Dan suggested this link up of different trails where we ride out on Ridgebacks 1 and 2 and then up onto Bobcat, which climbs up to Ranger Summit. From Ranger Summit, we could get back across via Snakes & Ladders and then come back on Ridgesbacks 3, 2, and 1. I said, "Hey, great idea. Let's do it."
We had done Ridgebacks 1 & 2 already this year so that section was familiar. It was very fun and fast and I was so focused on the riding there that I didn't take any photos. On Bobcat I finally stopped (had to catch my breath, big ascent) and took a couple. It was a great trail, smooth and flowing in lots of places, but almost entirely uphill.
The ride down Snakes & Ladders was incredibly fun! The twists and turns flowed back and forth down a hillside. Never too steep and rarely flat. The downhill section ended at a bridge over Ranger Creek. The uphill section was a lot of work but well worth the fun on the downhill. Dan and I agreed this is our new favourite mountain bike trail.
Here a photo from Ridgeback 3. We accessed this trail from the end of Snakes & Ladders where it topped out on the top of a ridge. Ridgeback 3 then travelled along the top of the ridge with some fun down and up sections. In some parts the trail was covered with rocks and loose gravel. In other places the trees were so narrow, I caught a handle bar on one and the bike went over. I leaned against a tree to stay upright. Good thing I was moving slowly through them!
Trail starts and ends at Station Flats (blue P) on Highway 6
About 22 km and 900 meters elevation gain (phone died so FATMAP recording is not complete)
We started up the green Diamond T Loop but left it to get onto Ridgeback 1. From there, Ridgeback 2 and then onto Bobcat for some serious elevation gain. Once at the top, we crossed to Snakes & Ladders. There we found the most fun down hill run we had yet to ride in this area. From Snakes & Ladders, Ridgeback 3 and then Ridgebacks 1 & 2 out to the parking lot.
A really fun ride, I recommend it!
For maps and trail conditions, check out the Trailforks app.
On July 16, 2023 we did a fun ride from West Bragg Creek
We started on White Tail, then onto Braggin Rights, whcih is one of my favourite rides. We then went up onto Merlin View which I hadn't done before. Waht a great trail. Beautiful views and smooth flowy trail.
From the top of Merlin View, we took a side trip out onto Kestrel. We rode about 1 km down that trail, coming to a beautiful view point at the top of a ridge.
Great day!
We rode 17 km
and about 500 meters elevation gain.