Special K
Moose Mountain, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada
Special K is a classic downhill trail better suited to an all-mountain bike than a downhill, due to its length and the long ride out on Tom Snow. But, don’t be fooled, there are plenty of sections at the beginning to keep you on your toes making this an advanced to expert ride in many of the spots encountered on the descents.Rumor has it that Special K was built by the founders of PinkBike during the early days of riding on Moose. The trail measures 4.7 km to where it meets with Tom Snow. From there you’ll have to climb up a long steep hill, before descending back down and pedaling over to the Station Flats parking lot. The total distance is 8 km from the Special K trailhead.
You’ll find there is no time to warm up on this trail, as it begins with a steep descent onto a large Technical Trail Feature (TTF); probably the biggest on the trail. Not to worry, you do have an option to ride-around the TTF. More steep descents intertwined with short mellow sections form this trail which crisscrosses a stream bed over a number of bridges. Expect about three manmade drops (TTFs) and loads of short, but steep sections to keep you on your toes. The final pedal out can be strenuous if you’re riding a big bike, especially on a hot summer day.
bikepirate rating:
Trail Stats
Distance: 8 km (to Station Flats)
Time: 45 min - 1.5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 97 m
Elevation Loss: 652 m
Min Elevation: 1,418 m
Max Elevation: 1,973 m
Technical Rating: Intermediate - Expert
Physical Rating: Hard
Season: May - October
Permit Required: No
Time: 45 min - 1.5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 97 m
Elevation Loss: 652 m
Min Elevation: 1,418 m
Max Elevation: 1,973 m
Technical Rating: Intermediate - Expert
Physical Rating: Hard
Season: May - October
Permit Required: No
Trail Location
Trailhead:
Drive up Moose Mountain Road for about 6.8 km and look for the pipeline station perched on the side of the hill (right side). The trail starts next to the shack. Drive to the end of the road to park if you’re dropping a vehicle and pedal back down to the trailhead. Special K will spit you back out at Station Flats; leave a retrieval vehicle there.
GPS: N50 54.899 W114 46.236 (TH)
GPS: N50 54.899 W114 46.236 (TH)
Downloads
Map: click here
GPS Map (GPX): click here
Google Earth: click here
MMBTS: click here
Trail Report: click here
Google Earth trail view only works if you have the program; download it here (free)
GPS Map (GPX): click here
Google Earth: click here
MMBTS: click here
Trail Report: click here
Google Earth trail view only works if you have the program; download it here (free)