Race of Spades
Near Paddy's Flat · Kananaskis Conservation Pass area
Trail score 43 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality
About this trail
Race of Spades is a 8.2 km out and back trail near Paddy's Flat in Kananaskis Conservation Pass area. It runs 4.1 km each way. The route gains 514 m in total and tops out at 1,909 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate. Allow about 3 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Pneuma at 0.1 km, and passes four other mapped junctions. Three side branches with the same name split off the route, at 2.2 km, 3.0 km and 3.3 km. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Also used for mountain biking and snowshoeing.
- Length
- 8.2km
- 4.1 km each way
- Elevation gain
- 514m
- Estimated time
- 3h45min
- Moving time
- Route
- Out and back
- Highest point
- 1,909m
- Lowest point
- 1,477m
Elevation profile
1,477 m to 1,909 mHighest point 1,909 m, lowest 1,477 m, 514 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 27% 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.
Good for
- Hiking, Mountain biking, Snowshoeing
- Dog friendly (on leash)
Trailhead
The trail starts at 50.9091° N, 114.7633° W.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Vehicle pass required when parking
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.
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
- Jean GuyModerate · 4.5 km · 415 m gain · 0.4 km away
- West Side Track UpModerate · 8.0 km · 413 m gain · 0.4 km away
- Shhhhht!Moderate · 1.7 km · 225 m gain · 0.6 km away
- MTB: Special SpadesModerate · 6.9 km · 459 m gain · 0.8 km away
- Special KModerate · 9.8 km · 543 m gain · 0.8 km away
- SlfHard · 2.2 km · 281 m gain · 1.1 km away
All 330 trails in Kananaskis Conservation Pass area
Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Government of Alberta, Open Government Licence Alberta
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30