3.7 miles
Distance
493 ft
Climb
-497 ft
Descent
4,944 ft
High Point

Shortish loop with fairly demanding terrain. Enough to get the blood pumping.
The Tom Snow sections are often wet.

Detailed Description
Ridgebacks 1 & 2 Figure 8 is a 4 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 2 trails. This route climbs 493 ft with a max elevation of 4,944 ft then descends -497 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance (www.cmbalink.com)
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12 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
Lisamrobs (Sep 10, 2022 at 10:49)
Trail Ridgeback 2
Wow, have some love for a classic handbuilt cross country trail. I don’t usually comment, but had to given the negative reviews on this one. All of the Ridgebacks are challenging trails with roots and rocks, punchy climbs, and some tight spots between trees. They are not meant to be flow trails, but if you ride them often, you will find some flow. Over the years they have been given ‘lots of love by CMBA, and are one of the few trails in the area that use boardwalks to avoid swampy areas. It’s a solid blue cross country mountain bike trail; you should ride it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mungbean (Jul 25, 2022 at 12:26)
Trail Ridgeback 1
Not very well maintained. The boardwalk is falling apart. Rooty with punchy climbs. Beats the alternative I suppose.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mungbean (Jul 25, 2022 at 12:23)
Trail Ridgeback 2
I’d have to agree that for being what’s supposed to be a mountain bike trail, it’s the worst trail in the area. CMBA has not given much love to this trail over the years. More exposed off camber roots than ever. However it is a necessary evil coming down bobcat, so what you do?

Use caution after a rain, or you’ll end up in the trees like I did. If you’re an XC diehard with some decent tech skills you’ll like it. Otherwise, you’ll hate it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Mindfulplumber (Nov 11, 2021 at 10:59)
Trail Ridgeback 2
I find this trail very technical and very delightful perfect trail to develop my skills and lots of fun
[Reply]
  • + 0
ryancartiers (Nov 7, 2021 at 9:51)
Trail Ridgeback 1
quick short rip
[Reply]
  • + 0
Gonnad (Aug 22, 2020 at 21:03)
Trail Ridgeback 2
Roots lots and lots of roots, I did this trail after coming down Bobcat, not my idea of fun but each to there own, had there been less roots the trail would of had a nice flow to it. It might be a better ride going to Bobcat from R1.
[Reply]
  • + 1
aka-bigsteve (Jun 28, 2020 at 15:08)
Trail Ridgeback 2
Initially I would have tended to agree more with Hizzity- I was pretty disappointed in R2 as an alternative to Tom Snow. I've come around now to actually enjoying it on it's own terms as a useful, and yes, fun (ish) connector.
[Reply]
  • + 1
ttCalg (Jun 27, 2020 at 10:21)
Trail Ridgeback 2
Just to counter the ‘worst trail in the area’ comment in case visitors get the idea that it is not a quality trail. It has rooty sections but is decently fun with a few smaller climbs. More importantly it is a good connector to get to bobcat and ridgeback 3 and 4. If you do all the ridgebacks it makes for a decent out and back.
[Reply]
  • + 1
bproch (Jun 15, 2020 at 21:02)
Trail Ridgeback 2
R1 and R2 fun climbs on your way to climb bobcat. Thx whoever built these!
[Reply]
  • + 0
bproch (Jun 15, 2020 at 21:02)
Trail Ridgeback 1
R1 and R2 fun climbs on your way to climb bobcat. Thx whoever built these!
[Reply]
  • + 0
hizzity (Jun 11, 2019 at 16:59)
Trail Ridgeback 2
Hands down the worst trail in the area
[Reply]
  • + 1
ryancartiers (Nov 14, 2021 at 12:55)
Trail Ridgeback 2
this trail must have changed a lot from this 2019 comment, as it's fine running the suggested north to south direction.
The second half descent has steps & roots, ending with the board walk.
If you want more challenge than fun ride up hill roots from the south boardwalk end of trail. A difficult technical uphill section is expected on rugged mountain biking trails.
[Reply]





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Trails in Route

Ridgeback 21 mile
Ridgeback 12,073 ft

Details

  • Riding area
    Station Flats / Allen Bill
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • E-Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    16
More Stats for Ridgebacks 1 & 2 Figure 8 mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    4,683 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,688 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,685 ft
  • Grade
    -0%
  • Grade max
    -34.2%
  • Grade min
    38.6%
  • Distance climb
    2 miles
  • Distance down
    2 miles
  • Distance flat
    1,778 ft
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Ridgeback 1
Oct 16, 2022 @ 11:05am
Oct 16, 2022
Ridgeback 2
Oct 16, 2022 @ 4:05am
Oct 16, 2022
more reports »
  • By Hastings & contributors
  • #22839 - 355 views