31.2 miles
Distance
3,520 ft
Climb
-3,517 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
3 ft
Altitude change
5,282 ft
Altitude min
5,283 ft
Altitude start
5,285 ft
Altitude end
-54.3%
Grade max
41.4%
Grade min
15 miles
Distance climb
13 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat

Elbow Loop is comprised of two trails: Big Elbow and Little Elbow.

Bridges destroyed in the 2013 floods have been fully replaced.

Detailed Description
Elbow Loop is a 31 mile popular intermediate route located near Bragg Creek Alberta. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 3,520 ft with a max elevation of 7,319 ft then descends -3,517 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: May 24, 2026)
Route Supporters

Stats

  • Distance
    31 miles
  • Altitude min
    5,282 ft
  • Altitude start
    5,283 ft
  • Altitude end
    5,285 ft
  • Climb
    3,520 ft
  • Descent
    -3,517 ft
  • Grade max
    -54.3%
  • Grade min
    41.4%
  • Distance climb
    15 miles
  • Distance down
    13 miles
  • Distance flat
    3 miles

29 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Big Elbow12 miles
Little Elbow13 miles

Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
  • Bike type
    AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Ridelogs
    2
Avg: 3.7 (10 votes)
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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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    Elbow Loop in Kananaskis Country
    Elbow Loop in Kananaskis Country
    2:17 | 93 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Aug 19, 2025
    A Mountain Biking Visit to the Alberta Highlands
    A Mountain Biking Visit to the Alberta Highlands
    32:48 | 96 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Apr 16, 2025

    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Little Elbow
    May 24, 2026 @ 10:24am (America/Edmonton)
    May 24, 2026
    Trail was impassable due to snow past the Romulus campground
    Big Elbow
    Sep 28, 2025 @ 12:21pm (America/Creston)
    Sep 28, 2025
    more reports »
    • By thundert1TF Pro & contributors
    • #5042 - 30,713 views

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