With more than 1 million people in Alberta, there are certainly dirt bike riders and tracks around Calgary and Edmonton to ride.
Even if you live in Red Deer or Lethbridge, we’ve got some spots ready for you. From single-track to motocross and open enduro trails for beginners and experienced riders, there are certainly options around!
Best Dirt Bike Trails in Alberta
The State of Alberta encourages dirt bike riding as it keeps the economy flowing and allows people to let off some steam by twisting the throttle. In fact, the numerous enduro and MX events certainly draw the tourism numbers with thousands of people crossing the border each year to compete or spectate.
Now – if you’re the type of person who prefers to simply cruise around and find some great trails in the state, then Frontaer has done the research for you. We looked around to see where local riders in Calgary and Edmonton were actually riding, and the results are in.
Here are Alberta’s best dirt bike trails:
1. Rocky Mountain Dirt Riders Association
One of the best-kept secrets is joining the RMDRA. They do organized trail bike rides on single track into areas that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to access. We’re talking private property here and by joining this club, you’re covered by insurance.
This is definitely the club you’ll want to join if you’re new to off road motorcycling and aren’t quite sure where to ride in Alberta. This is especially so if you’re struggling to find buddies who share the same passion, or you simply want to improve your skills off road.
2. McLean Creek
McLean Creek is well known and this spot is welcoming of off-highway vehicles. This includes side by sides, quads and dirt bikes on existing trails. If you’re looking for some buddies, then jump inside this Facebook group so you can meet up at McClean Creek.
3. Brule Lake Sand Dunes
Sand Dunes in Alberta? Absolutely! These are epic for riding your dirt bike and adventuring around. Now – the sand isn’t the sahara dessert and so there is quite a bit of traction, so you probably won’t need a rear paddle to get your through. That said – power on and lean back! Heaps of tracks to explore and it can get a little muddy but isn’t too bad. To get here, head about 16km west of Hinton and near Jasper National Park.
4. Barry’s Ultra Motorsports Park
While Barry’s Ultra Motorsports Park (often called BUMP) is a motocross park, there are also about 40km of well-maintained single trail to explore for the enduro fraternity. This spot allows unregistered dirt bikes to ride these trails and one of the few spots close to Edmonton that allows this. Bring the kids because there is a well developed PeeWee Track and you can camp here overnight too, though it’s only an hour from Edmonton city centre.
5. Abasand Loop
Going from Abasand to Athabasca River on the OHV Trail will give you about 12km of riding terrain. There are other trails in the area worth exploring too. This is best for the dual-sport ADV rider rather than the dirt bike enthusiast, but worth a mention on this list.
6. Waiparous Creek
McLean Creek is actually very close to Waiparous Creek and most riders do both riding areas in the same trip. Some will stay overnight will camping. Waiparous Creek offers just as much as McLean though the crowds can be a little less.
7. Lille Ghost Town Trail
This place isn’t that scary but good for some local history and open track. Unlike most riding in Canada, you’ll actually be finding your higher gears here and might even see triple digits when riding. This is out towards Crowsnest Pass.
Getting Started
There we have it! Some great tracks in Alberta to try out that aren’t necessarily motocross tracks. These trails are sometimes seasonal so it’s best to check opening and availability before heading out.
Also, we strongly recommend joining one of the numerous riding groups on Facebook. There are riders in there so often looking for others to ride with instead of tackling these tracks solo. Likewise, group rides happen often which opens up so many riding opportunities and places to explore on 2 wheels and an aggressive throttle.
