Ranger Summit – Strange Brew

Here’s a most enjoyable loop hike in the extensive Bragg Creek Trails system. There’s a million and one options in their extensive network, out in the foothills west of Calgary, so there’s always something new to do. Here’s one new to us and the goal is Baruch’s Corner Viewpoint atop a little forested bump. It’s accessed using the Ranger Summit Trail on the up leg and Strange Brew on the down.

Who knew hiking pays? That ten bucks found on the trail will be put to good use and thanks who ever you are.

It all begins at the West Bragg Creek parking lot, a sometimes busy place, even mid-week like on our visit, but there’s so many trails that everyone soon spreads out. There’s maps at the starting point and at all junctions (there’s a lot of them), so there’s never a problem. This was a solo hike and done because working at BIGDoer HQ sometimes is soul sucking and a break needed.

From the parking lot head south and cross a bridge – the fun’s about to begin. Soon the trail splits and splits again, with the Ranger Summit trail seen straight ahead and heading up steeply. This is about as bad as it gets and the rest of the time, the grade is fairly modest. The trail meanders this way and that, there in the woods and is well laid out. Occasionally, where the trees thin, there’s a view of surrounding hills and valleys or maybe you might catch a brief glimpse of Moose Mountain off in the west.

The viewpoints don’t come often, but each is nice enough and the going always quite pleasant.

Keep an ear open for fast descending bikers. There’s lots of blind corners, so unexpected meets are a possibility. The trail takes a sharp left (Snakes and Ladders right) then levels out. Just past the toe-stubbing rocky section (a trip could kill the shins), come to the day’s high point.

There’s no views here…no congratulatory high-fives…and instead there’s just trees. But they’re nice trees and that’s good. At a three-way junction the Ranger Summit trail becomes Strange Brew and that’s Sugar Mama (or Momma) heading down to the right. Don’t go that way or you’ll end up down by the Elbow River.

Soon after, come to Baruch’s Corner (lower right corner of the map), where you can look out over the forest to the south and see the sights. Sort of and the trees only thin a little here. This makes a good lunch spot and food always tastes better on the trail.

That tenner is found here and this makes a a great day all the more wonderful. Yes, it’s the small stuff we love. Think of all the things we can do with these new found riches. A jumbo pack of tube socks from Giant Tiger? A round-trip LRT adventure to Midnapore? No wait, name brand KD and not that President’s Choice garbage, or maybe four litres of high test for the mighty BIGDoer-mobile. The possibilities are endless!

Now it’s all downhill from here and where the slope might get overly steep there’s switchbacks to make things easier. The corners are nicely banked with cyclists in mind and speaking of the two-wheel clan, keep alert for fast moving riders coming up from behind. They move swift and silent when coasting.

Dropping down more, there plenty more junctions to come but you know knew that if you studies the Bragg Creek Trails map. It’s a pleasant stroll thought pine and spruce forest, on a well thought out and engineered trail. It doesn’t get any easier and while not exciting in any way, it’s still a hoot.

Cows free range in the area during the summer, so keep an eye out for them and and in particular their calling cards underfoot. In a moment of inattention…ahhhhh…yuck! How embarrassing and just for that, I’m cooking a brisket.

After a couple more junctions, hook up with the Boundary Ridge Trail for the final leg and in minutes you’re back where you started.

Mid-week, as it was this visit, meant the trails were pretty quiet for the most part. There was a fair number of folks at the beginning and end, where everything joins near the parking lot, but otherwise, solitude was the rule.

That’s the good thing about the network and it’s so extensive that there’s plenty of room for all. A couple clicks in and if the timing’s right you might just find yourself alone. Maybe not on summer weekends, but at other times you stand a good chance. Hope you enjoyed this outing.

Know more about the network (new tab): Bragg Creek Trails System.

There’s lots more hiking adventures to be posted soon, so stay tuned!

They’re saying…

”You 2 are living the life and that’s a good thing.” Judy Cox (we’ve been blessed).

More…
Crimson Lake Amerada Trail – Around a picturesque lake.
Raspberry Ridge via Switchback Route.
Indian Graves Ridge – Willow Creek Hills.

If you wish more information about this route or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: September, 2021.
Location: West Bragg Creek area Kananaskis, AB.
Distance: 9.5km loop.
Height gain maximum: 330m.
Height gain cumulative: 350m.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own) – the system is obviously flawed.
Technical stuff and notes: it can get busy with bikes especially, at certain times.
Reference: West Bragg Creek Trails Association and Kananaskis Trail Guides by Gillean Daffern.

The fun’s just begun.

Welcome to the Bragg Creek Trails network.

The trail meanders along.

Passing one of many junctions (they’re all signed).

Refreshing…

Tracks from those who came before.

Moose Mountain in the west.

The viewpoints don’t come often, but here’s one.

A toe-stubbing rocky section.

The GPS said this was the highpoint…what a day to be alive!

The view from Strange Brew.

At Baruch’s Corner.

Hiking pays!

It’s all downhill from here.

Banked corners are designed with bikes in mind.

The grade is never steep.

Take a rest.

Crossing a fat-bike winter trail.

Where the trees thin.

There was many puffball clusters in one area.

Ahhhhh…yuck!

Come on, was it you guys?

One last look at surrounding hills.

Minutes from being done.

Up Ranger Summit and down Strange Brew.