The old fireroad follows the Elbow River upstream past Big Elbow backcountry campground to Tombstone backcountry campground and trail junctions … PRIMARY ROUTE: 9.2km via Big Elbow Trail from Little Elbow Trailhead Parking (150m elevation); SECONDARY ROUTE: 33.4km via Little Elbow Trail/Big Elbow Trail from Little Elbow … Such a nice change! Go as far as you want and turn around.) Take the trail around the left (west) side of Elbow Lake to avoid meandering through the backcountry campground (Note: backcountry permits must be purchased in advance if you wish to camp at Elbow Lake). From the campground there is a trail that leads to a small stream before the Little Elbow River. edited 2 months ago. There is work underway now on a new bridge there. It was a 20-km in-and-out along the Big Elbow Trail between Little Elbow and Big Elbow campgrounds. Big Elbow - This campground is located on the Big Elbow trail 9.2km from the Little Elbow Recreation parking. The valley it’s in is named for the bighorn sheep that roam the area, but the Big Elbow Backcountry Campground also offers nature fans the chance to keep an eye out for elk, moose and deer without the summer crowds (pack your binoculars). The old fireroad follows the Elbow River upstream past Big Elbow Backcountry Campground to Tombstone Backcountry Campground and trail junctions beyond. It follows Elbow Lake Trail 7.3km to Tombstone Campground and Big Elbow Trail for 12.3km. Backcountry Campgrounds. The route is very clear as you follow the Elbow River North. Download PDF Backcountry Guide (20.3 MB) Book your backcountry permit: 2020. The views of Threepoint Mountain and Banded Peak are fantastic. 1 on Hwy. PRIMARY ROUTE: 11.9km via Little Elbow Trail from Little Elbow Trailhead Parking (175m elevation); SECONDARY ROUTE: 30.7km via Big Elbow Trail/Little Elbow Trail from Little Elbow … A campfire on the second night of a backcountry trip in beautiful Elbow-Sheep Wildland, Alberta . Did this backpack just a week ago! This is a nice campground, with 10 campsites, pit toilets and firepits. Looking for an amazing hiking adventure? The most important thing here was not to forget to look back while walking along the Big Elbow, as the most beautiful views were right behind us. The trail started next to the river and followed the river until you crossed a … The shortest access to Tombstone Campground and the picturesque lakes just beyond is starting from the Highwood pass area at the Elbow Lake trail. A path from there leads to the little Elbow river (Cairn). I loved every part of it. level 1. Start at Forgetmenot Pond, just off of Highway 66, near Bragg Creek. Camping at Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground For the best first-time backpacking trip – and shortest hike in the world – head to Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. You need a permit to stay at this campground. There are also many backcountry campgrounds in the area. Little Elbow Campground is located in Division No. Cornwall to the north. The last day was my favorite one! This was just a trial run: load up the bikes with bikepacking gear and find our way to a campground. If you have time today, consider the scramble up Mount Romulus. We went backcountry camping on bikes to the north shore of Barrier Lake in Kananaskis. Elbow Lake Kananaskis Hiking In Canada. We didn’t rush, and we didn’t plan on staying overnight. This trail is 8.3km one way with 811 meters of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Those who don't want to walk 20 km in one day can book a night in Big Elbow Campground which is halfway the route. There are fire pits (firewood provided), hitching rails, pit/vault toilets, and secure food storage containers. You are required to have a permit and a reservation for this campground. The backcountry campground at Elbow Lake is only a few kilometers from Highway 40 to the west and is accordingly a very popular mini-backpacking trip, as well as being the main entryway into the upper Big Elbow valley. Alberta 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. Go straight (north) on Big Elbow Trail for 2.4 km. This is the east half of the well-known Elbow Loop. Bike or hike on the Big Elbow Trail (good for Chariot hiking towards the Big Elbow Backcountry Campground. Here there are firepits and firewood, pit/vault toilets, and secure food storage lockers. The first campground on the Elbow Loop, perfect as an out-and-back for families. There was construction occurring on parts of this trail in 2018. Romulus or Big Elbow Campground, Kananaskis (These campgrounds are on the 43km Elbow Loop that starts from the Little Elbow day use area. Big Elbow Trail hike Map While this is a lovely walk in the woods, there are truly amazing views along this section of the trail. You can also approach the Tombstone Campground from Highway 40 near the Upper Kananaskis Lakes. The views of Threepoint Mountain and Banded Peak are fantastic. You need to be more self-contained. Home; About; Services; Contact; kananaskis backcountry camping It is located approximately 8.3 km from the Little Elbow Campground on the east half of the Elbow Loop. The trails known collectively as Elbow Loop is a 41 km loop that combines the Little Elbow and Big Elbow Trails and passes by three popular campgrounds, Romulus, Tombstone and Big Elbow. We unloaded the car and set off to the first campsite- Big Elbow. 