West Bragg Creek Boundary Ridge

This easy and enjoyable hike happens not terribly far from Calgary in the West Bragg Creek trail network. Via a loop and making use of several interconnecting trails it takes in the goal of lowly Boundary Ridge. It’s a bump that barely rises above the surrounding countryside, but is still an enjoyable objective and that’s all we need.

A day in the woods always trumps one at the office.

It begins at the far-end of West Bragg Creek Road, west of, guess what, Bragg Creek and at the south end of the parking lot. There’s a huge number of trails here and while it might seem too busy from all appearances, everyone seems to choose different routes and the crowds soon spread out.

Our track will be making use of several trails of varying types. There’s old logging roads, broad and easy, plus winding single track.

This is an area of thick forest, reclaimed cutblocks, the occasional meadow and is rolling in nature. It’s the pre-foothills and the Rockies are well off to the west.

They still harvest trees here and while always busy with bikers, hikers and equestrian riders (who mostly have their own exclusive-use trails) all year round; and skiers come winter, everyone seems to get along. Nations of the world should take notice.

Leave the parking lot at the SW corner, immediately cross a little bridge and shortly after, turn left on East Crystal Line. It runs arrow straight, while rising and falling with the land. At a broad meadow go right on Sundog (East) and climb up a bit to another meadow and beyond where it levels out for a time.

Several junction will come in quick succession but keep to Sundog until it morphs into the Iron Springs trail and on the same general heading. There’s lots of posted maps to help you along and trails are also signed at regular intervals, so you’ll be hard pressed to get lost. That sounds like a challenge…

Many of the trails thus far are for cross country skiers later in the winter and for their exclusive use then. There’s no hiking if they’re groomed but otherwise they’re yours the rest of the year. These XC trails are all former logging roads, grassed over and with zero difficulties. You’ll pass through former cutblocks of varying ages as you go.

Cattle free range in the area, so don’t be surprised if you round a corner and come face to face with one. These woods are truly multi-use.

The trail rises and drops a bit, but it’s hardly much. Boundary Ridge and its west facing slope, showing signs of recent logging, can be see to the left. Once you get to the south end of it (it runs N-S), the trail doubles back and makes for the (lofty – haha) “summit”.

At a low marshy area (to your right) and at a four way junction, turn left onto the single track and start climbing. This, the Boundary Ridge Trail takes an easy line and elevation is gained slowly. They engineered the trails here real nice. Watch for fast descending bikes and keep tabs on your direction at any interim junctions.

At an opening in the trees (few and far between), make note of Snagmore Hill to the south.

Boundary Ridge runs fairly level at the top and thanks to a big windstorm a couple years back, is full of blowdown. Many ridges in the area got hit bad and fallen trees blocked numerous West Bragg Creek trails. It took volunteers a while to clean up and even now the scars of this event are clearly evident.

A cattle gate marks the high point of the ridge. Well, according to the GPS and it didn’t seem any higher or lower than any other part around. There’s a couple breaks in the trees allowing one to look to the east and west towards endless rolling hills and Moose Mountain. This is not a hike for views, but more for getting out and working out.

Fireweed has moved in the areas decimated by the wind and can be seen in dense stands all about. They like disturbed areas and have pretty purplish flowers when in bloom that later turn to large clumps of fluffy stuff.

The descent begins and like the up section of Boundary Ridge, the line down is always gentle and well thought out. This was done so bikes always have a manageable grade, but it makes it easy on a hiker’s legs too.

Keep on the Boundary Ridge Trail until it intersects Sundog (East – remember it from earlier?) and turn right. Dropping down, pass East Crystal Line, to next west trending trail further down, next to a road, and soon after the bridged crossing come to the parking lot. It’s over…sorry…but you can come back.

Joining this day was our son’s dog Drea. She thrives on adventure, is calm and totally disinterested in cows, horses, bikes or seemingly anything else outside her pack and accompanies us from time to time on hikes. Dogs are allowed on trails if kept under control always and probably should be leashed up in congested areas.

Know more about the WBC Network (new window): West Bragg Creek Trails.

They’re saying…

”Relevant, authentic, real!” David W Brandenburg.

More from the area…
West Bragg Creek Snowy Owl (mostly).
Merlin View.
Iron Springs – Elbow.

If you wish more information about this trail or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: September, 2023.
Location: Kananaskis, West Bragg Creek.
Distance: 9km loop.
Height gain maximum: 200m-ish
Height gain cumulative: 350m-ish
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).
Technical stuff and notes: none and it’s nothing but easy.
Reference: Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association.

Early in the hike on Sundog (East) with Drea.

It’s a place of gentle wooded hills and occasional meadows.

An interpretive sign about logging in the area.

Transferring to the Iron Springs Trail.

Drea and cow, both unconcerned.

Boundary Ridge barely rises above the lower trail.

This section is along an old logging road.

On Boundary Ridge Trail proper now.

Snagmore Hill to the south.

The ridge crest has been subject to much blowdown.

Trails in the WBC network are well marked.

Views from the “summit” of Boundary Ridge.

The wind came and made a mess – looking east.

Moose Mountain well off in the distance.

Fireweed likes it up here.

Dropping down now.

Maps are posted at every junction.

Drea is our son’s and loves adventure.

Back on Sundog.

The parking lot is minutes away.

An easy little loop in the West Bragg Creek trail system.