Information About this Site and Backcountry Travel
Distance & Trail Rating System
An attempt is made to include a range of distances that includes distances for the most reasonable options. The distance may vary slightly depending on your mountain bike's cycle computer settings and on the amount of distance traveled where the cycle computer does not register the distance traveled. Physical effort and technical difficulty for mountain biking (easy, moderate or difficult). This is based on the distance amount and the difficulty of the climbs and is also highly influenced by the opinions of the trail reviewers.
How wet do your feet get?
Quality of the scenery on a scale with 1 being poor and 5 being awesome.
Time
The time is the riding time for riders of moderate fitness and ability and includes time for taking in the scenery, snacking and the included walks (unless otherwise noted). You will want to add time to it for lunch.
Elevation
The minimum and maximum elevations on the trail. The elevations have been sourced from other guide books and Government of Canada and Alberta topographical maps. The elevations are arrived at through consensus of all the sources.
Map
The name and number of the Government of Canada topographical map.
Prepare & Plan
When traveling into the backcountry always prepare for and plan your trip. Some things to remember while doing this include the following:
1. Prepare yourself for backcountry travel by educating yourself and your companions about where you are going, wilderness first aid, wildlife encounters, low impact travel, and how to be prepared for emergencies. Travel in groups and beware of animal signs.
2. Rapid weather change such as dramatic drops in temperature, rain, and snow are common. Yes, snow in July or late August is not unusual.
3. Always carry extra clothing, waterproof clothing, snacks, and plenty of fluids. Be be aware that when you are physically exerting yourself that dehydration can be a serve problem. Don't just carry the fluids, drink them often as thirst is a bad indicator of dehydration.
4. Play conservatively but have fun. Remember that when you are in the backcountry as you are usually a long way from help if some thing goes wrong.
5. The intensity of UV light is greater at higher elevations and it is highly recommended that you use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater to protect yourself from sunburn.
6. You are not alone, wildlife such as moose, elk, black, or grizzly bears may be encountered. When you encounter wild animals do not approach or attempt to feed them. They may perceive you as a threat and choose to attack you to defend themselves against the perceived threat -- YOU. 
7. Many animals die each year due to contact with humans. Some large animals, particularly bears, are shot or relocated because they encounter a human in their home while many smaller animals die due to dietary imbalances caused by humans feeding them HUMAN food.
8. Respect Yourself, Wildlife, & the Backcountry. Don't let your backcountry travels end in injury or death for you, an animal, or damage to the backcountry.

 

Important Phone Notes

Remember that a phone is only useful if you know where the nearest payphone is or where the last spot your cellular phone worked.  Cellular phones are unreliable in the mountainous areas of Southwest Alberta.