more stats
2.4 miles
Distance
880 ft
Climb
-883 ft
Descent
00:53:35
Avg time
1 ft
Altitude change
5,475 ft
Altitude min
6,117 ft
Altitude max
5,596 ft
Altitude start
5,597 ft
Altitude end
-92.6%
Grade max
68.1%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
4,662 ft
Distance down
325 ft
Distance flat
00:53:35
Avg time

Upper Stoney Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Banff National Park
    Banff, Alberta
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    45 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 70 in Trail Running
    • 95 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #99642 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #84829 in Trail Running
    • #22505 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    One Direction
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Season
    Jan - Dec
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Land Owner
    Parks Canada

Arguably the most difficult climb to clean in the Bow Valley followed by an awesome tight, technical, rooty descent with some exposure and a few steep pitches. Trail is a true test of cardio and bike handling ability on the climb and a fast rip down (except for the harsh climb out at the very end Wink . Connect to "Lower Stoney" for the longest sustained downhill in the area. Watch for wildlife, hikers, and other trail users.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 16 miles average
6 Months
  • 3 rides
  • 15 miles avg distance
All
  • 73 rides
  • Last: Jun 25, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Upper Stoney Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Aug 11, 2025 @ 5:50pm
Aug 11, 2025
 One tree down fairly early in the descent and another tree down on the climb out at the end. A couple of others that you need to duck under but no...
Jul 31, 2025 @ 5:44pm
Jul 31, 2025
 A few low hanging trees to be aware of but nothing directly at head height or blocking the trail
Jun 16, 2025 @ 2:47pm
Jun 16, 2025
 Steep roots climbs, be aware you have to come down off this thing too. Fun trail with great views at the top
Aug 4, 2024 @ 6:00pm
Aug 4, 2024
 Definitely lives up to its name of being the hardest climb in Bow Valley. Having a 29er and clip ins will make the climb achievable....
Aug 5, 2023 @ 9:24am
Aug 5, 2023
more »
Status:
on Aug 11, 2025
Dry
Avg: 3.99 (10 votes)
Your vote: 0

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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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        Directions to upper-stoney trailhead (51.200310, -115.595380)

        Photos

        26 more »
        526 |
        Jul 20, 2017 @ 12:41pm
        Jul 20, 2017
        789 |
        Aug 13, 2013 @ 12:49pm
        Aug 13, 2013
        65 |
        Oct 22, 2024 @ 4:40am
        Oct 22, 2024
        60 |
        Oct 22, 2024 @ 4:40am
        Oct 22, 2024

        Videos

        3 more »
        Upper Stoney [ Black Trail ⬛️ ] Banff,...
        8:08 | 789 | Sep 14, 2021 , Banff
        Biking Stoney Squaw in Banff National Park
        21:47 | 1058 | Aug 13, 2018 , Banff
        Stoney Squaw Banff, upper section descent.
        5:27 | 845 | Feb 23, 2014 , Banff

        Technical Trail Features (TTF)

        Trail Lists

        Routes with this trail

        32
        Upper and Lower Loop
        ★ 5.0 • 11 miles • 2,095 ft • 4 • Loop •
        The best Downhill runs in Banff. You have to work hard for the reward. Upper can be missed out but the...
        1537
        Bow Valley Extreme
        ★ 1.0 • 162 miles • 19,314 ft • 106 • Loop •
        Think you've got what it takes to tackle this monster ride? This is the ultimate link-up of single track...

        4 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Stoney

        ▼ Where is Upper Stoney located?
        Upper Stoney is located in Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Banff National Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 51.20031, -115.59538.
        ▼ How hard is Upper Stoney?
        Upper Stoney is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Upper Stoney?
        Upper Stoney has 880 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 883 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 5,475 ft to 6,117 ft.
        ▼ Is Upper Stoney a point to point trail?
        Yes, Upper Stoney is a point to point trail. The direction is One Direction. The trail type is singletrack.

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