Cataract to Elkford?

[ferniesnow]

go here

click on link

this will take you to their website -->Elkford Trails
look for the heading GOOGLE EARTH
click on that link
it will upload a .KMZ file which will upload POI's and TRAILS
that someone in their club took the time to create
I found it very useful
There is also a map(PDF) and lots of info to chew on
enjoy
Cheers
Chris


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So what is this all about? Did you want to know where the Elkford Snowmobile Club cabin is or where you telling me where it is?

I'm a little confused.....just saying

 

[Hirmkin]

Thanks Schoolded Dweeb

 

[ferniesnow]

Thanks Schoolded Dweeb

Hey man, obviously I missed something but you got the info

FYI that is a "private cabin" and is locked all the time. It is only used by members and invited guests.

 

[schoooled dweeb]

once you have uploaded the .KMZ file into your GoogleEarth
and all of the POI's and trails are shown
Look for the junction of Highway 40 / 541 and 940
There is a PIT STOP gas station there(according to GoogleEarth)
Go south about 2 miles and u'll c a road/trail going west
to fording pass THEN to the Burning Coal Seam
and you have found the way into the ELK valley
There is a gravel road that leads north from ELKFORD right to ELK Lakes
THere is a power transmission line that runs North South thru that valley
Sections of that power line are excellent riding...
and so r the service roads for that power line when they built it
(BTW that power line leads right into Kananaskis PP...and there is no riding of motorized vehicles in that PP....for reference )

The road north out of Elkford is only plowed to a certain km
not sure how far out of town...that you would have to inquire about
Use this road (where its not plowed)to access other
trails/ FSR's to get to other alpine bowls..USE BACKROADS MAPBOOK!!!
REMEMBER the color coding of the trails RED--> SLED
ORANGE --> MINE....stay away from the mine area...there r
lots of other places to explore while ur back there

The person who created this .KMZ has done A LOT OF WORK compiling
all this info and deserves a case of beer
If you read more on their website u r allowed to ride ur sleds into town
BUT there is a licence/fee. Need to check into that some more

Is it easy? Don't know. I went in from the sparwood /elkford way years ago
Went to the burning coal seam....Bull river....the forestry lookout....
Smith basin...munroe lakes....lots of fun especially after a dump

Always heard of rumours of other ways into that valley from AB.
Now with GoogleEarth...it has saved me time in planning this trip....
which should be an epic adventure. Leave calgary ...goto Junction...then to fording pass...then burning coal seam...then south to elkford....fuel up....eat...stay overnight.....leave next morning ....play along the way...head back to fording pass ...back to junction...back to calgary.....sounds like a plan
This would be an excellent alternative to driving thru
crowsnest to sparwwod then Elkford ...unloading etc

Will it be easy.......in one way i hope it is (finding way/landmarks)
But that is where the sense of ADVENTURE kicks in.
BE prepared...BE smart...be equipped....Ride with ppl u can count on
Cheers
Chris

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Quote of the day
"if you need someone to hold your hand...stay at home Nancy"

 

[neddacsac]

maybe come out for a weekend and we can poke our way up from this side?

That would be an adventure.....

Let me know when the snow is ready and we will set it up.

 

[ferniesnow]

once you have uploaded the .KMZ file into your GoogleEarth
and all of the POI's and trails are shown
Look for the junction of Highway 40 / 541 and 940
There is a PIT STOP gas station there(according to GoogleEarth)
Go south about 2 miles and u'll c a road/trail going west
to fording pass THEN to the Burning Coal Seam
and you have found the way into the ELK valley
There is a gravel road that leads north from ELKFORD right to ELK Lakes
THere is a power transmission line that runs North South thru that valley
Sections of that power line are excellent riding...
and so r the service roads for that power line when they built it
(BTW that power line leads right into Kananaskis PP...and there is no riding of motorized vehicles in that PP....for reference )

The road north out of Elkford is only plowed to a certain km
not sure how far out of town...that you would have to inquire about
Use this road (where its not plowed)to access other
trails/ FSR's to get to other alpine bowls..USE BACKROADS MAPBOOK!!!
REMEMBER the color coding of the trails RED--> SLED
ORANGE --> MINE....stay away from the mine area...there r
lots of other places to explore while ur back there

The person who created this .KMZ has done A LOT OF WORK compiling
all this info and deserves a case of beer
If you read more on their website u r allowed to ride ur sleds into town
BUT there is a licence/fee. Need to check into that some more

Is it easy? Don't know. I went in from the sparwood /elkford way years ago
Went to the burning coal seam....Bull river....the forestry lookout....
Smith basin...munroe lakes....lots of fun especially after a dump

Always heard of rumours of other ways into that valley from AB.
Now with GoogleEarth...it has saved me time in planning this trip....
which should be an epic adventure. Leave calgary ...goto Junction...then to fording pass...then burning coal seam...then south to elkford....fuel up....eat...stay overnight.....leave next morning ....play along the way...head back to fording pass ...back to junction...back to calgary.....sounds like a plan
This would be an excellent alternative to driving thru
crowsnest to sparwwod then Elkford ...unloading etc

Will it be easy.......in one way i hope it is (finding way/landmarks)
But that is where the sense of ADVENTURE kicks in.
BE prepared...BE smart...be equipped....Ride with ppl u can count on
Cheers
Chris

found this post informative --> Thank me

Quote of the day
"if you need someone to hold your hand...stay at home Nancy"

That is an awesome summary but you must include information on the actions of the logging companies.

You missed some pertinent information above....Tembec is logging on the east side and the road will be plowed to the sub-station (Britt Creek).....end of trip! You are 26 kms from gas, a warm bed, and Elkford.

Yes it is just sort of across from the Elkford cabin but the road on the west side is plowed.

There has been no way in the past 5 years when one could ride a sled all the way to Elkford without being on a plowed road. They are either plowed by Tembec or BCHydro. There are the odd times when we get a dump and before the road is plowed that one could make it. But if you are needing it for gas, please don't count on it.