Elbow

Near Paddy's Flat · Kananaskis Conservation Pass area

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 61 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Elbow is a 11.3 km out and back trail near Paddy's Flat in Kananaskis Conservation Pass area. It runs 5.7 km each way. The route gains 276 m in total and tops out at 1,509 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate. Allow about 3 hours 30 minutes of moving time. It meets Fullerton Loop at 1.0 km, Sugar Momma at 1.1 km and Iron Springs Trail at 2.3 km, and passes four other mapped junctions. Much of the route follows Iron Creek. Also used for trail running.

Length: 11.3km; 5.7 km each way
Elevation gain: 276m
Estimated time: 3h30min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,509m
Lowest point: 1,394m

Elevation profile

1,394 m to 1,509 m

Highest point 1,509 m, lowest 1,394 m, 276 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 11% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

0.0 kmFullerton TrailheadTrailhead

Good for

Hiking, Trail running
Dog friendly (on leash)
River or creek

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 50.9024° N, 114.6897° W.

Driving directions

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Vehicle pass required when parking

Buy pass

Pass details

Vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need this pass. It is registered to the licence plate. People arriving without a vehicle do not need one, and official exemptions and free days may apply.

$15 daily for one vehicle · $90 yearly for up to three vehicles

Information and prices checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 330 trails in Kananaskis Conservation Pass area

Government of Alberta, Open Government Licence Alberta
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30