Backcountry Camping/Biking

[fleuryisgod]

I am looking into getting started on some backcountry activities this year and I am just wondering any areas people enjoy heading to around here. I would be looking to try both some biking and hiking trips.

[RatherDashing]

I camped at ribbon lake last summer, and really enjoyed it. Its a nice area, between the spray lakes area and the kananaskis valley. The area has three campsites (ribbon lake, ribbon falls, and lillian lake) and three three hiking routes in (Buller pass from the spray lakes side, ribbon falls and galatea trail on the kananaskis valley side). We hiked in and out via Buller pass, but with two cars you can easily come in via one route, camp at one of the sites, and head out a different way. Overall, its a great location, the campsites were really nice, tons of great views, and the hiking routes aren't terribly strenuous.

Buller Pass
http://trailpeak.com/trail-Buller-Pa...naskis-AB-1899

Ribbon Falls Trail
http://www.trailpeak.com/index.jsp?c...trail&val=1627

Galatea Creek Trail
http://trailpeak.com/trail-Galatea-C...naskis-AB-1371

Campsite Info
http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananask...untry_camp.asp


I also made a trip to turbine canyon with a group of people. I highly recommend that site as well, although it was a much tougher hike, and the campsite wasn't nearly as nice.

[troutman]

Get the book Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies.

http://www.amazon.ca/Backcountry-Bik...4747460&sr=8-1

Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies describes 228 mountain bike trails in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. Completely revised and updated, the third edition introduces more than 50 exciting new trails, including trails in three new riding areas - Nordegg, Invermere and Cranbrook. Whether you're a beginner, an expert ridger or a hard-core backcountry traveller, this book gives you all the essential information to make your trip safe and fun.

[GreenLantern]

I am a newb when it comes to trail riding as well. I have had my bike for about three summers now but it basically gets used to go to work and back and some light riding around the river.

Mostly I guess because I don't know anyone that wants to ride these kind of trails. All my buddies just want to ride up and down the river gawking at chicks, which is fun but after the 5th or 6th pass even I feel creepy.

I've started stock piling equipment though and I think I am at a point where I can at least do day rides in areas like the one troutman as outlined. Just wish it wasn't such a long crappy car ride to Calgary.. double lane that high way already, at least on the Alberta side, you guys have so much money.