36.6 miles
Distance
6,024 ft
Climb
-6,016 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
One of various possible Bragg EPICs. This has a taste of everything. Special K could be replaced with Race of Spades. That makes it longer and requires additional ventures onto Tom Snow's swamp and the short but Evil Hill.
Detailed Description
Bragg EPIC with Special K is a 37 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Bragg Creek Alberta. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 25 trails. This route climbs 6,024 ft with a max elevation of 6,612 ft then descends -6,016 ft.
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93 Reviews & Comments
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+ 0
Schoobsy
(Oct 8, 2022 at 17:38)

Trail Merlin View
Found a nice phone on bottom of Merlin descent tonight narrowly not running it over. Put up a couple signs at bottom of Braggin Rights and White Tail near parking lot. Call 306-717-0931 to describe and arrange retrieval.
[Reply]
BLHandel
(Sep 27, 2022 at 20:00)

Trail Braggin Rights
This trail is overused and now it is full of roots and rocks. Basically not safe to ride with any speed as there are too many obstacles on the trail.
[Reply]
BLHandel
(Sep 27, 2022 at 20:00)

Trail Braggin Rights
This trail is overused and now it is full of roots and rocks. Basically not safe to ride with any speed as there are too many obstacles on the trail.
[Reply]
BLHandel
(Sep 27, 2022 at 20:00)

Trail Braggin Rights
This trail is overused and now it is full of roots and rocks. Basically not safe to ride with any speed as there are too many obstacles on the trail.
[Reply]
BLHandel
(Sep 27, 2022 at 20:00)

Trail Braggin Rights
This trail is overused and now it is full of roots and rocks. Basically not safe to ride with any speed as there are too many obstacles on the trail.
[Reply]
sskinner
(Aug 15, 2022 at 23:10)

Trail Merlin View
I encountered a large angry grizzly bear tonight Aug 16 just up the trail for the viewpoint with the bench. I wasn’t even on my bike, so I don’t think I startled him. I had stopped to make a phone call and was about to start going again when I heard it. It was huffing and growling, charging through the bushes but eventually ran away from the trail. Reminder to make noise and carry bear spray! Otherwise was a great ride.
[Reply]
RickOliver
(Jun 30, 2022 at 5:51)

Trail Merlin View
Agree with all the comments it should only be ridden counter clockwise. It would be way safer if that was enforced and it was signed at the bottom
[Reply]
B8eMcm
(Jun 20, 2022 at 10:18)

Trail Telephone Loop
Grizzly sited just past long distance intersection today around 930am.
[Reply]
noserider
(May 19, 2022 at 12:50)

Trail Telephone Loop
Mostly dry with lots of tree debris. Western portion toward the south are were wet with boggy spots.
[Reply]
probono
(Jan 2, 2022 at 9:44)

Trail Merlin View
Rode morning of Jan 2. Second tracks up. Switchback climb is surprisingly not that bad. Open area below the benches is obliterated by knee deep drifts.
[Reply]
probono
(Jan 2, 2022 at 9:41)

Trail Braggin Rights
Rode morning of Jan 2. Second tracks up. Long stretches are badly drifted with mashed potatoes consistency snow. Basically anything with no shelter from a south wind. Upper part near Merlin in the forest is decent
[Reply]
probono
(Jan 2, 2022 at 9:41)

Trail Braggin Rights
Rode morning of Jan 2. Second tracks up. Long stretches are badly drifted with mashed potatoes consistency snow. Basically anything with no shelter from a south wind. Upper part near Merlin in the forest is decent
[Reply]
probono
(Jan 2, 2022 at 9:41)

Trail Braggin Rights
Rode morning of Jan 2. Second tracks up. Long stretches are badly drifted with mashed potatoes consistency snow. Basically anything with no shelter from a south wind. Upper part near Merlin in the forest is decent
[Reply]
probono
(Jan 2, 2022 at 9:41)

Trail Braggin Rights
Rode morning of Jan 2. Second tracks up. Long stretches are badly drifted with mashed potatoes consistency snow. Basically anything with no shelter from a south wind. Upper part near Merlin in the forest is decent
[Reply]
odbrider
(Jul 29, 2021 at 18:54)

Trail Pneuma
Awesome challenging uphill trail... way better than sucking up dust on the road... last downhill section to moosepackers will keep you on your toes ... extremely jagged rock sections.. pick your lines wisely... you do not want to eat it this far in
[Reply]


