Bragg Creek Natural Area offers defined trails adjacent to the West Bragg Creek Day Use Area. The trails are affected by heavy use and a beaver dam, causing some flooding. Overall, the area warrants a low rating with an enjoyable drive from Calgary.
Given that I grew up in Calgary and in the mountains, you would think I would have visited this NA dozens of times. I have no recollection being here although I probably drove by at some point.
The PNT is adjacent to a Provincial Recreational Area (PRA) where cyclists and equestrians compete for the trails. Bragg Creek flows through the PNT and provides a barrier between the Southern and Northern portions. Throw in a new beaver family damming the creek and the PNT is bifurcated by the stream.
Trails show heavy use; mostly walking, the occasional horse, mountain bike, and ungulate. The trails follow the embankment on the stream. The west end of the PNT is flooded thanks to eager beavers and impassable until the creek is frozen.
Overall, the PNT proper is not really worth going to. A fun visit and I will look for a chance to visit some of the Northern portion when I pass by again. The drive from Calgary is well worth it but remember you need a Kananaskis Pass to access the park.
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
The Fast Facts
- Winter Challenge Category: (Likely) NOT MUCH HERE.
- Not Worth Visiting, keep driving the nearby PRA.
- Washrooms in the PRA.
- Slightly Kid Focused, the steep embankments may hold their interest.
Area Details
- Name/Owner: Provincial Protected Notation Natural Area.
- Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (2 out of 5). Limited trails on the southern portion and the creek is a barrier to the rest.
- Wayne Gretzky Units: 288 KM
- Trail Classification: Rating: 12; Access: Granted; Develop: Traditional Trail. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: Three Seasons: With erosion, the trails could be very muddy.
- The Drive Out: Bragg Creek has grown and is giving Canmore and Banff a run for their money.
- The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking, horse riding.
- Frank’s Trip Notes
- First done: 2024-09-21. Weather: Sunny and very Warm.
(On smart phones, swipe to see the next image)
Looking North and down a steep bank to Bragg Creek, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Well defined foot path through the NA and along the creek’s riparian zone, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
The foot path continues on the North side of the Creek; recent rains made the cross beyond the levels of rubber bootsWell defined foot path through the NA and along the creek’s riparian zone, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Looking upstream and roughly West, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Looking south along the fence line that separates the eastern salient from the full quarter section, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Looking South along the fence line that separates the eastern salient from the full quarter section, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
A robust gate, locked, that is in line with a Texas Gate on the TWP to the south; the gate access the salient area of the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
A nibbled mushroom (mice?) along a trail of the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
A wet understory supports diverse fungus and other botany, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Berries and fungus erupting from the understory, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
A fungus growing from a fallen tree in the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. A walker enjoying the well-defined trails in the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Rudimentary remediation of the trail close to the Eastern boundary of the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Looking North along the far East boundary of the property, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Disused access gate to the salient portion of the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Looking west along the TWP with the NA to the right (South); parking area is mid-image, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
Possibly the former road allowance and definitely a former ATV track heading west from the small parking area of the NA, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
A culvert can not keep up with the flow of water from a beaver dam on the creek, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter. 
A beaver dam is causing side channel flooding of the creek, 2024-09-23, Bragg Creek NA, P. Potter.
Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.
YEG Ville 
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