Where to Ride When the Rockies Are Still Waking Up

Spring mountain biking in the Rockies can be tricky — lingering snow, muddy tracks, and wet conditions can derail early plans. But around Nordegg, some trails consistently dry out faster and offer fantastic spring riding before high-elevation terrain opens up. Whether you’re easing into the season or looking for fast-flowing singletrack, here are five top picks that ride great early and showcase the best of the region.

1. Ranger Trail (Nordegg)

   Difficulty: Medium (Blue)

   Trail Type: Out and Back

   Access: Coliseum Trailhead or Ranger Station

A local classic, Ranger Trail hugs the base of Coliseum Mountain and is perfect for early-season cross-country riding. The singletrack winds through mature forest with a mix of short climbs, fun descents, and long, meandering traverses. Because of its lower elevation and tree cover, it dries quickly and remains sheltered on cooler days.

Want to extend the ride? Link up with nearby trails in the Westview system for even more variety.

Why It’s Great in Spring: Forest coverage and consistent lower elevation keep this trail rideable when others are still drying out.

2. Westview Climb Track + Options for All Levels (Nordegg)

Difficulty: Medium (Blue) or Easy (Green)

Trail Type: Loop or Out and Back

Access: Westview Trailhead, just off Highway 11

Built by the Nordegg Trail Society, this new trail network is a game-changer for shoulder-season riding. The Climb Track offers an impeccably built set of southwest-facing switchbacks that soak up the sun and dry out fast. Along the way, hand-crafted log and stone benches offer great viewpoints and rest stops.

Once you reach the top, you’ve got options:

• For intermediate riders, the Westview Downhill or R&R trails offer smooth, flowy descents with just enough challenge to shake off the winter rust.

• For beginners or those seeking a mellow ride, skip the descents and ride back down the Climb Track and Skid Road. This turns the route into an easy (green) out-and-back with stunning views and no technical sections — just a satisfying climb and a relaxed descent on wide, dry tread.

Why It’s Great in Spring: South-facing exposure, fresh trail work, and excellent drainage make this one of the first rideable systems in spring — with something for everyone.

3. Rail Trail to Taunton Bridge (Between Nordegg and Saunders)

Difficulty: Easy (Green)

Trail Type: Out and Back

Access: Harlech Provincial Recreation Area

Part bike ride, part time travel — the Rail Trail to Taunton Bridge follows an old railway line through rolling foothills with spectacular views over the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The wide, gravel path makes this an easygoing ride suitable for all skill levels.

Along the way, visit the historic and eerie gravesite at the old Alexo townsite, a reminder of the area’s rich coal mining history. The route ends at the Taunton Trestle Bridge, a Depression-era iron structure originally built in the 1930s to carry trains hauling coal from the Nordegg area. Part of the Brazeau Subdivision of the Canadian Northern Western Railway, the bridge was a major feat of engineering at the time. Today, it has been fully restored for safe pedestrian and bike access, offering dramatic views as it spans a deep ravine.

Bonus: If you’re short on time or looking for a shorter outing, you can also access the trail from Saunders, making it just a few kilometres to the bridge — a quick ride with a big scenic payoff.

Why It’s Great in Spring: Its gentle grade, wide trail surface, and low elevation hold up well to spring melt and rain, making it one of the first rides to open each year.

4. Glacier Trail (Kootenay Plains)

Difficulty: Easy (Green)

Trail Type: Out and Back

Access: Kootenay Plains staging area, west of Nordegg

If you’re looking for sunshine and wide-open scenery, head to the Kootenay Plains. The Glacier Trail runs through a dry rain-shadow zone that’s often rideable throughout the entire year. Following an old logging road, this trail features Alberta’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, a trapper’s cabin (please respect it), and expansive views of dry pine forests and big mountain backdrops. You can ride as far as the Banff National Park boundary or turn back whenever you feel like it.

Why It’s Great in Spring: The dry, sandy soil and sun-drenched exposure make this one of the most reliable spring trails in all of the Rockies.

5. Firesmart Trail (West of Nordegg)

Difficulty: Easy (Green)

Trail Type: Loop or Out and Back

Access: Several access points between Goldeye and Fish Lakes

The Firesmart Trail connecting Goldeye Lake to Fish Lake is a scenic gravel route that makes for a great early spring ride in the Nordegg area. As one of the first trails to dry out after winter, it offers a solid option for gravel and adventure riders looking to get out in the mountains. The trail follows a wide gravel path through open forest and areas cleared for fire management, giving it a rugged, backcountry feel with sweeping views of the surrounding foothills. The ride features gentle rolling elevation with a few punchy climbs and fast descents, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

Why It’s Great in Spring: With a gentle grade, wide gravel surface, and low elevation, the Firesmart Trail handles spring melt and rain exceptionally well. Its good sun exposure helps it dry out quickly, making it one of the first trails in the Nordegg area to become rideable each year.

Tips for Early-Season Riding

• Check trail conditions: Even early-drying trails can get muddy after heavy rain or snow melt.

• Respect closures: If a trail is posted as closed, it’s for a reason — give it time to recover.

• Be self-sufficient: Many spring rides are still remote, so bring tools, layers, and water.

• Ride light, tread light: Help preserve the trails for summer by avoiding deep ruts or skidding on soft surfaces.

• Do not ride if it’s wet: Don’t be that person who ruins the hard work the community has put into these trails. Be ready to go for a hike if conditions don’t cooperate.

• Trailforks has all of these trails on the free version of the app: Use it to plan, navigate, and check conditions — no subscription needed for these routes.

Black Mountain

Some of you may wonder why we didn't include the brand new Black Mountain trail network in this blog post. The reason is simple - while the riding will be awesome in a few weeks' time, early season conditions are typically very wet. Check the NORCA website and socials for more info and updates on when trails open!

Ready to Ride?

Nordegg’s early-season trails offer the perfect mix of flow, views, and variety — with fewer crowds and a head start on summer. Whether you're hunting for fast descents or mountain views, these five trails are some of the best ways to welcome biking season back to the Rockies.

Need a bike?

Nature's Getaway in Nordegg offers mountain and e-bike rentals.

Prefer to go with a guide?

Canadian Rockies Escapes & Canada Outdoor Adventures offer guided Fat Tire E-bike Tours.