Ride / Tour Details

A Classic ride and local favorite in the Kananaskis front range mountains. Trail starts at Barrier Lake Day Use Area, a double track climb, switchbacks, and few steep grades get you up to the first view point. Here you get a quick rest and view of the lake below before you ride a short distance to the hike-a-bike section.  The extra effort to get to the top is worth it, the rock outcrop offers you the best view of Barrier Lake, Kananaskis River Valley below and Baldy Mountain across the lake, another great ride in the area. Once you have taken the time to enjoy the view, the trail is downhill to the intersection with Jewel Pass. Leaving the top is loose rock and scree for a short distance before entering the trees. Here the trail is a fast fun single track, rooty drops, rock gardens and tight trees keep you on your toes and remind you why you love mountain biking. At the intersection you turn onto Jewel Pass, a faster section of the loop,  more flow on this part of the trail so enjoy it. At the bottom of Jewel you ride on a mixture of double and single track along the edge of the lake, returning to the Day Use Area. A great ride anytime of the year and well worth the climb.