Trail Moose Packers
The top bit still had a lot of snow but then was clear and dry, really nice shape. There is one quite large deadfall for watch for about halfway down
[Reply]
fisherdac
(Apr 14, 2021 at 17:11)
Trail Merlin View
Best ride in west Bragg. ONLY ride counter clockwise
[Reply]
Hendrix13
(Jan 12, 2021 at 13:36)

Trail Long Distance
Anyone know if Long distance has formed up enough that it could be ridden with studded “non” fat bike tires?
[Reply]
Hendrix13
(Jan 12, 2021 at 13:36)

Trail Long Distance
Anyone know if Long distance has formed up enough that it could be ridden with studded “non” fat bike tires?
[Reply]
Hendrix13
(Jan 12, 2021 at 13:36)

Trail Long Distance
Anyone know if Long distance has formed up enough that it could be ridden with studded “non” fat bike tires?
[Reply]


Trail Merlin View
Just to repeat what has been said, but is incorrect in the description, please ride CCW. Way better and less risk! of injury!
[Reply]


Trail Merlin View
The description is actually correct. Don’t forget, this is a multi-use trail so you could encounter hikers or horses on any part of the trail.
[Reply]
Codetrap
(Oct 3, 2020 at 18:19)
Trail Telephone Loop
Counter clockwise has a lot of climbing. A few wet muddy sections on the west half.
[Reply]
Justinlegal6
(Sep 30, 2020 at 12:32)
Trail Tom Snow
To the riders who helped me during my stroke on July 11th 2020. Thank you so much. Thank you for trying to get me out of there on your bike and stopping your ride. You called the rangers and then EMT came and drove me to foothills hospital. I don't remember what you all look like or names but I will anyways remember how helpful you all were. Thank you all again. And I how to see you on the trails again.
[Reply]
Justinlegal6
(Sep 30, 2020 at 12:32)
Trail Tom Snow
To the riders who helped me during my stroke on July 11th 2020. Thank you so much. Thank you for trying to get me out of there on your bike and stopping your ride. You called the rangers and then EMT came and drove me to foothills hospital. I don't remember what you all look like or names but I will anyways remember how helpful you all were. Thank you all again. And I how to see you on the trails again.
[Reply]
Gonnad
(Sep 27, 2020 at 14:31)

Trail Telephone Loop
Not the most exciting ride, trail though the woods. The trail is in good dry conditions on the east side to Long Distance after this it's boggie in placed probably as dry as it's going to get until it freezes.
[Reply]

Trail Mountain Road
Can you camp at the top of the road? Like by the wellsite?
[Reply]

Trail Mountain Road
Can you camp at the top of the road? Like by the wellsite?
[Reply]
kelsaygault
(Aug 29, 2020 at 21:53)

Trail Pneuma
I rode down Hotlaps up Pneuma and it was awesome! Some good root features and awesome corners to practice on for me. The trail is in good condition. There is a bridge that is wide, but would recommend walking if you’re not comfortable with a big drop...there’s a quick climb after it as well so would get some speed to stay balanced and climb clean up.
[Reply]
CSharp
(Aug 28, 2020 at 9:05)
Trail Pneuma
I concur, this is one of the best technical climbing trails. Some people hate this trail and prefer to ride the gravel road. I prefer to ride this up to the top (past Special K), even if I have to push my bike up the boulders in a couple of small steep sections. Way better than sucking up gravel dust when trucks speed past you. The technical switchbacks are just awesome!
[Reply]
Griffink
(Aug 7, 2020 at 20:18)
Trail Merlin View
Amazing trail with a fun flow section. I have rode a bunch here and it is still my favourite trail
[Reply]

Trail Sugar Mama
Mama black bear and 2 cubs spotted about halfway down Snakes yesterday morning.
They just kept moving downslope away from the trail.
[Reply]
They just kept moving downslope away from the trail.
RockiesMarc
(Aug 4, 2020 at 15:13)

Trail Sugar Mama
Mama bear and cub seen by the switchbacks mid route. Non aggressive but right by the trail. Mama is big enough!
[Reply]


Trail Pneuma
A great climbing trail. The trail is consistently challenging but enjoyable up to the intersection with Special-K. After that it gets very rocky and is a little beyond my abilities as an intermediate rider. The very last section becomes a downhill that is very rocky and was beyond my comfort level at points, especially since I was riding alone.
[Reply]
Davidbopp
(May 25, 2020 at 6:46)

Trail Boundary Ridge
Lots of mud. Not possible to ride without damaging the trail.
[Reply]
Davidbopp
(May 25, 2020 at 6:46)

