There are around 15 tenting pads in the forest along the emerald green lake. The first-day walk is rather short (3 hours I guess?) You also drop 400m at the end of this route. This was just a trial run: load up the bikes with bikepacking gear and find our way to a campground. About 3 km south of town you take Highway 66 (Elbow Falls Road) Southwest into Kananaskis Country and the trail starts at the end of this road, at the Little Elbow Campground. Dispersed/ Backcountry Camping Dispersed/ backcountry camping is allowed on Bighorn Lake below the high water mark of 3640 feet elevation in undeveloped areas. The section of trail between the trailhead and the Big Elbow campground is an easier track, while the next section is mixed terrain that can be steep in sections. The old fireroad follows the Elbow River upstream past Big Elbow Backcountry Campground to Tombstone Backcountry Campground and trail junctions beyond. Beautiful scenery, a pretty decent fire road to ride on. The old fireroad follows the Elbow River upstream past Big Elbow backcountry campground to Tombstone backcountry campground and trail junctions beyond. It is located approximately 8.3 km from the Little Elbow Campground on the east half of the Elbow Loop. The trail to Romulus Backcountry Campground is mostly along an old fire road, which makes for a wide and easy pathway. The route is very clear as you follow the Elbow River North. Little Elbow Campground is a business providing services in the field of Campground, Lodging, Park, . Near the bottom of the hill, take a left turn onto the Big Elbow trail. It follows Elbow Lake Trail 7.3km to Tombstone Campground and Big Elbow Trail for 12.3km. Difficulty: Fairly strenuous trail with a few steep sections. The campground at Romulus marks the start of the big climb. Other than that, this is a pretty nice hike out to end a great trip! It then continues up a south fork, and crosses Tombstone Pass into the Elbow River Valley, where it intersects Big Elbow trail. This is the first campground you’ll find on the hike. ** It is important to note that this section of the trail is being upgraded and under construction, which means you will likely encounter large machinery. I'd go there again just to spend a few days in that campground, as there are a few nice day hikes around: Mt Remis, Mt Romulus (which was a bit overgrown) and a couple more. The trail follows an access road with very gradual elevation change, making it a family-friendly outing that’s shoulder season-friendly. Lying…, Resting at the base of jagged Tombstone Mountain, the Tombstone Lakes are a spectacular sight, and the journey to them…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. The old fireroad follows the Elbow River upstream past Big Elbow backcountry campground to Tombstone backcountry campground and trail junctions … PRIMARY ROUTE: 20.4km via Big Elbow Trail from Little Elbow Trailhead Parking (400m elevation); SECONDARY ROUTE: 7.3km via Elbow Lake Trail/Big Elbow Trail from Elbow Pass Day Use (125m elevation) Campground Info I wouldn't do the full loop pulling kids or pushing a Chariot but you could do an overnight trip into either of these campgrounds. 66 (closed Dec. - May). The second day has some nice views and is mainly ascending, but it's quite easy as the elevation gain is rather mellow. This equestrian back country campground is found in Big Elbow Provincial Recreation Area. Explore Alberta Parks' photos on Flickr. Day 1: Trailhead to Romulus Backcountry Campground (12.4km / 252m), Day 2: Romulus Backcountry Campground to Tombstone Backcountry Campground (10.0km / 442m), Day 3: Tombstone Backcountry Campground to Trailhead. Romulus or Big Elbow Campground, Kananaskis (These campgrounds are on the 43km Elbow Loop that starts from the Little Elbow day use area. The Big Elbow Loop trip is a classic Kananaskis backpacking trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is best used from June until October. Go as far as you want and turn around.) In 600 metres, cross a small bridge over the outlet of Elbow Lake. There are toilets, picnic tables, firepits, and it costs only $12 a night. Those who don't want to walk 20 km in one day can book a night in Big Elbow Campground which is halfway the route. This scramble is rated as moderate, but know that this route requires a chilly ford across the Little Elbow River The route up Romulus is about 5.4km each way, and youâll gain 1080m on the way up! It makes for an excellent afternoon, and if you have a fishing license, the Upper Lake is full of trout! 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