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        Powderface trailhead is off of Hwy 66, just past the winter gate [Closed Dec. 1 - May 15]. There is an older outhouse and an info kiosk, plus a few picnic tables. The trails in this area are maintained by Alberta Parks.
        Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
        eBikes Allowed: No
        AKA: Powder Face
        Land Status: Regional Recreation Area
        Parking google parking directions
        Access Info:
        The trailhead is a few hundred metres past the winter gate, on the right.
        Activities Click to view
        Region Details
        • 1
        • 8
        • 2

        Region Status
        Open as of 1 day

        Stats

        Avg Trail Rating
        Trails (view details)
        12
        Trails Mountain Bike
        12
        Trails E-Bike
        7
        Trails Horse
        4
        Trails Hike
        37
        Trails Trail Running
        37
        Total Distance
        37 miles
        Total Descent
        7,679 ft
        Total Vertical
        2,186 ft
        Highest Trailhead
        7,155 ft
        Reports
        433
        Photos
        226
        Ridden Counter
        5,392

        Popular Powderface Mountain Biking Trails

        65 3.4 2 miles 316 ft 802
        The trail links and trails. Most people ride it from south to north, maximizing the descent/fun. From the south it climbs on a smooth, wide track that begs for a bit of head-to-head competition with your buddies. At the first "summit"...
        50 3.7 6 miles 340 ft 379
        It's a pretty mellow ride, with some punchy climbs to keep it interesting. Keep a sharp eye out for trees across the trail, at least until you get East of the Trail. The trail runs quite close to the creek, and there are often some very...
        60 3.8 4 miles 633 ft 374
        This trail can be ridden in both directions. I prefer riding North to South, parking at the start of the (where hwy66 turns to a gravel road at the intersection with Little Elbow Campground). Ride up the to the intersection of the...
        65 2.7 5 miles 1,673 ft 357
        The trail has a split personality. The east half is wide, mellow and almost qualifies as beginner trail. From the Powderface trailhead, the trail goes straight up what is basically a rocky jeep road. Once you're over the initial hump,...
        55 2.5 4,931 ft 66 ft 160
        Little piece of single track that cuts part of the road from .
        45 5.0 2 miles 18 ft 151 hike
        Connects the summit of with . Trail surface is a mix of single track and eroded off-camber. This trail is much less utilized than the primary climb trail, so watch for downed trees and other obstacles.
        55 4.3 2 miles 2,154 ft 95 hike
        Primary trail to access the summit of . This is an extremely popular hiking trail, expect foot traffic. As a mountain bike climb trail it is easy to follow, but many sections are steep and difficult to pedal. Expect to push, but the...
        35 2.5 6 miles 665 ft 73 hike
        This old gem makes up the return leg on the - Loop [page 91 of Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies, 2nd ed.]. A mix of singletrack, doubletrack, 4x4 trail and horse track, this is backcountry riding. It's not well signed, so...

        Recent Ride Log Activity in Region

        Today
        • 0 rides
        Yesterday
        • 2 rides
        Past Week
        • 8 rides

        Powderface Mountain Bike Routes

        5.0 7 miles 879 ft 3 Loop
        Leaves from Powderface parking lot on the NW corner of the lot. Head up and take the first intersection to...
        3.7 31 miles 3,520 ft 2 Loop
        Elbow Loop is comprised of two trails: and Little Elbow. Bridges destroyed in the 2013 floods have been...
        4.2 7 miles 884 ft 3 Loop
        Old school Kananaskis classic. Most people ride it clockwise to maximize the DH fun. For the experienced...
        4.0 17 miles 2,435 ft 4 Loop
        - Start at Powderface parking lot - Ride on wide track to junction of - Ride up down to - Turn left onto...
        13 miles 2,245 ft 3 Loop
        Powderface Long Loop - to Powderface Trail to Trail
        8 miles 886 ft 1
        Powderface to to Prairie Creek

        Photos of Powderface Mountain Bike

        43 |
        Mar 26, 2026 @ 5:00pm
        Mar 26, 2026
        47 |
        Jul 14, 2025 @ 7:50am
        Jul 14, 2025
        39 |
        Jul 14, 2025 @ 7:49am
        Jul 14, 2025
        81 |
        May 27, 2025 @ 2:57pm
        May 27, 2025
        60 |
        May 27, 2025 @ 2:57pm
        May 27, 2025
        98 |
        Oct 9, 2023 @ 7:21pm
        Oct 9, 2023
        108 |
        Oct 9, 2023 @ 7:21pm
        Oct 9, 2023
        84 |
        Oct 9, 2023 @ 7:20pm
        Oct 9, 2023
        81 |
        Oct 9, 2023 @ 7:20pm
        Oct 9, 2023
        58 |
        Jul 23, 2023 @ 4:23pm
        Jul 23, 2023
        124 |
        Jan 9, 2023 @ 9:37am
        Jan 9, 2023
        320 |
        Oct 5, 2020 @ 11:27am
        Oct 5, 2020