Trail Boundary Ridge
Lots of mud. Not possible to ride without damaging the trail.
[Reply]
MountainJ4Y
(May 15, 2020 at 5:40)

Trail Braggin Rights
Upper section is very muddy, wait until late May 2020 to ride it
[Reply]
MountainJ4Y
(May 15, 2020 at 5:40)

Trail Braggin Rights
Upper section is very muddy, wait until late May 2020 to ride it
[Reply]
MountainJ4Y
(May 15, 2020 at 5:40)

Trail Braggin Rights
Upper section is very muddy, wait until late May 2020 to ride it
[Reply]
MountainJ4Y
(May 15, 2020 at 5:40)

Trail Braggin Rights
Upper section is very muddy, wait until late May 2020 to ride it
[Reply]
MountainJ4Y
(May 15, 2020 at 5:39)

Trail Merlin View
Some muddy areas, it should dry out by late May 2020
[Reply]


Trail Merlin View
Perfect conditions, dry and dusty with only a few tiny puddles along the downhill.
[Reply]
traviswbrown82
(Aug 24, 2019 at 6:26)
Trail Special K
This isnt a wet weather trail. The top km will take your mere 35% traction on the sharp jagged rock, moss, pine needles and bring it down to a mere 5 or 10%. That being said, special k is a good rip on when the sun is out. Happy hucking guys!
[Reply]


Trail Merlin View
Great trail. Perfect conditions as of aug 2019
[Reply]
Bretson10
(Jul 13, 2019 at 19:02)
Trail Merlin View
If anyone came across a pair of black Icon gloves could you please call/text 4038897841
Stopped near the top of the trail for a snack with my friend. Thought I maybe left the gloves behind, but she. I biked back up they were nowhere to be found.
Thanks!
[Reply]
Stopped near the top of the trail for a snack with my friend. Thought I maybe left the gloves behind, but she. I biked back up they were nowhere to be found.
Thanks!
airell
(Jul 1, 2019 at 12:06)

Trail Merlin View
This loop should be ridden primarily counter-clockwise (right entry to loop). Traveling this trail the other direction can be dangerous due to blind corners and oncoming traffic.
[Reply]


Trail Braggin Rights
Road up Braggin to Merlin Loop. Totally doable on skinny bike; might be more work than it’s worth on a fat bike. All the snow/ice sections (which are mostly on Braggin) were rideable. Prepare to get very wet and dirty!
[Reply]


Trail Braggin Rights
Road up Braggin to Merlin Loop. Totally doable on skinny bike; might be more work than it’s worth on a fat bike. All the snow/ice sections (which are mostly on Braggin) were rideable. Prepare to get very wet and dirty!
[Reply]


Trail Braggin Rights
Road up Braggin to Merlin Loop. Totally doable on skinny bike; might be more work than it’s worth on a fat bike. All the snow/ice sections (which are mostly on Braggin) were rideable. Prepare to get very wet and dirty!
[Reply]


