Iron Springs – Elbow

This is about the easiest hike ever. Following a series of multi-use trails in the West Bragg Creek area of Kananaskis, it makes a nice loop through an area of low rolling hills. It’s a very nice stroll through the woods (like that’s ever bad), with little in the way of challenges or demands. Talk about easy going! There are a good number of trails in the area, so there are plenty of options to mix it up, shortening or lengthening the jaunt, hitting hills or keeping it flat. What ever you like.

The trailhead is near the town of Bragg Creek, at the far end of West Bragg Road, right where it dead ends at the start of Kananaskis Country. There’s a huge parking lot here. Expect it to be busy, no matter the day nor the time of year. But everyone’s always jovial, so who cares? Once out on the trail people thin – there are just so many routes, there’s room for all. In fact, on our hike, we saw not a single person one once we got deeper into the woods (heard some though).

This trail and all the others in the area, depending on the time of year, will be used by hikers, mountain or fat tire bikers, equestrian riders, snowshoers, cross country skiers, Segway types, roller skaters and countless others. Okay, you got me on the last couple. In simple terms, everyone’s welcome! There are sometimes restrictions on who can use what trail at certain times of the year – for example the route we followed is for skier use exclusively once winter takes a better hold.

Given the place is a literal maze, junctions are marked and there’s maps seemingly everywhere, so you’d have to be a special kind of bad navigator to get lost. Kudos to the Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association for making it a no-brainier. The route we describe takes in several different trails, the major ones giving their name to this post. These ones are a mix of old logging and exploration roads and cut lines. Mostly in the trees, the trail is wide so you don’t feel all that closed in.

From the parking lot head south and soon on cross a small bridge. Turn left onto East Crystal Line Trail and follow it for a time. It rises and falls with the terrain, but it’s mere bumps, so no big deal. At a clearing, take a hard right onto the Sundog Loop Trail and head up at an easy grade. Soon on, at a junction, this route transitions to the Iron Springs Trail.

Enter a series of replanted cut blocks from decades ago, and also notice a new logging scar that’s more recent. Rise and fall, meander here and there and pass through a drift fence. Close the gate in summer so the moo-moos don’t get out – the area is also home to free range cattle. They’re all-inclusive here.

By this point you’ve passed a gazillion junctions. And there will be just as many to come. But again, there’s little worry of getting lost. On the ridge to the left, at its top above the logging scar, is a popular trail (it can be hiked but is more for bikes). We could hear squeals of delight from riders up there, but couldn’t see them. We biked it once – no report – and it was a ton of fun. Need break out the two-wheeled steeds more.

Drop down beside a marshy area, You might catch a moose here. Along this section we followed the footprints of a wild cat for a couple clicks. It stayed on the trail for a time. We’re not sure if it was a Lynx or Bobcat though. Our paw print IDing skills are lacking here.

Here kitty, kitty!

Trend east and soon on double back sharply. In a few moments go right at a small connector trail (at a picnic table – a nice lunch spot, but we elected to eat elsewhere later), leaving the Iron Springs section behind. Almost immediately intercept the Elbow Trail and turn right (north). Rise and fall some more. For the next while you’ll withing shouting distance of the Iron Springs section you were just on. You can even see it at times.

The trail splits. The lower (more easterly) route is a bypass for skiers not wanting to take in a big hill. And lazy hikers wanting to do the same. Take either, they soon rejoin. Pass more swampy areas. Drop down and hit the west leg of the Sundog Loop. Remember it? Turn right onto a short section of the West Crystal Line Trail. A couple hops later and you’re back at the car.

Now, wasn’t that easy?

Generally speaking, the trail we followed and others here aren’t heavily frequented by hikers when compared to others who use them. They’re most likely to see foot traffic in the shoulder season when the real good stuff is inaccessible or under snow. They’re also good when one is feeling more like a stroll than a true woods-trek (us this day). You know, something super easy? Nothing here is much of a workout that’s for sure. They’re handy to Calgary which makes them a good choice if one is disinterested in a long drive. Come here and follow our route, or pick one of many others.

Scenery wise, there’s nothing spectacular here. But this is the extreme eastern edge of the Foothills. Still, it’s not without its charms and if you go with the mindset “any hike is a good hike”, like we always do, you’ll most certainly enjoy it. Always find the special in things. We like trees!

More hikes that are child’s play (the 3 Js)…
Junction Creek.
Jumpingpound Loop.
Jura Creek.

If you wish more information about this trail, by all means contact us!

Date of adventure: November, 2016.
Location: West Bragg Creek area, Kananaskis, AB.
Distance: 10km loop (lots of options to extend or shorten it).
Height gain maximum: Maybe 50-80m-ish.
Height gain cumulative: Maybe 120m-ish.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate.
Technical bits and notes: It’s a multi-use trail which varies with the season.
Reference: Kananaskis Trail Guide by Gillean Daffern.

Starting out, we just left the West Bragg Creek Trailhead.

Along the “East Crystal Line”.

About to turn south on the east leg of the “Sundog Loop”.

A rare opening in the trees.

Lots of trails in the area, but all are marked and there’s plenty of maps.

On the “Iron Springs” section.

Passing through a drift fence.

Signs of logging are about.

The return “Elbow” trail is somewhere back in those woods.

We followed a wild cat track for a time.

A pretty typical view.

A nice lunch spot, but not for us this trip.

On the return leg, “Elbow Trail”.

Wolf Lichen grows in abundance in the region.

The trail splits here (lower= easier ski bypass) but soon joins back up.

Easy, but always pleasant going.

This will hurt…

As always, a toast to Mother Nature.

Love the play of light on the this snow covered plant.

Back on the Sundog Loop (west leg) and almost back at the car.

Delicate…

Our route, done clockwise from the top parking area.