Lusk Pass
Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

Lusk Pass may be ridden out-and-back or used to access Jumpingpound Ridge. It may also be combined with Baldy Pass Trail for a 5.5 km loop. The trail is mostly doubletrack and not worth the effort on its own. There are plenty of other options in the area if you’re looking for a trail with sweet singletrack and great views taking you high up into the alpine; including Jumpingpound Rdige to Cox Hill.

The start of Lusk Pass is found on the east side of Hwy 68 across from the Lusk Creek Recreation Area. Look for the trail running up the embankment across the highway. Once up the embankment you will approach the first junction; 200 metres from Hwy 68. At the junction turn left onto the narrow singletrack that runs along a ravine and heads into the woods just ahead. From here on the trail is easy to follow. Lusk Pass will begin to gradually climb up a sandy and loose doubletrack which has seen better days; parts of the trail are very much eroded. After about the 1.5 km mark the trail gets better. It becomes hard packed and easier to pedal as it continues on up to the false summit. The last few climbs to the false summit get considerably steeper, providing a real challenge for fit and experienced riders. However, don’t expect many views once you reach the top due to the low elevation and thick forest. From there the ride down to Powderface Trail (dirt road) and the Jumpingpoung Ridge trailhead is fast and fun. Enjoy the descent; after all you’ve earned it.

bikepirate rating:

Trail Stats

Distance: 8.0 km (one-way)
Time: 1 - 2 hrs
Elevation Gain: 365 m
Elevation Loss: 125 m
Min Elevation: 1,383 m
Max Elevation: 1,704 m
Technical Rating: Intermediate
Physical Rating: Moderate - Hard
Season: June - October
Permit Required: No

Trail Location

Trailhead: Take Hwy 40 south to Hwy 68 (dirt road). Turn on to Hwy 68 and continue east for about a kilometer to the Lusk Creek Recreation Area. The trail starts from across Hwy 68, up the embankment. There are no trailhead markings, but the trail is easy to spot.

GPS:
N51 01.960 W115 00.811 (Lusk Creek)
N51 01.920 W115 00.827 (TH)

Downloads

Map: click here
GPS Map (GPX): click here
Google Earth: click here
Alberta Parks: click here
Trail Report: click here

Google Earth trail view only works if you have the program; download it here (free)