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13.2 miles
Distance
1,604 ft
Climb
-406 ft
Descent
03:31:12
Avg time
1,198 ft
Altitude change
5,296 ft
Altitude min
6,560 ft
Altitude max
5,322 ft
Altitude start
6,522 ft
Altitude end
1.7%
Grade
-28.6%
Grade max
41%
Grade min
9 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat
03:31:12
Avg time
Big Elbow Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaElbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
Kananaskis Village, Alberta -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity90 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 85 in E-Biking
- 75 in Trail Running
- 65 in Hiking
- 5 in Horseback
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Global Ranking#39497 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #16369 in E-Biking
- #1405 in Trail Running
- #41606 in Hiking
- #843 in Horseback
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Trail TypeMixed
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Bike TypeAM, XC, Fat
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingModerate
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SeasonMay-September
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
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TTFs on TrailBridge
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Land OwnerAlberta Environment and Parks
The section of trail between the trailhead and the Big Elbow campground is an easier track, while the next section is mixed terrain that can be steep in sections.
This trail is part of loop starting at Little Elbow Trailhead going (clockwise) to Big Elbow, Tombstone, Mount Romulus. The Elbow Loop route typically starts on Little Elbow, proceeding counter clockwise to Big Elbow.
Access Info
Park at Little Elbow provincial park trailhead parking.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 1 rides
- 12 miles avg distance
All
- 88 rides
- Last: Jun 5, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Big Elbow Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 6 months
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- Both Directions
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Directions to big-elbow trailhead
(50.791320, -114.858400)
Photos
63 more »
Videos
1 more »
32:48 |
111 |
Apr 16, 2025 , Kananaskis Village
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12 Reviews & Comments
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Nearby Trails
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Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
- By rockymountainradio
& contributors - #94965 - 14,601 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Elbow
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Where is Big Elbow located?
Big Elbow is located in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, Kananaskis Village, Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 50.79132, -114.8584.
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How hard is Big Elbow?
Big Elbow is rated as Green difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 1.7%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
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What is the elevation gain for Big Elbow?
Big Elbow has 1,604 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 406 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 5,296 ft to 6,560 ft.
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Is Big Elbow a point to point trail?
Big Elbow is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is mixed.
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