66 (closed Dec. - May). Hugging the eastern slopes of the Rockies, Big Elbow Provincial Recreation Area is your winter camping pick if spotting wildlife is an essential part of your adventures. Tombstone Lakes are located approximately 4km north west of here near the summit of the Elbow Loop Trail. Tadhg and Fiona soon befriended Kyan and Ava and they did a bunch of kid things together. This equestrian back country campground is found in Big Elbow Provincial Recreation Area. This equestrian back country campground is found in Big Elbow Provincial Recreation Area. And no cars! It is important to note that there is a bridge out before Big Elbow Campground and therefore a river ford is required. 29 comments. We didn’t rush, and we didn’t plan on staying overnight. At some point during the course of the 5km trip to the site, I ended up carrying each item of gear, every bike and almost every person (except Scott) in various combinations -- including all of them at once. The trail to Romulus Backcountry Campground is mostly along an old fire road, which makes for a wide and easy pathway. Big Elbow Backcountry Campground | Hiking & Scrambling | Kananaskis Outdoors Forum. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. Mt. I'd go there again just to spend a few days in that campground, as there are a few nice day hikes around: Mt Remis, Mt Romulus (which was a bit overgrown) and a couple more. It is located approximately 8.3 km from the Little Elbow Campground on the east half of the Elbow Loop. It follows Elbow Lake Trail 7.3km to Tombstone Campground and Big Elbow Trail for 12.3km. There are around 15 tenting pads in the forest along the emerald green lake. Big Elbow Provincial REC AREA. 15 of Alberta province. It is important to note that there is a bridge out before Big Elbow Campground and therefore a river ford is required. Elbow lake is a short 5km distance to the west. It is 1.3 km from the trailhead via Elbow Lake Trail. Your final day will take you back to the trailhead over 20.0km and 184m elevation gain. This forum is for you to use as you wish for asking questions or generating discussion on non-motorized use of trails in Kananaskis Country or of issues relating to trail use. Besides a super short hike in (1.3 km), the lake is beautiful, there are good dayhikes in the area, and you can have a fire at night to keep warm! Picture. Elbow Lake. This is a steep trail (old road) to Elbow Lake and the Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground. The trail head to access this site is in Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area, 32 km southwest of Bragg Creek on Hwy. Elbow lake is a great family campground and there was another dad setting up camp with his kids when we got there. It's located in Alberta, Canada. This was just a trial run: load up the bikes with bikepacking gear and find our way to a campground. Near the bottom of the hill, take a left turn onto the Big Elbow trail. There are around 15 tenting pads in the forest along the emerald green lake. Park at Forget Me Not Pond or the Little Elbow Campground. Gorgeous setting, too! Big Elbow Trail hike Map. The Big Elbow backpack offers scenic campsites next to the Elbow River with wonderful scrambling opportunities near each site. The Tombstone Campground felt like a crossroad where many hikers meet heading to different directions. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Overall, a lovely backpack. This was our 5th and final family camping trip of the year, so we went big. 99% Upvoted. Sort by. It is located approximately 8.3 km from the Little Elbow Campground on the east half of the Elbow Loop. It then continues up a south fork, and crosses Tombstone Pass into the Elbow River Valley, where it intersects Big Elbow trail. After fording the Elbow River, this trail climbs steeply over the pass between Threepoint and Forgetmenot mountains, and down to Threepoint backcountry campground. Exhausted by the end, we retreated to the Little Elbow campground 30 km west of Bragg Creek for a much-needed day of rest! You also drop 400m at the end of this route. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Big Elbow Trail is a scenic, easy hike that leads to a backcountry campground. This scramble is rated as moderate, but know that this route requires a chilly ford across the Little Elbow River The route up Romulus is about 5.4km each way, and you’ll gain 1080m on the way up! It felt more like a nice cruising in the beautiful expansive meadows, than challenging hike over the passes and rough terrain. 