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Recreation maps for northeastern Kananaskis

Notes on the management of Recreation Areas in Northeastern Kananaskis

Elbow Valley map

Elbow Valley

Click here to download an Acrobat (high-resolution) version of this map.

Recreation Areas in the Elbow Valley

The protected areas in the Elbow Valley are called Recreation Areas. They are parking lots, campgrounds and day-use areas that generally serve as trailheads for hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails. They often have picnic tables, outhouses and sometimes firepits. Most of them are so small they don't appear on maps of the area, however, there are dots and labels on maps to show where they are. Please don't put tags on trees adjacent to parking areas and don't put tags in Bragg Creek Provincial Park as it is not going to be logged.

Here are some maps of the areas included in the Conservation Officer's warning. The thick black line shows the protected area.

elbow river The land between Highway 66 and the Elbow River from the bridge over the Elbow River (near Allen Bill Pond) to Riverview Trail. The protected area continues (lower left) to Elbow Falls and Beaver Flat. See the next map.

 

elbow fallsThe Elbow Falls area has a large parking lot and paved pathways so people with mobility problems can enjoy the view. There is a winter gate on Hwy 66. Past Elbow Falls, protected areas include; The Powderface Trailhead, Beaver Lodge Trail and Beaver Flat Campground.

 

cobble flatsCobble Flats is near the end of Hwy 66. It is most notable as a river crossing point for SRD and industry vehicles who drive through the river in their 4x4 pickups to access remote areas of McLean Creek where logging, and gas extraction take place. You'll likely see tire tracks on the river edge.

 

little elbowThe Little Elbow Recreation Area is a relatively large preserve at the end of Hwy. 66. There is a large campground, a couple of horseback staging areas, a footbridge over the Elbow River and a beautiful pond with picnic tables. The area is pressed up against the high alpine mountains and borders the Elbow-Sheep Wildland Park. This is the dividing line between the accessible foothills where the problems between people enjoying recreational activities and industry, expoiting natural ressources, occur. The Rocky Mountains beyond, are protected, but are much less accesible.