Trail Braggin Rights
Road up Braggin to Merlin Loop. Totally doable on skinny bike; might be more work than it’s worth on a fat bike. All the snow/ice sections (which are mostly on Braggin) were rideable. Prepare to get very wet and dirty!
[Reply]
psingbeil
(Jul 26, 2018 at 6:26)
Trail Tom Snow
Bear Closure - Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
July 24, 2018
Effective Date: July 24, 2018 until further notice
Where: Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
Why: Bears feeding on carcass
The sign that shows the closure is not well marked, A small notice that has a map is posted at the entrance of Tom Snow from the Mountain Road. We looked at it and thought it was in the South direction and proceeded on the trail going North. We encountered yellow closure markings by Ab parks at the base of the large hill and some of us encountered a strong smell. We turned around and retreated back up the trail.
[Reply]
July 24, 2018
Effective Date: July 24, 2018 until further notice
Where: Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
Why: Bears feeding on carcass
The sign that shows the closure is not well marked, A small notice that has a map is posted at the entrance of Tom Snow from the Mountain Road. We looked at it and thought it was in the South direction and proceeded on the trail going North. We encountered yellow closure markings by Ab parks at the base of the large hill and some of us encountered a strong smell. We turned around and retreated back up the trail.
psingbeil
(Jul 26, 2018 at 6:26)
Trail Tom Snow
Bear Closure - Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
July 24, 2018
Effective Date: July 24, 2018 until further notice
Where: Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
Why: Bears feeding on carcass
The sign that shows the closure is not well marked, A small notice that has a map is posted at the entrance of Tom Snow from the Mountain Road. We looked at it and thought it was in the South direction and proceeded on the trail going North. We encountered yellow closure markings by Ab parks at the base of the large hill and some of us encountered a strong smell. We turned around and retreated back up the trail.
[Reply]
July 24, 2018
Effective Date: July 24, 2018 until further notice
Where: Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
Why: Bears feeding on carcass
The sign that shows the closure is not well marked, A small notice that has a map is posted at the entrance of Tom Snow from the Mountain Road. We looked at it and thought it was in the South direction and proceeded on the trail going North. We encountered yellow closure markings by Ab parks at the base of the large hill and some of us encountered a strong smell. We turned around and retreated back up the trail.
Lenniee
(Jul 10, 2018 at 14:24)
Trail Boundary Ridge
Bad trail fell off so many times needs a new everything I rate it 1/10
[Reply]
Lenniee
(Jul 10, 2018 at 14:24)
Trail Boundary Ridge
Bad trail fell off so many times needs a new everything I rate it 1/10
[Reply]
mntnbiker33
(Sep 18, 2017 at 21:05)
Trail Braggin Rights
We ran across a black bear and her brown coloured cub this evening at about 6:45pm. They were on the edge of the trail approximately 500 meters up from the intersection with White Tail (100 meters up from the cut line). Mom and cub ran quite a way down the trail before heading off up the slope towards long distance. Make sure you have your bear spray! Trail was dry, dusty and fast.
[Reply]
mntnbiker33
(Sep 18, 2017 at 21:05)
Trail Braggin Rights
We ran across a black bear and her brown coloured cub this evening at about 6:45pm. They were on the edge of the trail approximately 500 meters up from the intersection with White Tail (100 meters up from the cut line). Mom and cub ran quite a way down the trail before heading off up the slope towards long distance. Make sure you have your bear spray! Trail was dry, dusty and fast.
[Reply]
mntnbiker33
(Sep 18, 2017 at 21:05)
Trail Braggin Rights
We ran across a black bear and her brown coloured cub this evening at about 6:45pm. They were on the edge of the trail approximately 500 meters up from the intersection with White Tail (100 meters up from the cut line). Mom and cub ran quite a way down the trail before heading off up the slope towards long distance. Make sure you have your bear spray! Trail was dry, dusty and fast.
[Reply]
mntnbiker33
(Sep 18, 2017 at 21:05)
Trail Braggin Rights
We ran across a black bear and her brown coloured cub this evening at about 6:45pm. They were on the edge of the trail approximately 500 meters up from the intersection with White Tail (100 meters up from the cut line). Mom and cub ran quite a way down the trail before heading off up the slope towards long distance. Make sure you have your bear spray! Trail was dry, dusty and fast.
[Reply]
bproch
(Jul 4, 2016 at 22:49)
Trail Telephone Loop
I did the loop counter clockwise with my wife. I think it would be better to have longer descent and shorter steep up.
[Reply]
EVdad
(Apr 12, 2015 at 7:22)
Trail Boundary Ridge
Trail mostly damp with occasional muddy patches and many dry areas.
[Reply]
EVdad
(Apr 12, 2015 at 7:22)
Trail Boundary Ridge
Trail mostly damp with occasional muddy patches and many dry areas.
[Reply]
Trails in Route
1 mile | |||||
2 miles | |||||
5,177 ft | |||||
3 miles | |||||
2,815 ft | |||||
2 miles | |||||
2 miles | |||||
3 miles | |||||
1,135 ft | |||||
2,274 ft | |||||
2 miles | |||||
5,233 ft | |||||
2 miles | |||||
2 miles | |||||
4,573 ft | |||||
4 miles | |||||
2 miles |
Details
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Riding area
-
Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
-
Route TypeLoop
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Bike typeAM, XC, Fat
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DirectionOne Direction
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Physical ratingHard
More Stats for Bragg EPIC with Special K mountain bike route
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Altitude min4,590 ft
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Altitude start4,642 ft
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Altitude end4,649 ft
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Grade max-82.1%
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Grade min57.4%
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Distance climb18 miles
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Distance down17 miles
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Distance flat2 miles
close
3D
Trail Conditions
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- Prevalent Mud
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- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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6.8 Year Old on Merlin View, Bragg Creek, 24" FS
trail: Merlin View
14:55 | 45 | comments: 0 | favs:
Dec 23, 2022
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