Ridgeback Trail

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Ridgeback is one of the newer trails in Kananaskis, built in 2009-2010 and maintained by the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance. It's a mix of machine-built and hand-built construction, designed to provide an alternative to the perrenial wetness of the Tom Snow (South). As a multi-use trail, it has become quite popular with hikers, in addition to mountain bikers, in a short time. It's a new trail, so tweaks and changes are always happening.

Signage is good, with a map at every intersection. The trail is fairly smooth with no extended root or rock sections. There are great views of the valley from the top of the ridge, although you might miss them as you quickly make your way down the 3.0 km descent to the Ranger Creek bridge.

Ridgeback has a bit of everything, providing a significant challenge for hikers of all abilities. The lack of roots and rocks means you can concentrate on enjoying the hike instead of worrying about losing your footing.

Ridgeback and Tom Snow (South) come together at three points, dividing both trails into four sections, all of which are good in either direction. You can mix and match sections of the two trails to extend or shorten your hike. If doing an out-and-back from Station Flats it's worth taking the final section of Tom Snow up to the Packer's Mountain Road and turning left up that to the foot of Moose Packers, where you can begin your return via Ridgeback.