15.2 miles
Distance
2,793 ft
Climb
-2,792 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
Great way to loop two loops together.
Detailed Description
Braggin Merlin to Ranger Strange Brew is a 15 mile popular intermediate route located near Bragg Creek Alberta. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 6 trails. This route climbs 2,793 ft with a max elevation of 5,598 ft then descends -2,792 ft.
Local Trail Association
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39 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]
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]
Brukalski
(Jun 9, 2022 at 21:13)

Trail Ranger Summit
Good condition, couple stops but good climb
[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]


Trail Strange Brew
Fun fast trail, flows very well for the majority after the small climb a quarter way in. Many potential natural gaps
[Reply]
fisherdac
(Apr 14, 2021 at 17:11)
Trail Merlin View
Best ride in west Bragg. ONLY ride counter clockwise
[Reply]


Trail Ranger Summit
In pretty good condition today. Some fresh snow at the top. Fun climb!
[Reply]


Trail Strange Brew
Nice and grippy but, full of horse tracks that make for a bumpy, slow, uncomfortable start to decent. ~2-4 km ?
[Reply]


Trail Ranger Summit
Jan 2, morning
Snow too soft. Constant momentum interruptions by hikers or coming to a halt on 3/4 of the hills due to sinking or being pulled into ruts.
Best to stick to low elevations this week with the warmer temps.
[Reply]
Snow too soft. Constant momentum interruptions by hikers or coming to a halt on 3/4 of the hills due to sinking or being pulled into ruts.
Best to stick to low elevations this week with the warmer temps.


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]
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]
Gonnad
(Jul 26, 2020 at 7:52)

Trail Ranger Summit
If you want a quieter ride at the weekend use the trails to the south of the carpark. Rangers Summit yesterday was dry and in good condition.
[Reply]
Gonnad
(Jul 26, 2020 at 7:46)

Trail Strange Brew
I did this yesterday. If you like roots and rocks this is the one for you, recommend going up Rangers and down Strange Brew. A few muddy patches but in good condition.
[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 5:39)

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

Trail Ranger Summit
Icy patches for the first km then it clears up nicely.
[Reply]


Trail Merlin View
Perfect conditions, dry and dusty with only a few tiny puddles along the downhill.
[Reply]
Lopht
(Sep 1, 2019 at 17:06)

Trail Ranger Summit
Little wet Sep 1. Nice easy consistent climb
[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]
Jugheed
(May 14, 2019 at 21:15)

Trail Strange Brew
May 14, Trail is in pretty good shape.
Unfortunately can’t say the same for the Baruch’s Corner sign at the top lookout, and the trail-map at the Elbow junction. Somebody thinks that wrecking the signs is fun or something.
Anyway, let’s respect what has been provided for the enjoyment of the area without ruining it for everybody.
[Reply]
Unfortunately can’t say the same for the Baruch’s Corner sign at the top lookout, and the trail-map at the Elbow junction. Somebody thinks that wrecking the signs is fun or something.
Anyway, let’s respect what has been provided for the enjoyment of the area without ruining it for everybody.


Trail Ranger Summit
Sept 24 trail in good condition but wet and greasy in many areas.
[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]
rcaughlin
(Aug 18, 2017 at 5:16)

Trail Ranger Summit
Long climb that doesn't stop until the top.
[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
2 miles | |||||
4,429 ft | |||||
3 miles | |||||
4 miles | |||||
686 ft | |||||
2,093 ft |
Details
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
-
Bike typeAM
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Ridelogs
More Stats for Braggin Merlin to Ranger Strange Brew mountain bike route
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Altitude change2 ft
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Altitude min4,626 ft
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Altitude start4,637 ft
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Altitude end4,639 ft
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Grade max-39%
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Grade min35%
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Distance climb7 miles
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Distance down7 miles
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Distance flat1 mile
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Trail Conditions
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- Prevalent Mud
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6.8 Year Old on Merlin View, Bragg Creek, 24" FS
trail: Merlin View
14:55 | 29 | comments: 0 | favs:
Dec 23, 2022
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