Ram Falls from Sundre to Rocky (Gravel)
Route Details: If you are looking to ride a twisty backroad through the foothills of Western Alberta where seeing wildlife is a regular occurrence and you end up at a spectacular waterfall in a picturesque canyon then this route is the one you’re looking for.
It takes about a half an hour to reach Highway 40, aka the Forestry Trunk Road (FTR), from Sundre. After crossing the James River you leave the pavement behind and the majority of the rest of this route will be on gravel. After a long descent down to the Blue Bridge where you cross the Clearwater River you will come to a 3-way intersection where you need to stay on Hwy 40 headed west past a huge rock quarry and up and over Spiral Mountain. After returning to the valley bottom and continue headed NE past the turn to Hwy 752 which will be the road you take on your return to Rocky Mountain House. From this intersection it is another half an hour to reach the bridge across the (South) Ram River and as you climb back up out of the river gorge the Ram Falls Provincial Park and Lookout is on your immediate right. The park is not usually too busy and the approach to the lookout over the falls is very short. The falls are quite impressive as the river tumbles over the rock ledge into a huge amphitheater of rock. Also you might catch a glimpse of the falls namesake and see some Bighorn Sheep in the canyon if you are lucky. The park makes a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and to enjoy the solitude of this place. If Rocky is your next destination you have to backtrack to Hwy 752 which will take you there or can also deposit you back on Hwy 22 via RR 885 (right hand turn) at Strachan if you are heading back towards Sundre. Either way this can turn into a very long day because of all the great places to stop along the route and you could honestly spend a couple days or even a week in this area if photography, fishing and camping are also included in your riding adventures.
Note: The gravel on these roads can be very loose, especially in the corners. Any traffic can make it very dusty and hard to navigate and the road may go from hard packed to very soft without warning so always be aware and ride at a safe speed.
Highlights: Ram Falls and River, Elk Creek, Spiral Mountain, Clearwater River
Local Businesses: Backwoods Bakery and Cafe (Sundre), Cedars Pub (Sundre), Bearberry Saloon, Copper Creek Cafe (Rocky), Freewheelin’ Campground (Rocky)
KM/Hours of Riding: 219 km, 3 hours riding