40. This was just a trial run: load up the bikes with bikepacking gear and find our way to a campground. The closest access is at Elbow Pass Day Use Area. We didn’t rush, and we didn’t plan on staying overnight. This trail is part of loop starting at Little Elbow Trailhead going (clockwise) to Big Elbow, Tombstone, Mount Romulus. Elbow Lake Kananaskis Hiking In Canada. With more than 1000 kilometres of trails and routes to choose from, backcountry camping is a great way to experience the rugged and untamed wilderness of Jasper National Park. This route is 19.6km long. The Big Elbow Loop trip is a classic Kananaskis backpacking trip. 1.7k. The route is just under 12.0km, and only gains 175m of elevation gain. It was a 20-km in-and-out along the Big Elbow Trail between Little Elbow and Big Elbow campgrounds. Where a blog has been linked to the forum, please follow the link at the bottom of the blog to the forum to make comments. Big Elbow PRA -Big Elbow Backcountry Campground - Entrance to Campground Done Big Elbow PRA -Big Elbow Backcountry Campground - Entrance to Campground Done Both Elbow … Backcountry camping. Romulus campground is absolutely lovely place to be. Photo by Old School WB. You need a permit to stay at this campground. Gooseberry Campground is the first campground you pass by when you enter the Elbow Valley past Bragg Creek. After 10.6km of steady climbing, you reach the summit in a beautiful alpine meadow. share. Lying…, Resting at the base of jagged Tombstone Mountain, the Tombstone Lakes are a spectacular sight, and the journey to them…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. 66 (closed Dec. - May). The campground at Romulus marks the start of the big climb. Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground is in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, 75 km south of Hwy. On July 29, we made a bikepacking trial run in the Kananaskis backcountry. The campground consists of 4 separate loops allowing generous space between each campsite. Molly takes a break at the Little Elbow Campground We spent a few nights at the Little Elbow Campground just west of Bragg Creek. It can also be accessed via Elbow Pass. However, this does not impact the Romulus Campground. It is important to note that there is a bridge out before Big Elbow Campground and therefore a river ford is required. Where: Sheep River Valley Area, Kananaskis Country. Look on this trail as an access trail to more interesting hikes into the alpine, such as Talus Lakes and Paradise Pass. It was a 20-km in-and-out along the Big Elbow Trail between Little Elbow and Big Elbow campgrounds. 40. Tombstone Backcountry Campground is an equestrian campground equipped with tent sites, fire pits, hitching rails, pit toilets and secure food storage lockers. The backcountry campground at Elbow Lake is only a few kilometers from Highway 40 to the west and is accordingly a very popular mini-backpacking trip, as well as being the main entryway into the upper Big Elbow valley. The closest access is at Elbow Pass Day Use Area. It is located approximately 8.3 km from the Little Elbow Campground on the east half of the Elbow Loop. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Today you are making your way to Tombstone Backcountry Campground, which is located at the intersection of Little Elbow and Big Elbow trail, about 10 km from the Romulus campground. Big Elbow Backcountry Campground from Mapcarta, the free map. Big Elbow Trail is a 11.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features a river and is rated as moderate. Me and Krista riding on Big elbow trail in Kananaskis Country July 2009. In 600 metres, cross a small bridge over the outlet of Elbow Lake. Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground is in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, 75 km south of Hwy. This easy though hilly route follows a fire road up the Little Elbow River to the Mount Romulus backcountry campground at the forks. We love backpacking the Big Elbow Loop, and it’s a great route without too much elevation gain. This is an extremely popular route for bike-packers so be prepared to encounter many on your trip. Beautiful scenery, a pretty decent fire road to ride on. Molly takes a break at the Little Elbow Campground Approaching TombstoneFrom the Big Elbow Campground, the trail takes a more westerly track and enters the Rockies proper weaving back and forth in narrow valley between Cougar Mountain to the south and Mt. Aug 20, 2018 - A great little overnighter close to Calgary, 100% car-free after the first few hundred metres! The river crossing about 11 km out on the Big Elbow side was easy at below knee depth. We went backcountry camping on bikes to the north shore of Barrier Lake in Kananaskis. PRIMARY ROUTE: 20.4km via Big Elbow Trail from Little Elbow Trailhead Parking (400m elevation); SECONDARY ROUTE: 7.3km via Elbow Lake Trail/Big Elbow Trail from Elbow Pass Day Use (125m elevation) Campground Info Spent two nights hiking the Elbow loop trail in Kananaskis country. save hide report. There are 6 sites, picnic tables, river water access, toilets, firewood/firepits and 4 storage lockers. On July 29, we made a bikepacking trial run in the Kananaskis backcountry. If you have time today, consider the scramble up Mount Romulus. Tombstome Campground is situated on the Big Elbow Loop hence there are a number of trails that lead to and meet in the area of the campground. It is not clear whether there will be more construction in 2019. Located right beside the visitor centre, it's a great campground for newbies to the area and makes for a great staging area to explore the whole valley. It was a 20-km in-and-out along the Big Elbow Trail between Little Elbow and Big Elbow campgrounds. The trail head to