Pneuma

Moose Mountain, Kananaskis, Alberta

Pneuma is a relatively new singletrack trail built to provide access to the downhill and x-country trails found on Moose Mountain, and a great alternative to pedaling up Moose Mountain Road. The trail leads to the end of Moose Mountain Road, continuing beyond until it connects up with Moose Mountain Trail just before the junction for Moosepackers. It may be ridden as an out-an-back or as a loop when combined with Moosepackers and Ridgeback. A beginner rider will find this trail a fun challenge, while the expert rider should enjoy the plethora of switchbacks making their way to the top.

The climb up Pnuema begins innocently enough, with a gradual grade twisting and winding its way up the hill. As you continue up the trail you will notice it getting considerably steeper and more technical, with the final kilometer posing a challenge to even the more experienced rider. Keep an eye out for riders going the opposite way and remember that right-of-way goes to the downhill rider since it is harder for them to stop. Once you near the Race of Spades intersection watch out for downhill riders barreling across the trail and yield at the junction to avoid a pile up. For a number of suggested loop options, scroll down below the photos.

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Trail Stats

Distance: 10.3 km
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 609 m
Elevation Loss: 156 m
Min Elevation: 1,482 m
Max Elevation: 2,047 m
Technical Rating: Beginner - Intermediate
Physical Rating: Moderate - Hard
Season: June - October
Permit Required: No

Trail Location

Trailhead: Take Hwy 66 west from Bragg Creek to Moose Mountain Road. Turn right onto Moose Mountain Road and park your car in the parking area located at the turn off. Pneuma begins right from the carpark and is very well marked with a large trailhead sign.

GPS: N50 52.397 W114 43.437 (Trailhead)

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)

Buy your Kananaskis trail guide:
Find the Hidden Treasures: A Guide to Mountain Bike Trails in Kananaskis Country

Options

If you’re looking for more of an all-mountain/downhill ride and don’t have an extra vehicle to shuttle Moose Mountain Road, then climb Pneuma to the start of several downhill runs located on Moose. Combine it with any of the downhill trails in the area to complete an exhilarating loop. I would suggest climbing Pneuma to the end of Moose Mountain Road and taking SHAFT down to Ing’s Mine, from there pedaling along the road to the Pneuma trailhead.

For the ultimate x-country loop, take Pneuma all the way to the start of Moosepackers. Moosepackers will connect you with Tom Snow and Ridgeback; choose either or to get back to Station Flats. Tom Snow is the easier option if you’re tired and don’t want to extend your ride. However, Ridgeback is the better option for a sweeter ride. Plan about 2.5 to 4.5 hours when riding this loop (Pneuma – Moose Packers – Ridgeback).

GPS of the Moose Mountain Loop (Pneuma to Moose Packers to Ridgeback) can be downloaded here.

 
  • http://www.facebook.com/brett.ondrey.9 Brett Ondrey

    Rode this trail on August 15th from station flats up to Race of Spades and back down to the parking lot (station flats – pneuma – race of spades – station flats). Took little over 2 1/2 hours and was 16.5km loop. Great climb and even better decent!



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