13.8 miles

Distance

2,414 ft

Climb

-2,414 ft

Descent

1 mile

High Point

Ridgeback 1 and 2 out to Bobcat. Up Bobcat and down Snakes and Ladders and back on Ridgebacks to Station Flats

Detailed Description

Ridgebacks to Bobcat to Snakes to Ridgebacks is a 14 mile popular intermediate route located near Bragg Creek Alberta. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 8 trails. This route climbs 2,414 ft with a max elevation of 5,592 ft then descends -2,414 ft.

Local Trail Association

Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance (www.cmbalink.com)

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39 Reviews & Comments

Score Time Route Post Comment

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]

mungbean

(Jul 25, 2022 at 12:28)

Trail Bobcat

Very underrated downhill. Fast and flowy with great views up top.

[Reply]

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]

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]

Brukalski

(Jun 9, 2022 at 21:13)

Trail Ranger Summit

Good condition, couple stops but good climb

[Reply]

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]

ryancartiers

(Nov 7, 2021 at 9:51)

Trail Ridgeback 1

quick short rip

[Reply]

ryancartiers

(Nov 7, 2021 at 9:49)

Trail Ridgeback 3

Great trail, watch handlebars between narrow trees, occasional root steps; short rock section adds variety.

[Reply]

ryancartiers

(Nov 5, 2021 at 17:26)

Trail Bobcat

this trail's a hoot

[Reply]

Nomolos2006

(Sep 11, 2021 at 15:11)

Trail Bobcat

Best trail in the area, very flowy

[Reply]

Greg1229

(Jul 4, 2021 at 7:55)

3hrs without much stopping

[Reply]

iphonefreddy

(May 28, 2021 at 21:53)

Trail Tom Snow

A mix of really nice trails and mud bogs. With some boardwalks to cross the bogs this trail would be sweeto

[Reply]

Jasongyip

(Jan 13, 2021 at 13:35)

Trail Ranger Summit

In pretty good condition today. Some fresh snow at the top. Fun climb!

[Reply]

whisky

(Jan 3, 2021 at 8:23)

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]

Justinlegal6 (Sep 30, 2020 at 12:32)

Trail Tom Snow

To the riders who helped me during my stroke on July 11th 2020. Thank you so much. Thank you for trying to get me out of there on your bike and stopping your ride. You called the rangers and then EMT came and drove me to foothills hospital. I don't remember what you all look like or names but I will anyways remember how helpful you all were. Thank you all again. And I how to see you on the trails again.

[Reply]

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]

Jaylefevre (Jul 27, 2020 at 21:08)

Trail Diamond T Loop

Not great for beginner bikers. Muddy spots and lots of spots require you to get off your bike and push it uphill.

[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]

jameslange

(Jul 15, 2020 at 12:26)

Trail Snakes & Ladders

You can ride Snakes & Ladders either direction, but East to West is by far the most popular. If you do ride it West to East (the Ladders & Snakes segment on Strava) you will cross paths with a lot of people who are not expecting you. Be careful!

[Reply]

Gonnad

(Jul 9, 2020 at 4:41)

Trail Ranger Summit

Wet and top film of mud

[Reply]

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]

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]

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]

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]

pinkrobe CMBA (Jan 16, 2020 at 18:19)

Trail Diamond T Loop

This is very much a horse trail, and not really recommended for any other users unless you need to check it off a list or something.

[Reply]

agiard (Oct 25, 2019 at 5:44)

Trail Snakes & Ladders

Descent from Ranger Summit is in great shape, a couple of water puddle/bomb holes lower down, but the climb to ridgeback is a greasy, slippery mess. Two trees down across the trail in the last JM of the climb.

[Reply]

agiard (Oct 25, 2019 at 5:41)

Trail Ranger Summit

Icy patches for the first km then it clears up nicely.

[Reply]

Lopht

(Sep 1, 2019 at 17:06)

Trail Ranger Summit

Little wet Sep 1. Nice easy consistent climb

[Reply]

powderfinger

(Jul 12, 2019 at 15:46)

Trail Ranger Summit

Excellent condition

[Reply]

hizzity

(Jun 11, 2019 at 16:59)

Trail Ridgeback 2

Hands down the worst trail in the area

[Reply]

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]

FoodieJ (Jun 11, 2019 at 15:16)

Trail Diamond T Loop

If biking, best to go left at trailhead and push your bike up a steep hill but enjoy the rest of the trail down. But if you want to climb and climb some more with a somewhat messy steep horse trail at the end, then go right at trailhead. Mud holes bog you down at the low points, just where you want to get a head of steam up for the next hill, you have to slow down/stop at the mud holes. This seems to be more of a horse trail, path doesnt appear to be used much by bikes.