access this site is in Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area, 32 km southwest of Bragg Creek on Hwy. The trail follows an access road with very gradual elevation change, making it a family-friendly outing that’s shoulder season-friendly. It's a Small size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 3. Main Menu. We followed the Big Elbow trail to complete our loop, passing through the Big Elbow Backcountry Campground. On our way out of the campground, I got Rob to snap a couple of pictures of Fiona and I and my loaded rig. At some point during the course of the 5km trip to the site, I ended up carrying each item of gear, every bike and almost every person (except Scott) in various combinations -- including all of them at once. This is an easy trip that takes you into country between Highway 66 and Highway 40. After 10.6km of steady climbing, you reach the summit in a beautiful alpine meadow. There are views of Threepoint and Cougar Mountains, Mounts Glasgow and Cornwall, and Banded Peak. Their telephone number is +1 403-949-3132. Photo by Old School WB. Elbow Lake. Close. This was our 5th and final family camping trip of the year, so we went big. It makes for an excellent afternoon, and if you have a fishing license, the Upper Lake is full of trout! We followed the Big Elbow trail to complete our loop, passing through the Big Elbow Backcountry Campground. On the street of Alberta 66 To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (403) 949-3132. The trail is a steady uphill for most of the way, on a very clear route. If you cross there the high level trail is directly ahead through the woods. Drive to the end of Highway 66 (about 40 minutes from Calgary). Other than that, this is a pretty nice hike out to end a great trip! Little Elbow Campground is a business providing services in the field of Campground, Lodging, Park, . Tombstone Lakes are located approximately 4km north west of here near the summit of the Elbow Loop Trail. We packed the car up in Suffield and set off to the car park near to Little Elbow campground, Kananaskis. While some people do the Big Elbow Loop with this as the first day, we think that ending with the hike from Tombstone Lakes Backcountry Campground to the trailhead makes more sense, as your pack will be lighter and you go down 400m instead of having that be a 400m ascent. You're one click away! It is 1.3 km from the trailhead via Elbow Lake Trail. Elbow Lake Kananaskis Hiking In Canada. and the route was rather boring, but the Mt. We didn’t rush, and we didn’t plan on staying overnight. This route is 19.6km long. Little Elbow Campground is located in Division No. In 600 metres, cross a small bridge over the outlet of Elbow Lake. Before you know it, you reach Mount Romulus Backcountry Campground. There is an excellent and short day-trip from here to the Lower and Upper Tombstone Lakes, which is about 4.0km return. A difficult hike to the summits of Banded Peak, Mount Cornwall and Mount Glasgow can be completed within a day from the campground. Make your reservations beforehand on the AlbertaParks website. The trail follows an access road with very gradual elevation change, making it a family-friendly outing that’s shoulder season-friendly. Exhausted by the end, we retreated to the Little Elbow campground 30 km west of Bragg Creek for a much-needed day of rest! It can also be accessed via Elbow Pass. The park offers something for everyone, from easy, one-night escapes to 10-day adventures. Begin the fun descent starting with a 230m drop in 2.5km. The Big Elbow Loop trip is a classic Kananaskis backpacking trip. Description: Little Elbow campground contains 137 well treed campsites nicely suited for both RV's and tents. Backcountry Campgrounds There are also many backcountry campgrounds in the area. Elbow lake is a short 5km distance to the west. Go straight (north) on Big Elbow … The Big Elbow backpack offers scenic campsites next to the Elbow River with wonderful scrambling opportunities near … 15 of Alberta province. I wouldn't do the full loop pulling kids or pushing a Chariot but you could do an overnight trip into either of these campgrounds. The trail gets a bit steeper and you can see evidence of repairs made as a result of the 2013 floods. Romulus is 12km in and Big Elbow … Note Highway #66 is closed at Elbow Falls from Dec 1st to May 15th. No spam. Report Incorrect Data Share Write a Review. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. The business is located in AB-66, Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0, Canada. This is an easy day even with a heavier pack. Big Elbow Backcountry Campground | Hiking & Scrambling | Kananaskis Outdoors Forum. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until November. Elbow Pass Trail to Tombstone Campground and Lake is a 11.