Water Tower

If you're looking for a nearly-impossible climb during your ride, look no further than the Water Tower trail.

Plan Around Water Tower

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Water Tower Details

If you want a massive challenge during your mountain bike ride through Banff National Park, be sure to check out the Water Tower trail. Starting at the northeast corner of Cascade Ponds, the trail starts out nice enough, crossing a small creek. But then, it ascends a nearly-impossible-to-ride set of steps - be ready for a significant hike-a-bike during this part of the trail. Once you've climbed, however, the trail takes a sweet twist with dips and turns along a single track that follows along, above, the Trans-Canada Highway. The views of the Bow Valley, and the Rundle and Cascade mountains, are stunning from here. Once you get to the water tower, if you have more energy to burn, it's worth following the gravel road to Johnson Lake. Once you've rested up, turn back around and ride back to where you started. Trail guides and cycling maps are available, and be sure to follow the park's rules and regulations to make the most of your ride: be bear aware; ride on designated trails; avoid riding during extreme conditions; help preserve the trails' quality; know your limits; yield to other riders; and, of course, leave no trace. **Trail Type**: Out and Back **Difficulty**: Moderate **Distance:** 7.6 kilometers round trip (4.7 miles) **Trailhead:** Cascade Ponds or Johnson Lake day-use area

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