        Videos of Powderface Mountain Bike

        Powderface Short Loop
        6:59 | 538 | Jul 14, 2017
        Not everybody's cup of tea
        6:30 | 84 | Sep 3, 2025 , Bragg Creek
        Need for Endurance - Powderface Ridge | Top to...
        16:54 | 58 | Sep 1, 2025 , Bragg Creek
        Elbow Loop in Kananaskis Country

        2:17 | 94 | Aug 19, 2025
        Powderface Ridge trail, Kananaskis Country,...
        2:17 | 51 | Aug 19, 2025 , Bragg Creek
        Shredding the flow dandruff
        6:54 | 883 | Jan 13, 2011
        Powderface Ridge [Powderface]
        23:47 | 367 | Jul 4, 2023 , Bragg Creek
        Powderface Ridge Trail
        16:53 | 415 | Jun 5, 2023 , Bragg Creek

        Current Trail Warnings

        statustraildateconditionuserinfo
        Powderface Ridge
        Jun 5, 2026 @ 2:15pm (America/Edmonton)
        Jun 5, 2026
        Unknownbainer66 Still very snowy on top half. Many trees...

        Recent Trail Reports

        Activity Feed

        usernameactiontypetitledate
        Brackowriddentrailactivity #97231621
        Jun 17, 2026 @ 9:35pm
        20 hours
        kinglisaddreportactivity #97212776 and 2 more
        Jun 17, 2026 @ 3:29pm
        1 day
        guywhobikessometimeswishlisttrailactivity #97164054
        Jun 16, 2026 @ 10:54pm
        2 days
        kinglisaddreportactivity #96999239 and 1 more
        Jun 14, 2026 @ 1:11pm
        Jun 14, 2026
        mountainmaneuversaddreportactivity #96919728 and 2 more
        Jun 13, 2026 @ 3:09pm
        Jun 13, 2026

        Recent Comments

        usernametypetitlecommentdate
        AnthonypmyIADtrailFord Creek TrailGood trail for running or hiking. A few small...
        May 24, 2026 @ 2:22pm
        May 24, 2026
        AnthonypmyIADtrailForgetmenot SummitHiked from Little Elbow campsite to the lower...
        May 18, 2026 @ 3:24pm
        May 18, 2026
        spoke-too-soontrailFord Creek TrailNot a good trail for mountain biking. Avoid.
        Aug 30, 2025 @ 8:09pm
        Aug 30, 2025
        TroyHollantrailPowderface RidgeGreat views up top, some loose rock and roots...
        Aug 19, 2025 @ 2:56pm
        Aug 19, 2025
        ThefifelifetrailFord Creek TrailOvergrown. Not a MTB trail. Horses destroyed...
        Jul 26, 2025 @ 10:19am
        Jul 26, 2025

        Nearby Areas

        namedistance
        Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area 43.1 km
        Prairie Mountain 1 6 5 35.2 km
        Moose Mountain 4 11 10 47.5 km
        Station Flats 2 108 km
        Mclean Creek Off Highway Vehicle PLUZ 1 49 km

        Local Badges


        Activity Type Stats

        activitytypetrailsdistancedescentdescent distancetotal verticalratingglobal rankstate rankphotosreportsroutesridelogs
        Mountain Bike1235 miles7,680 ft18 miles2,185 ft
        #5,001#68190430114,560
        E-Bike731 miles4,846 ft14 miles2,185 ft
        #3,792#3653663205
        Horse414 miles2,539 ft9 miles1,204 ft
        #1,238#1510311
        Hike3737 miles7,680 ft18 miles2,185 ft
        #1,537#173143311,878
        Trail Running3737 miles7,680 ft18 miles2,185 ft
        #3,713#314331973

        Frequently Asked Questions About Powderface

        What are the highest rated mountain biking trails in Powderface?
        The highest rated mountain biking trails in Powderface are: View all mountain biking trails sorted by rating.
        What is the best time of the year to ride in Powderface?
        Based on ride log data, the most popular months to ride in Powderface are:
        • August (79 activities)
        • July (77 activities)
        • September (66 activities)
        Check the Powderface reports page for current trail conditions, recent trail reports, and seasonal information from the local community.
        Where can I park to ride in Powderface?
        There are 9 parking locations listed in Powderface. The most popular parking spots are: View all parking and trailhead locations on the map to plan your visit.
        What is the longest trail in Powderface?
        The longest trail in Powderface is Ford Creek Trail at 9.5 miles. View all trails sorted by distance.
        • By pinkrobe & contributors
        • Admins: BCT, MMBTS
        • #8512 - 17,546 views

        Downloading of trail gps tracks in kml & gpx formats is enabled for Powderface.
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