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Shop the best selection of arm and elbow pads at Backcountry.com, where you'll find premium outdoor gear and clothing and experts to guide you through selection. You can also strap on some skis or snowshoes and explore the surrounding Sheep Valley trails (pdf). This forum is for you to use as you wish for asking questions or generating discussion on non-motorized use of trails in Kananaskis Country or of issues relating to trail use. Mt. A typical campsite at the Gooseberry Campground A campfire on the second night of a backcountry trip in beautiful Elbow-Sheep Wildland, Alberta. About Government of Yukon backcountry campgrounds and recreation sites. Big Elbow Trail is a scenic, easy hike that leads to a backcountry campground. ** It is important to note that this section of the trail is being upgraded and under construction, which means you will likely encounter large machinery. Near the bottom of the hill, take a left turn onto the Big Elbow trail. Begin the fun descent starting with a 230m drop in 2.5km. Here there are firepits and firewood, pit/vault toilets, and secure food storage lockers. Romulus is 12km in and Big Elbow is 8km in.) A difficult hike to the summits of Banded Peak, Mount Cornwall and Mount Glasgow can be completed within a day from the campground. There are numerous beautiful hikes you can do from this campground (Elbow Lake, Tombstone Lakes, Piper Pass, Elbow Pass, Rae Lake, might be more) so I'd definitely spend more than one night here. The drive was about 3 hours and we arrived just before 5pm. I wouldn't do the full loop pulling kids or pushing a Chariot but you could do an overnight trip into either of these campgrounds. Romulus or Big Elbow Campground, Kananaskis (These campgrounds are on the 43km Elbow Loop that starts from the Little Elbow day use area. This was just a trial run: load up the bikes with bikepacking gear and find our way to a campground. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. The second day has some nice views and is mainly ascending, but it's quite easy as the elevation gain is rather mellow. Take the trail around the left (west) side of Elbow Lake to avoid meandering through the backcountry campground (Note: backcountry permits must be purchased in advance if you wish to camp at Elbow Lake). Elbow Lake Kananaskis Hiking In Canada. This section gains a bit more elevation than the first day. You can also approach the Tombstone Campground from Highway 40 near the Upper Kananaskis Lakes. On July 29, we made a bikepacking trial run in the Kananaskis backcountry. However, better yet is to head a bit further downstream before crossing. Elbow Lake Kananaskis Hiking In Canada. Picture. The first-day walk is rather short (3 hours I guess?) 1 on Hwy. Big Elbow Backcountry Campground is a campsite in Alberta. Petain Basin, just past Elk Lakes, is a wonderfully remote and isolated meadow lying at the base of some of…, Rae Lake is often completed as a day-hike, however it is a great place for a quick backpacking trip. The campground at Romulus marks the start of the big climb. Big Elbow - This campground is located on the Big Elbow trail 9.2km from the Little Elbow Recreation parking. Elbow River Valley The route is just under 12.0km, and only gains 175m of elevation gain. You are also only 7.5km from the Elbow Lake Trailhead on Highway 40. If you’re looking to progress from a single overnight trip to a couple of nights, then this is a great option. This day is rather challenging, but the only challenge here is the length, not the terrain. The trails known collectively as Elbow Loop is a 41 km loop that combines the Little Elbow and Big Elbow Trails and passes by three popular campgrounds, Romulus, Tombstone and Big Elbow. This scramble is rated as moderate, but know that this route requires a chilly ford across the Little Elbow River The route up Romulus is about, Tombstone Backcountry Campground is an equestrian campground equipped with, There is an excellent and short day-trip from here to the Lower and Upper Tombstone Lakes, which is about, Your final day will take you back to the trailhead over, While some people do the Big Elbow Loop with this as the first day, we think that ending with the hike from Tombstone Lakes Backcountry Campground to the trailhead makes more sense, as your pack will be lighter and you go down. Little Elbow is very popular and fills fast on weekends due to it's close proximity to the city of Calgary. DETAILS. On July 29, we made a bikepacking trial run in the Kananaskis backcountry. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! Elbow River Valley The route is just under 12.0km, and only gains 175m of elevation gain. Day 1: Trailhead to Romulus Backcountry Campground (12.4km / 252m), Day 2: Romulus Backcountry Campground to Tombstone Backcountry Campground (10.0km / 442m), Day 3: Tombstone Backcountry Campground to Trailhead. Camping is different during COVID-19. TOM SNOW 30 … We maintain 10 backcountry campgrounds, 2 day-use backcountry recreation areas and one cabin accommodation. This is an easy trip that takes you into country between Highway 66 and Highway 40. Banded Peak East Ridge View - Big Elbow Trail (GC6X0GE) was created by CanadianRockies on 11/13/2016. (20.0km / 184m). Tenters will find several secluded walk-in sites with amble parking nearby. best. Posted by 2 months ago. You can get more information from their website. Learn how at camping during COVID-19. Both Elbow … Where a blog has been linked to the forum, please follow the link at the bottom of the blog to the forum to make comments. 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