Fullerton Loop

Fullerton Loop is a half day hike hike just west of the town of Bragg Creek. The trails are easy to follow, and there are signs at all of the trail intersections to make sure you don’t get lost. This hike takes about 2 hours to complete.

Distance: 6.9 km
Elevation gain: 240 m / 787 ft
Access: The Fullerton Loop trailhead is just west of Bragg Creek on highway 66. There is a large parking lot across from Allen Bill Day Use Area. There is a sign indicating that Fullerton is on the right when heading west.

Getting to the Loop

The first stretch of trail is forested and relatively flat from the parking lot to the first two junctions. The loop starts at the 1.3 kilometer mark. I recommend doing the loop counterclockwise to save the scenic viewpoints as a reward during the second half of the hike.

The First Half of Fullerton Loop

Going counterclockwise, the trail ascends for 2.1 kilometers through a forest of lodgepole pines. There are a couple of tough hills through this section, which reward your effort with a scenic viewpoint. From here, there is a great view of Moose Mountain and the Elbow River valley.

Here you will also find a junction to other trails. If you still have some gas left in your proverbial tank at this point, check out the trail up to Ranger Summit.

The Second Half of Fullerton Loop

At the scenic viewpoint, and for about a kilometer past that point, there are several nice spots to stop for lunch. If the first spot is taken, there are a few other nice spots ahead. When you are ready to head back down, continue 1.8 kilometers back to the start of the loop, and then retrace your last 1.3 kilometers back to the parking lot.

Summary

Bragg Creek Trails has done an incredible job of improving the trail system in this area. When I went in May 2022 the trails had been recently cleared of all fallen trees and the signage made it really easy to not only stay on the right trail, but to add an extra section to our hike.

Spring is all about building strength and endurance for bigger summer hikes. If you are feeling nervous about getting back into hiking, Fullerton Loop is a great place to start. Do you have any go-to spring hikes near Calgary? Let me know in the comments!

Click here to check out more of my favourite early season hikes near Calgary.