[Reply]

MarkruShredding

(Sep 25, 2018 at 6:57)

Trail Ranger Summit

Sept 24 trail in good condition but wet and greasy in many areas.

[Reply]

psingbeil (Jul 26, 2018 at 6:26)

Trail Tom Snow

Bear Closure - Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
July 24, 2018
Effective Date: July 24, 2018 until further notice
Where: Tom Snow Trail from Mountain Road to Moose Loop
Why: Bears feeding on carcass

The sign that shows the closure is not well marked, A small notice that has a map is posted at the entrance of Tom Snow from the Mountain Road. We looked at it and thought it was in the South direction and proceeded on the trail going North. We encountered yellow closure markings by Ab parks at the base of the large hill and some of us encountered a strong smell. We turned around and retreated back up the trail.

[Reply]

rcaughlin

(Aug 18, 2017 at 5:16)

Trail Ranger Summit

Long climb that doesn't stop until the top.

[Reply]

psingbeil (May 24, 2017 at 14:26)

Trail Tom Snow

Rode it yesterday evening. Lots of mud and fallen trees

[Reply]

ek4086 (Mar 28, 2017 at 11:46)

Trail Diamond T Loop

Easy hike and short loop, Close to Calgary (1 hour drive), good for families and beginners, there is a long hill if you go clockwise. There isn't any awesome view! just trees.

[Reply]

pinkrobe CMBA (Oct 8, 2015 at 16:43)

Trail Snakes & Ladders

1. Please walk around the three very short closed off sections west of the bridge. They still need time to dry out.
2. Please avoid the entire trail if it's rained or snowed. Unless the ground is frozen.
3. Leave space in front of the next rider on the down. You don't want them holding you up as you hit endless berms.

[Reply]

canadaka Trailforks (Oct 8, 2015 at 16:52)

Trail Snakes & Ladders

sweet! We need some photos of this fine work.

[Reply]

Trails in Route

	Bobcat				3 miles
	Ridgeback 3				2 miles
	Ranger Summit				2,657 ft
	Diamond T Loop				1 mile
	Tom Snow				4,062 ft
	Snakes & Ladders				3 miles
	Ridgeback 1				2,740 ft
	Ridgeback 2				1 mile

Details

Riding area

Station Flats / Allen Bill
Primary Activity

Mountain Bike
Difficulty rating

Blue
Bike type

AM
Ridelogs

98

More Stats for Ridgebacks to Bobcat to Snakes to Ridgebacks mountain bike route

Altitude min

4,678 ft
Altitude start

4,678 ft
Altitude end

4,678 ft
Grade max

-46.3%
Grade min

57.7%
Distance climb

6 miles
Distance down

6 miles
Distance flat

2 miles

Avg: 4 (2 votes)

Photos

more photos »

398

427

279

980

Videos

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

trail	date	description
Snakes & Ladders	Mar 19, 2023 @ 9:07am Mar 19, 2023	Unrideable, was hike a bike past the bridge.
Ranger Summit	Mar 3, 2023 @ 4:22pm Mar 3, 2023
Ridgeback 3	Feb 19, 2023 @ 3:16pm Feb 19, 2023	2-3 trees down between Tom snow & Ladders. Small diameter, should be easy to clear with Silky Saw. I’ll bring mine next time I ride this trail.
Tom Snow	Feb 19, 2023 @ 3:14pm Feb 19, 2023	About 6 trees down. Should be clear able with Silky Saw. I’ll bring mine next time I do this trail.
Bobcat	Feb 19, 2023 @ 2:40am Feb 19, 2023	Mix of good snow, dry dirt, & death ice

Ridgebacks to Bobcat to Snakes to Ridgebacks route

Local Trail Association

39 Reviews & Comments

Trails in Route

Details

More Stats for Ridgebacks to Bobcat to Snakes to Ridgebacks mountain bike route

Photos

Videos

Recent Trail Reports Along Route