But Aren't the Prairies Flat? Getting Down in Southeast Alberta

We totally get it. It's actually right there in the title: MOUNTAIN biking. Although the mountains are where the vast majority of trails in Western Canada are found, there are pockets of riders in areas that don't have those big chunks of rock to spoil the view. One of those is Southeastern Alberta and the domain of the 670 Collective Mountain Bike Club.


Founded in 2013 by a core of lifelong riders and trailbuilders, the 670 collective now has a membership of over 200 riders with two unique riding locations. The core group of builders and riders rode trails in the area long before the club began, starting with hiking, forestry and wildlife trails with some strategic building in certain areas. With the formation of the club, machine built trails were added as local municipalities saw the benefits of legitimate trail systems. With over 50 kilometers of trails currently in Redcliff/Medicine Hat and Cypress Hills under 670 Collective care, the region's riding opportunities have grown greatly since the formation of the Club. These trails aren't just for riding, but the majority of them are multi-use trails with many hikers, bird watchers and runners utilizing them.


With a landscape reminiscent of Drumheller or Dinosaur Provincial Park, the Redcliff trails offer a one of a kind riding experience in the South Saskatchewan River valley only minutes from the Trans Canada Highway. These coulees have been ridden for decades, but with the formation of the 670 Collective these trails were modified to IMBA standards and are now a recognized trail system. A 75 meter elevation drop from the surrounding landscape to the valley floor affords some gravity options for both the heritage trails like Death Valley and the new ones like Dialpack 500 which were built by the club. A completely new area near the Redcliff Cemetery will add even more unique opportunities for riding. The Redcliff Skills Park was built in partnership with the town and has five progressive jump lines, a wall ride, small pump track and a cross country skills area. Other than Mr. Burnside, connecting the City of Medicine Hat to Redcliff, the trails in the area have been hewn with volunteer hands and hours.


Redcliff mountain biking trails






A more traditional mountain biking experience can be found near Elkwater, Alberta, in the Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Just 25 minutes south of the Trans Canada, the park is an island of Lodgepole pine floating in a sea of prairie grasses and farmland. Acting as a giant barrier during the last glaciation, the Cypress Hills rise to nearly 1500 meters above sea level (higher than the townsites of Banff, Fernie, and Jasper) and offer 200 meters of elevation on some of the longer trails. The area includes a mix of Club and Park built trails demonstrating the quality of the relationship between the two. A pump track and small skills area is available near the Park Visitor's Centre also acting as a central hub for the trail network.


In August the Battle Creek Showdown allows local and regional riders to get a taste of a cross country style race. This race within the Park consists of multiple classes and affords the opportunity to ride as a team of two or individually. The festival atmosphere of the event includes an excellent meal, great fellowship among fellow riders, and the opportunity to win a bag of local corn on the cob.


Elkwater mountain biking trails






Summer isn't the only riding season available in the 670's area, although both locations offer very different experiences. The Cypress Hills are high enough to have the small Hidden Valley Ski Resort, usually with snow on the ground from November until April This allows for a good network of groomed fat bike trails, as well as cross country ski and snowshoe options too. The 670 Collective owns Santa's Little Helper, a Snowdog used by volunteers to groom trails in Elkwater and Medicine Hat (snow dependent). Conversely, being in the path of Chinook winds and with south facing slopes, Redcliff can offer year round dirt riding during milder winters. While ski hills are still operating in the mountains, we may have been riding dry trails down here for months. The typical riding season in the region spans from April to October, but is usually longer for Redcliff.


If you are passing by on the Trans Canada Highway and want to take an afternoon, day, or whole weekend of riding to break up your trip, Southeastern Alberta is a very nice diversion. Or if you are looking for a destination to ride something different, the riding in Southeast Alberta will usually start sooner in the spring and end later in the fall than many other regions in Western Canada.


The 670 Collective greatly appreciates our sponsors. Gravity Sports and CyclePath are the two local bike shops and The Station Coffee Company fuels many of our riders. We also have exceptional community support from local building supply stores, greenhouses and all levels of government. For trail reports and updates, memberships, sponsorship opportunities and events, follow us on 670collective.ca, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.


Special thanks to the members of the club who provided all of these photos.