Tom Snow – Ridgeback R2 R1 – Diamond T

This hike takes place in the West Bragg Creek trail network, convenient to Calgary and accessible all year round. They’re an easy choice for the short days of winter and we put the trails here to use to keep in shape awaiting spring and more ambitious adventurers further afield. This route is a series of interconnected loops and makes use of the trails Tom Snow, Ridgeback R2, Ridgeback R1 and Diamond T.

It sounds complicated but really isn’t. Junctions are marked with maps and trails are signed, so it’s a literal walk in woods. It truly and surely is and you’ll know the forest well by the end. It’s all around and rarely is there a break in the trees, but that’s really not such a bad thing.

Our visit happened to be the day after a fresh snow and the forest was a winter wonderland. Thanks goes out to snowshoers that proceeded us and tamped down the trail. Still, the further in we went, the less people had passed, so there was some minor postholing to do at times.

Most of these trails are multi-use and are part of a huge network here in the foothills of the Rockies. There’s option for hikers, bikers, snowshoers, cross country skiers and equestrian riders. Some are shared use and others specific use, but of course that also depends on the season.

Some of the trails used this day are managed by Kananaskis staff and have been in use for many decades or more, where as others are managed by trail society volunteers and fairly new. The Ridgeback sections are the latter and have markings of the Canadian Mountain Bike Alliance.

The fun begins off Highway #66 and at the Station Flats Day Use area. There’s a ranger station just to the east and that’s where the name comes from. The trail starts at the west side of the lot and almost immediately there’s a junction. At this one, and for the next three, you’ll keep right. You’ll later return on the trail seen to the left.

This is the Tom Snow section and one of the older trails in the area. It winds through the woods, later rises up a low hill and then drops down to meadow. Easy going stuff and make note of the junctions passed along the way.

There’s evidence of and signage pertaining to recent logging in the area. Most of Kananaskis is open to trees harvesting, but from these trails, it’s not always obvious around here. They always leave a good belt of woods on either side to mostly block the cutting areas from view.

At the forth junction turn left and take to Ridgeback (R2). There’s four Ridgeback trails off Tom Snow, and we’ll make use of the southern-most pair. These take a higher line and are far less direct but more fun overall. Some sections cross boggy areas on boardwalks and there’s sweeping banked corners for cyclists on downhill runs. Always watch for bikes.

The trail keeps below a ridge crest and then after a broad zig-zag, loops back to Tom Snow. Along the way a suitable fallen log makes a nice bench and we enjoy a little lunch. A baguette and bruschetta makes up today’s lunch. It soon attracts a group of Whisky Jacks who pester us in hopes of scoring a morsel or two.

It’s amazing how bold they can be and how quick they zero in on food.

Almost immediately after joining back with Tom Snow, turn right in Ridgeback R1. It too takes a more leisurely route but this section is relativity short and in no time, you’ll be back on familiar Tom Snow once again.

In a short distance, turn right on Diamond T. There’s both an ancient Kananaskis trail sign here and one much more up to date put in by the trail’s group. Most of the West Bragg Creek trails are a decade or less in age and well engineered.

Diamond T is another old trail and partly makes use of old seismic lines. These were put in long ago for natural gas exploration and usually run arrow straight even in rolling terrain like here. There’s a few meadows along this section – scared a few deer here and they scared us. The crest of hill to your left will be the high point of this hike and will be visited soon enough.

The trail bends hard left and soon climbs up another seismic line before gaining the ridge. After a little more climbing look for a spur trail going off to the left. No one had used it since the snow fell, but the way was still obvious. The hill top is a bit rocky, but treed so there’s no real views. Still, one must do a victory pose on top – another airy summit conquered!

Backtrack to the main trail, turn left and now the descent begins. Pass though a cattle gate – there was one earlier too – and these help keep cows that free range in the area come summer away from the highway. Watch for them and their fragrant calling cards later in the year.

Soon, a thinning of the trees affords one the only real view of the day, in a southwesterly direction and of more rolling hills. They seem to go on forever.

The trail drops down further still and with the highway now in view, makes a hard left. In a few moments you’ll be back at Station Flats and your ride home.

This was not a wow hike in any sense, but any time spent outdoors is beneficial. For body and mind. The world’s problems seem to melt away and for a short while, all is right and good. It’s why we do it.

Stay tuned for more hikes to be posted soon. Now that Connie’s Cancer therapy is done, and the horrible side-effects that came with it dimishing, we should be able to do more ambitious outings again. We hope and we’ll share them here with you.

Know more about the area: (new tab): West Bragg Creek Trails.

They’re saying…

“These two are amazing!! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping. Enjoy your working vacation, Chris & Connie!!…” Dayna Kent. (this job really is like a vacation).

Hikes we like…
Grass Pass to Fir Creek Point & More.
Jumpingpound Mountain East Ridge.
Crimson Lake Amerada Trail.

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

Date of adventure: March, 2024.
Location: Kananaskis, Elbow River area.
Distance: 8.5km loop.
Height gain maximum: 120m.
Height gain cumulative: 300m.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).

It begins at Station Flats Day Use area in Kananaskis.

Coming to a cattle gate along the Tom Snow Trail.

A winter wonderland.

Junctions, and there’s lots, are marked with signage.

It’s a forest kind of hike.

Turing onto Ridgeback R2.

A boardwalk over a boggy section.

Cheers to the outdoors.

A group of Whisky Jacks pestered us during lunch.

Now on Ridgeback R1.

Along Diamond T.

Out of the trees for a short stretch.

Old (arrow straight) seismic lines make up sections of the trail.

A spur trail to the highpoint is there under the snow.

On top and this is as good as it gets.

Come summer, cattle free range in the area.

The only views of the day.

Dropping down and minutes from the parking lot.

Three interconnected loops – looks complicated but isn’t.