5.9 miles
Distance
1,379 ft
Climb
-714 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
665 ft
Altitude change
4,687 ft
Altitude min
4,737 ft
Altitude start
5,404 ft
Altitude end
2.2%
Grade
-46.6%
Grade max
49.9%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
3,294 ft
Distance flat

Ridgeback was built and is maintained by the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance. It's a mix of machine-built and hand-built construction, designed to provide an alternative to the perpetual wetness of the Tom Snow trail.

Ridgeback has a bit of everything - smooth dirt, roots, rocks, berms, boardwalks and views - providing a significant challenge for beginners and a fun rip for more advanced riders.

Ridgeback and Tom Snow come together at three points, dividing Ridgeback into four main sections, all of which are good in either direction. The parts of Tom Snow that Ridgeback bypasses are almost always wet & muddy, especially the section that parallels R3.

Detailed Description
Ridgeback is a 6 mile popular intermediate route located near Bragg Creek Alberta. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 1,379 ft with a max elevation of 5,402 ft then descends -714 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 4 trails (newest: Jun 13, 2026)
Route Supporters
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance (www.cmbalink.com)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Stats

  • Distance
    6 miles
  • Altitude change
    665 ft
  • Altitude min
    4,687 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,737 ft
  • Altitude end
    5,404 ft
  • Climb
    1,379 ft
  • Descent
    -714 ft
  • Grade
    2.2%
  • Grade max
    -46.6%
  • Grade min
    49.9%
  • Distance climb
    3 miles
  • Distance down
    2 miles
  • Distance flat
    3,294 ft

15 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Station Flats
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • E-Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Snowshoe
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Point to Point
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate

Directions

  1. Walk north on Ridgeback 1.
  2. Continue for 800 meters.
  3. Keep left to take Ridgeback 2.
  4. Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
  5. Turn left onto Tom Snow.
  6. Continue for 20 meters.
  7. Keep left to stay on Tom Snow.
  8. Continue for less than 10 meters.
  9. Keep straight to stay on Tom Snow.
  10. Continue for 10 meters.
  11. Keep left to stay on Tom Snow.
  12. Continue for 30 meters.
  13. Keep straight to stay on Tom Snow.
  14. Continue for 40 meters.
  15. Keep left to stay on Tom Snow.
  16. Continue for 30 meters.
  17. Keep straight to stay on Tom Snow.
  18. Continue for 40 meters.
  19. Keep straight to stay on Tom Snow.
  20. Continue for 20 meters.
  21. Keep straight to stay on Tom Snow.
  22. Continue for 10 meters.
  23. Keep left to stay on Tom Snow.
  24. Continue for 10 meters.
  25. Keep right to stay on Tom Snow.
  26. Continue for 50 meters.
  27. Turn right to stay on Tom Snow.
  28. Continue for 10 meters.
  29. Turn right to stay on Tom Snow.
  30. Continue for 10 meters.
  31. Keep straight to stay on Tom Snow.
  32. Continue for 20 meters.
  33. Keep left to stay on Tom Snow.
  34. Continue for 30 meters.
  35. Bear right onto Ridgeback 3.
  36. Continue for 3 kilometers.
  37. Turn left to stay on Ridgeback 3.
  38. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  39. Walk south on Ridgeback 4.
  40. Continue for 1.5 kilometers.
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    • Singletrack

    Photos

    more photos »
    44
    562
    407
    638

    Videos

    more videos »
    Tom Snow to Ridgeback 3, Bragg Creek.
    Tom Snow to Ridgeback 3, Bragg Creek.
    21:07 | 644 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Oct 10, 2020
    Ridgeback 3 from YYCMTB
    Ridgeback 3 from YYCMTB
    0:29 | 312 | comments: 1 | favs:
    May 11, 2017
    This is a poorly shot edit of the Ridgeback 3 descent from the junction with Snakes & Ladders.

    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Ridgeback – R1
    Jun 13, 2026 @ 9:59am (America/Creston)
    Jun 13, 2026
    		A few trees down across the trail, easy bump over so kinda fun. As expected with the rain over the last few weeks, wet sections prevail but the trail is holding up well.
    Ridgeback – R2
    Jun 13, 2026 @ 9:59am (America/Creston)
    Jun 13, 2026
    		A few trees down across the trail, easy bump over so kinda fun. As expected with the rain over the last few weeks, wet sections prevail but the trail is holding up well.
    Ridgeback – R3
    May 9, 2026 @ 12:13pm (America/Edmonton)
    May 9, 2026
    Ridgeback – R4
    Feb 13, 2026 @ 12:10pm (America/Edmonton)
    Feb 13, 2026
    		Couple trees down
    more reports »
    • By onecogpaulTF Pro BCT CMBA AEF & contributors
    • #64477 - 197 views

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