Tom Snow/Ridgeback

With Covid restrictions easing we can start posting about hikes again. Goodness, it’s been too long and with the world upside down in turmoil, more than ever we (all of us) need the outdoors to help keep grounded. On goes the knobby shoes, it’s into the woods and instantly there’s a change of person. The day’s problem’s melt away and where there was a general malaise, it’s now something little seen these days, that feeling of being alive. Mr Happy, you’ve been gone too long. A hike need not be to some place spectacular, it’s just the act of getting out from where the magic comes. Is that a smile I see?

Here’s a nice easy trek taking in Tom Snow and Ridgeback in the extensive Bragg Creek Trails system in Kananaskis. It’s rarely out of the woods, but that matters little – see the first paragraph – and is in no way a big physical challenge. But still, file it under enjoyable. This trip report goes back to the summer to 2019 (yes we are that behind) and with Connie still feeling the aftershocks from her Cancer battle six months prior, we had mostly been sticking to easy stuff like this. Turns out it was just the medicine needed. Even today, summer 2020, she’s not 100% but gets a wee bit stronger each week.

The tail starts at the west end of the parking lot at Station Flats off Highway #66. Many of the trails in this network (a lot of them) are multi use shared by hikers, bikes and even equestrian riders on some sections. The route shown here is more the domain of the two-wheeler, doubly so on weekends, but still there’s room for everyone to get along. Anyway, keep your eyes open and there will be no problems. Adding to the mix, cattle can free roam in the area. On our mid-week jaunt we saw only a few other users, none of which were on foot, and one group of moo-moos.

Begin on the combined Diamond T/Tom Snow trail. Almost immediately there’s a junction, so go right. Less than a click later, it’s another junction, this one a three way. Keep right again. Your now on Tom Snow proper, so named after a first nation”s fellow from a nearby reserve. Through mixed forest pass the occasional meadow or bog. Expect to play in the mud on low lying sections of the trail. Meander this way and that, rise and fall with the land and enjoy. Creeks are bridged. There’s a maze of trails here, but all are well marked and there’s maps at many junctions, so don’t worry.

More trails branching off, some of which you can use on the return leg – use the maps to keep on track. Drop down into a meadow home to a powerline then go left at a junction and soon in, left again at another. To the right now is the trail on which you will make your return, a pleasant track called Ridgeback. Mushrooms abound (and in spite of studying, we still can’t ID them) and occasionally there’s a nice patch of wild strawberries to be found. The fruit is tiny, but they’re a taste explosion. In some areas, the grass lining the trail is waist high and in places alders crowd the path.

At a reclaimed cut block (they did and still do logging in the area), leave Tom Snow behind and hit Ridgeback on going right. Now start climbing, but it’s never steep. The forest thins and the trail is markedly dryer. At a junction with Snakes & Ladders (God, we love the creative names used for these trails) turn right on gaining the ridge. With a fallen tree for a bench, we make this our lunch spot. Fine meats, cheeses and crackers, paired with a crisp Riesling and we’re in bliss. When here in K-Country, no burdens have we. We raise a toast to Mother Nature and give thanks all our friend and an interesting life. As we’re heard to say way too often, we have the best playground ever and we take advantage of it.

Ridgeback was only constructed in the last few years. In fact many of the trails in the area are similarly new-ish. Tom Snow, in contrast, has been around forever. We recall hiking it in the 1990s.

Back in motion, the trail keeps to the ridge. With the occasional break in the trees, there’s view of rolling green hills off in the distance mostly west looking. Moose Mountain peeks out from behind a hill. And there’s cut blocks below too. Logging is something we have to accept. But they replant and so the forest always returns.

Start dropping down (some switchbacks) and soon in meet up with Tom Snow again. Along this stretch and on other sections, depending how you go, you’ll see boardwalks put for the fat-tire clan to enjoy. Sure, the bikers get all the perks…then how about putting in escalators for hikers on the steep parts? Seems fair. Just sayin’. Truth is the group that maintains most of these tracks, the Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association, are true heroes. Look up dedication in the dictionary.

If you like, as we did, take other sections of Ridgeback on the return – we did one of two diversions that’s possible. Don’t worry, they always meet back with Tom Snow. Or you can just return the way you came. There’s such a variety you can always mix it up and never repeat the same route twice. Do it! Soon in you’re back where you began. There’s some thirteen clicks of fun, bonding with nature, chumming around with fellow outdoor enthusiasts – everyone’s in a good mood when on the trail – and we’ll call that a win. Oh nineteen seems like a pleasant dream when compared to present day…

Stay tuned for more hiking posts. We’ve not been getting out as much the last couple years – life gets in the way, work, and other stuff – but vow to do it as often as possible. And with Connie improving, maybe we can go high. The mountains call and I think soon we can answer.

Till the next outing again, keep fabulous…

More like this…
Sugar Daddy/Sugar Momma.
Jumpingpound Loop Clockwise.
Indian Grave Ridge – Willow Creek Hills.

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

Date of adventure: August, 2019
Location: Elbow River area Kananaskis, AB.
Distance: 13km.
Height gain maximum: 210m.
Height gain cumulative: 270m.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate.
Technical stuff and notes: Watch for bikes.
Reference: Kananaskis Trail Guides by Gillean Daffern.

Starting out on Diamond T/Tom Snow.

At the cattle gate.

Ridgeback plays a big part in this outing.

Welcome to flavourtown!

Low areas can be wet.

Junctions (& there’s many) are marked.

Logging happens.

Playin’ in the muck!

On a bike? Duck!

Creek crossings are bridged.

Many mushrooms underfoot.

This bright coloured one.

Through the grass.

Alders crowd the trail.

Race participants, this way.

Climbing gently.

Equestrian riders on another trail.

A small break in the trees affords a view.

A toast to all our friends.

Keeping to the ridge.

Yellow…

Switchbacking down.

The way is pleasant & easy.

One scene from a nice hike.

A rocky section.

One day we’ll learn to ID these.

Moose Mountain can just be seen poking out.

See comment two photos back…

Fun on the boardwalk.

Trail building tools forgotten.

Cow bum!

Tom Snow & Ridgeback.