The best traffic-free bike rides in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
5.0
(2)
94
riders
5
rides
Touring cycling in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park offers routes through expansive wild landscapes and diverse terrain within Kananaskis Country. The park is characterized by the steep peaks of the Canadian Rockies, high-alpine ridges, and the headwaters of the Sheep and Elbow Rivers. Cyclists can expect off-pavement conditions, including doubletrack and rough, rocky surfaces, suitable for no traffic touring cycling routes. The area features glacier-fed creeks, alpine lakes, and forests of lodgepole pine and spruce.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes…
Last updated: September 2, 2026
5.0
(2)
30
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
12.4km
00:45
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
riders
12.4km
00:45
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
38
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
41.8km
04:03
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The High Rockies or The High Rockies Trail spans 80 kilometres across some gorgeous sections of Alberta from Goat Creek at the Banff National Park boundary south to Elk Pass on the BC border. It's open to mountain biking, hiking, and trail running, and can be tackled as one grand adventure or explored in smaller scenic segments. This is a bear active area, so set out prepared for potential wildlife encounters and follow safety protocols and camping permit requirements.
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Blackshale Creek Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning 73 meters over Blackshale Creek. It is open to hiking and biking, and can close in the winter. The bridge is narrow and on busy days be aware that only 20 people are allowed on the bridge at one time.
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Located in the Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, it backcountry campsite has tent pads, food lockers, fire pits, and hitching rails for those on horseback. Set along the Little Elbow River with great views of the surrounding mountains, this is a great option for those new to backpacking since the trail in is on an old logging road. Visit the Alberta Parks webpage for permits and reservations: www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/elbow-sheep-wpp
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Once you cross, the wide fire road transitions into the more technical, rooted path leading up to the alpine Tombstone Lakes. During spring runoff or after a heavy mountain storm, this crossing can transform from a shallow wade into a dangerous torrent in just a few hours; take proper precautions.
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A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park at all Provincial Parks and public-use lands within Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley region, including Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. You can purchase either a daily or yearly pass, and only one pass per vehicle is needed regardless of the number of passengers. There’s no fee for those entering on foot, horseback, or by bike. More information here: https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass
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This bridge crosses over the Little Elbow River and connects to many area trails. You can pick up the Little or Big Elbow Trail as well as the Mount Glasgow North Route and Whitehorse Trail.
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The Little Elbow Trail is a relatively flat and wide trail that is a good option for families and beginners to get out and explore the beauty of Kananaskis Country Public Land. It follows along its namesake river and for those looking for more of a challenge it intersects with many trails that lead to the high ridgelines and summits above the river.
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Lower Kananaskis Lake is an artificial reservoir used for hydroelectric power and flood control. It spans approximately 8 kilometres in length and 2 kilometres in width, with great views of Mount Indefatigable, Mount Fox, Mount Foch, and Mount Murray.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park?
There are 5 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, offering a range of experiences from easy loops to more challenging, longer rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no traffic touring cycling routes?
Within Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, expect predominantly off-pavement conditions. Routes often feature wide, two-track mountain roads, doubletrack, and rough, rocky surfaces. While some areas in Kananaskis might have paved sections, the wildland park itself is geared towards more rugged, backcountry cycling.
Are there any easy no traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are 3 easy routes. For a scenic and accessible option, consider the Wedge Pond – Kananaskis River View Point loop from Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, which covers nearly 20 km with minimal elevation gain. Another easy choice is the Kananaskis River View Point loop from Mount Kidd RV Park, a shorter 12 km ride.
What are some of the more challenging no traffic touring cycling routes in the park?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the park offers 2 difficult routes. The Little Elbow Trail – Harold Chapman Bridge loop from Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area is a demanding 44.5 km ride with significant elevation changes. Another difficult option is the Parking in Kananaskis Country – Lower Kananaskis Lake loop from Rockwall Lake, spanning over 41 km.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
The park offers stunning mountain vistas and diverse natural features. You might encounter picturesque Elbow Lake and the popular Edworthy Falls. The region is also the headwaters of the Sheep and Elbow Rivers, with glacier-fed creeks. Keep an eye out for the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, including Mount Rae.
Is Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park suitable for bikepacking?
Yes, the park is a popular destination for bikepacking, especially routes like the Big Elbow-Little Elbow Loop (which is predominantly off-pavement). Backcountry campgrounds such as Romulus, Tombstone Creek, and Big Elbow are available along trails like the Little Elbow Trail, offering amenities like bear-proof lockers and fire pits for multi-day tours.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park?
The best time to visit for touring cycling is typically from late spring through early autumn (June to September). During these months, trails are generally free of snow, and weather conditions are more favorable. Always check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, as high-alpine areas can experience unpredictable changes.
Are there any specific permits or passes required for visiting Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park?
Yes, if you are parking a vehicle in Kananaskis Country, which includes Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, you will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. This pass helps support the conservation and maintenance of the park's facilities.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience here, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the park's expansive wild landscapes, the challenging yet rewarding off-pavement terrain, and the immersive feeling of being in a pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes in the park?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Wedge Pond – Kananaskis River View Point loop and the Kananaskis River View Point loop from Mount Kidd RV Park, providing convenient options for day trips.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while cycling in the park?
Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park is a significant wildlife reserve. Cyclists might encounter large mammals such as elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It's also home to grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves, so it's essential to be bear-aware and carry bear spray. Always maintain a safe distance and never approach wildlife.
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