With the summer getting close to full swing, we want to help you get the most out of the nice weather. To this end, I have researched some of the most interesting and beautiful biking and ATV trails to help you find new trails to ride. Make sure you're ready to go with great accessories like the Swagman SEMI 2.0 2 Bike Hitch Rack to get your bikes out there!
Whenever you are out enjoying the vast wilderness that our great country has to offer, remember that is indeed our soil. Canadians are very proud of our lands, and we should always strive to keep them clean and undamaged. Please be considerate of the wildlife and plants that live in these areas, and leave no trace so that you, and many others, can return to enjoy these same trails over and over again.
Burnt Timber (ATV)
Burnt Timber is located west of Cremona near Waiparous. With a whopping 95 kilometers of trails, this area ranges from easy to challenging and has something to offer everyone. The terrain varies from flat wide open spaces to forested areas all in sight of the mountains.
The area is very remote, with Cochrane being the closest service. Cell coverage is limited, so you should keep in mind that with 95 kilometers of trail to ride, you’re best to pack a GPS to ensure you don’t get lost, and two-way radios to keep in touch with the rest of your crew are never a bad idea. Be sure you obey all local posted signs, as this area is a provincial park.
Fallen Timber North Recreational Area (ATV)
Fallen Timber North, located just south of Sundre, is smaller than its nearby sibling trails, Fallen Timber South. These trails, however, are often less busy in the summer than their southern counterparts and they are also very remote. GPS and two-way radios are recommended here as well due to spotty cell phone coverage.
This area features it’s own local camping ground a short distance from the trails, ideal for a weekend trip. Please note that they do not allow staging ATVs in the campground, or for ATVs to be ridden to or from the trails. To get your quads or bikes up there more easily, consider a truck bed extender like the X-Treme Gate Slide-Out. Stick to the trails, be respectful of local signage and other trail users, and have a blast!
Fallen Timber South Recreational Area (ATV)
The Fallen Timber South area, known locally as the Ghost snowmobile trails, is one of the largest in the area. They feature over 180 kilometers of well-groomed trails that are open year round. Large hills, forest cut lines, and alpine riding are common in this area, and the trails offer options for all skill levels.
These trails are known to get extremely busy in the summer months, especially on long weekends. Reports of intoxicated drivers causing serious damage to the trails and natural environment have been increasingly common, which often leads to shutting the trails down to ATV use for a time. Please tread carefully on the terrain and be sure to respect the land around you so it can be used for many years to come.
Ghost River Area
Ghost River area features an OHV trail that runs point to point and almost 12 kilometers. It is beautiful terrain along the Rockies rated at a moderate difficulty. While it is a shorter trail, there are various places long the way to explore. You are best to ride it down to the end, then turn around and ride it back up again. Always be respectful of the environment and stay on the designated trails.
Mclean Creek Recreational Area (ATV/Mountain Biking)
Mclean Creek, located 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary, is one of the most popular OHV sites in Alberta. There is a nearby campsite and designated staging areas for loading and offloading OHVs. There are over 77 square kilometers of terrain to explore from May to October, including a lot of creek crossings and endless mud pits, so be prepared to get coated in mud. There is a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels, and there is also fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities available as well.
Please note that they do not allow vehicles over 1000 pounds, and they request you stay on the designated trails.
Topp Notch (MTB)
Topp Notch is the first purposefully built mountain biking trail inside a national park. Starting in Banff, the trail is a single-track 6 km loop with an elevation change totaling 600 meters and it is rated advanced. The trail was hand made, with beautifully crafted bridges, benches, berms and technical rock gardens. This all adds up to a beautiful, flowing trail that is extremely varied. The trail is also open for day and night riding.
Moose Mountain Trailhead (MTB)
This trail, located near Bragg Creek, primarily caters to the downhill crowd. There is a shuttle that can be ridden to the top, or you can ride up the road or a path beside it. The trail down runs 39 kilometers single track and it is full of technical features like wooden platforms, jumps and drops. It is rated advanced, although most of the features can be avoided allowing for beginner and intermediate routes as well.
Nose Hill Provincial Park (MTB)
Nose Hill Park is perfect for anyone looking for a less intense ride without much travel. Located within the city of Calgary, Nose Hill has over 60 square kilometers of land stretching across an isolated plateau. The top of the hill offers an incredible view of the city and mountains, and the trails go through forested areas, open fields with plenty of short hills, as well as a small lake. There are no artificial technical elements, just the steep hills.
(Photo credit: Ryan Drescher)
Big Sweat (Valley of Five Lakes/Wabasso) (MTB)
Multiple different trails cross back and forth across each other through this valley. The trailhead begins near Jasper and offers a variety of choices throughout the trip that will bring you either higher up for a fantastic view or lower down for a more technical ride. All of these trails go to the same location, except one extends all the way to Lake Wabasso and affords several routes back. At 32 kilometers of trail, there are tonnes of options for the adventurous biker, including night riding. There are various restrooms along the way, and there is winter biking available as well. If you're going to be camping in the area, check out the Swagman RV Bike Ladder Rack to help get your bikes out to the trails!
Get the most out of your summer and explore some new biking and ATV trails. Respect the environment, have fun, and enjoy the land we are so blessed to live in!
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