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Rockies :: Canmore and Bow Valley ::

Cloudline

GPS Track

Brand spanking new Alberta Parks bench at Cloudline Crest

July 20, 2023

Cloudline is mainly MTB Trail.  Officially opened in summer of '23, it is eastern continuation of well-known Highline traversing lower slopes of Little Sister between Three Sisters and Stewart Creeks.  West access is Hubman Landing at top of Three Sisters Boulevard, while east terminus is Stewart Creek Hiking trail;  it naturally leads itself to a loop.  Hikers are allowed and I decided to check it out of curiosity.   For a cycling trail I thought it was quite challenging as there are some steep parts, tight switchbacks and narrow sections on top of small bluffs.  Although net elevation gain is just over 200m, GPS recorded over 500m cummulative due to all small ups/downs.  Most of the way is forested allowing just peek-a-boo glimpses of Bow Valley north side. 

From Hubman landing I followed marked Highline to Three Sisters Creek crossing, then turned up the creek by signed junction.  Only minor difficulty - from hikers perspective - is unbridged creek crossing bit further up by small Dam.  (It is worth checking small waterfall 5-10 min up the creek).  Cloudline then ascends fairly steeply on the other side, eventually cresting by wonderful wooden bench (lead photo).  Flat section is followed by gradual descent to Stewart Creek, crossing Fall creek along the way (water) and joining usual Middle Sister access.  Being familiar with area I simply trashed down to Golf Course then took most direct shortcut back to Hubman via (ever growing) residential area, as reflected on GPS track;  cyclists will probably follow Stewart Creek Trail down to Three Sisters Parkway then cycle back on the road.  If starting from east side I've heard Guy Lefleur Trailhead is also used, but I haven't checked it out.

Cloudline will mostly appeal to mountain cyclists and possibly trail runners. Coming from Calgary on weekend for this trail is probably not best use of time, but for locals it provides good few hours of exercise.  It can also be used as Little Sister approach, although it does not totally eliminate all the lower part bushwhack.

Gallery

Cloudline Junction Signed Highline / Cloudline Junction at west side of Three Sisters Creek