7.4 miles
Distance
1,152 ft
Climb
-1,151 ft
Descent
5,209 ft
High Point
4,287 ft
Altitude min
4,288 ft
Altitude start
4,288 ft
Altitude end
-73.9%
Grade max
42%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
4,423 ft
Distance flat

This loop goes up and over the Pass Powderkeg ski hill and along the summit ridge with great views to the West. On the map it forms a bird-like shape. It is shown clockwise to take advantage of descending the Buck 50, a brand new trail funded by the Government of Canada for the country’s sesquicentennial. The trail has great flow, with many bermed corners and optional jumps. For variety, the loop can also be ridden counter-clockwise. The top-to-bottom loop can take up to two hours, with the last stretch being just “4 km with a big smile.”

Detailed Description
The Big Bird Loop is a 7 mile popular intermediate route located near Blairmore Alberta. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 26 trails. This route climbs 1,152 ft with a max elevation of 5,209 ft then descends -1,151 ft.
Tags

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
United Riders Of Crowsnest (www.uroc.ca)
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Stats

  • Distance
    7 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 28 min
  • Altitude min
    4,287 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,288 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,288 ft
  • Climb
    1,152 ft
  • Descent
    -1,151 ft
  • Grade max
    -73.9%
  • Grade min
    42%
  • Distance climb
    3 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    4,423 ft

16 Reviews & Comments

Yung3Man2
Very Icey, studs a must. Was able to do complete loop. Trail ended at top sitting bench, took groomed run to Buck 50 start.
a-bomb a-bomb
Great loop! Did this with the family (kids 10&12). Climb is as gentle as climbing a ski hill can be and very buff and scenic. Fun rock rollers throughout. Beauty views throughout!! Fun flow on Buck 50. This was my first ride in the pass in a very long time and it did not disappoint. Will be back for more!! Kudos trail builders. Alberta riding is getting better and better!!

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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Activity Logs
    102
Avg: 4.35 (3 votes)
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
Buck 50 [Blairmore]
mtb
Buck 50 [Blairmore]
trail: Buck 50
12:28 | 74 | comments: 0 | favs:
Sep 22, 2026
Bee's Knees Enduro 2025
mtb
Bee's Knees Enduro 2025
trail: Buck 50
20:52 | 221 | comments: 0 | favs:
Sep 9, 2025

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  • By DaveW2TF Pro UROC & contributors
  • #3446 - 3,247 views

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