderface are: View all mountain biking trails sorted by rating.
        What is the best time of the year to ride in Powderface?
        Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride in Powderface are:
        • August (79 activities)
        • July (77 activities)
        • September (66 activities)
        Check the Powderface reports page for current trail conditions, recent trail reports, and seasonal information from the local community.
        Where can I park to ride in Powderface?
        There are 9 parking locations listed in Powderface. The most popular parking spots are: View all parking and trailhead locations on the map to plan your visit.
        What is the longest trail in Powderface?
        The longest trail in Powderface is Ford Creek Trail at 9.5 miles. View all trails sorted by distance.
        • By pinkrobe & contributors
        • Admins: BCT, MMBTS
        • #8512 - 17,880 views

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