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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: Aug 3, 2026)
Route Supporters
Stats
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Distance31 miles
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Altitude min5,282 ft
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Altitude start5,283 ft
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Altitude end5,285 ft
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Climb3,520 ft
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Descent-3,517 ft
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Grade max-54.3%
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Grade min41.4%
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Distance climb15 miles
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Distance down13 miles
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Distance flat3 miles
28 Reviews & Comments
grunshaw
Did the loop yesterday, up Little Elbow, down Big Elbow. Make no mistake, this is a challenging ride. The average gradient up the fire road isn’t much, but there’s plenty of double-digit ramps to test your legs and lungs. Then there’s the descent. Well, it’s technically a descent. I was hoping for flowy single track after grinding up the climb for 1.5hrs but no - it’s punctuated by more of those lung-busting double-digit ramps, massive rocks and loose gravel everywhere. Some sections require hike-a-bike. If I were to do it again I’d do the climb full gas then send it back down the fire road, you could go seriously fast.
mikewulder
Hello cycling friends - it is June 10, 2024. I would like to do this loop later this week. Anyone have intel on the snow status or trail condition? Any info much appreciated. Thanks!
tsulmer
rode it today July 1, 2023. Perfect condition. It is a 2.5/5 for skill required. The only thing that makes this trail difficult is the length. Ride it COUNTERCLOCKWISE: Start at the equestrian parking and ride Little Elbow to Tombstone and then Big Elbow out. The climb up Little Elbow is steady and gradual. You are rewarded by great downhill before tombstone and all the way out along big elbow. The climb up little elbow is boring, but great ride as you can visit with a friend. The section before Tombstone provides awesome views. Stop at Tombstone for a snack and the great view. Then get ready for a great downhill ride! Smooth and flowy. The last 6 or so km is just flat and boring, but an easy ride and can visit with your riding partner. We did it today in 2 hours on fat ebikes.
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Trails in Route
| 12 miles | |||||
| 13 miles |
Details
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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Route TypeLoop
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eBike Allowed
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Bike typeAM, XC, Fat
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Physical ratingHard
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Activity Logs
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
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- Ideal
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Photos
Videos
mtb
A Mountain Biking Visit to the Alberta Highlands
trail: Little Elbow
32:48 | 296 | comments: 0 | favs:
Apr 16, 2025
Recent Trail Reports Along Route
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- By thundert1
& contributors - #5042 - 32,478 views
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