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
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39 Reviews & Comments
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+ 0


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]


Trail Ridgeback 1
Not very well maintained. The boardwalk is falling apart. Rooty with punchy climbs. Beats the alternative I suppose.
[Reply]


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]
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.
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]


Trail Ridgeback 3
Great trail, watch handlebars between narrow trees, occasional root steps; short rock section adds variety.
[Reply]


Trail Ranger Summit
In pretty good condition today. Some fresh snow at the top. Fun climb!
[Reply]


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]
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.
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]


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]

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]


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]

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]

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]

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]


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]
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.
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]


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]
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.
rcaughlin
(Aug 18, 2017 at 5:16)

Trail Ranger Summit
Long climb that doesn't stop until the top.
[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]

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]
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.

Trail Snakes & Ladders
sweet! We need some photos of this fine work.
[Reply]
Trails in Route
3 miles | |||||
2 miles | |||||
2,657 ft | |||||
1 mile | |||||
4,062 ft | |||||
3 miles | |||||
2,740 ft | |||||
1 mile |
Details
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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Bike typeAM
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Ridelogs
More Stats for Ridgebacks to Bobcat to Snakes to Ridgebacks mountain bike route
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Altitude min4,678 ft
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Altitude start4,678 ft
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Altitude end4,678 ft
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Grade max-46.3%
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Grade min57.7%
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Distance climb6 miles
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Distance down6 miles
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Distance flat2 miles
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
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- Snow Cover Inadequate
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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Photos
Videos

Icy Trail Fat Biking | Snakes and Ladders Trail | 2021 Norco Bigfoot 2 | West Bragg Creek, Alberta
trail: Snakes & Ladders
12:38 | 308 | comments: 0 | favs:
Mar 9, 2021

360 camera view. Ranger Summit, W. Bragg Creek
trail: Ranger Summit
16:43 | 523 | comments: 0 | favs:
Oct 10, 2020
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