McLean Area suggestions

[Sprockett]

Me and S-Fly are heading out to McLean this weekend for a short easy run. We do not know the area well at all and are looking for suggestions on easier runs. I've heard Quirk Ridge is a good choice but we've no idea where it is. The 101 trail sounded fun as well. Can anyone suggest anything else or help us map the way?

I have the latest map of the area but it doesn't help much.

Here it is online as well.
http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/recreation/fluz/docs/FLUZ%20of%20Kananaskis%20Country_map.pdf

I suppose others are welcome to join but know that we are not particularly experienced so unless you're looking to 'lead' us around, we wouldn't make the best guides

I'm in a YJ, locked on 35s and my buddy is in an XJ open on 31 mts. We've not made it out to organized run this year yet and 3 times at top of the world is enough for one summer

[specialk]

The map you have sucks but you can use it.  I lead a run last weekend through that area.
Quirk Ridge is a nice run, but do not try it if ya have more that 5 or 6 rigs.  There will not be any room at the top to turn around.  Seriously.

I would try to find a better map.  I got mine at MEC, plastic coated, about $10. 

Quirk Trail is the most westerly purple line on your map.  The ridge run crosses Quirk Creek (that's marked).  The trail run is a well maintained road.

There are plenty of places into that area.  Straight west of the store past the gravel pit or Fisher West are 2 options.  Just make sure you stay to designed Jeep trails.  I don't think we could have navigated with this map alone.

[LAHAL]

Head to top of the world, thats a nice easy run.

[Asia]

Ryan, I can't make it out this weekend.  Get the Gem Trek map (MEC has them) for Bragg Creek and Elbow Falls - it covers McLean Creek.    My trail suggestions:  Elbow River, Silvester, Quirk/Quirk Ridge, Cutoff, Fish Creek West, Valley,  Fisher West, McLean Hill (ridge route) and Priddis East.  These trails are all doable on 31" MTs,  I ran alot of these trails with the stock 29" ATs.  There are a few signs out there - look for them.  Do some exploring, bring a compass or a GPS - it's an adventure, a winch is a handy item for any misadventures  

[Sprockett]

Head to top of the world, thats a nice easy run.

We've not made it out to organized run this year yet and 3 times at top of the world is enough for one summer

 

I work not 3 blocks from MEC so I'll go get a map at lunch. Thanks for the suggestions on trails Tom but do any of these maps name trails? Or is it just signs on there?

Thanks guys,
Ryan

[Spinalguy]

MEC. the company that openly supports closure of every motorized trail in Alberta. But, they sure have good stuff there.

[BlackYJ]

Any map store and some book store sell the gemtrek maps.  I think I have even seen them at soem gas stations.  Great maps by the way

[Sprockett]

MEC. the company that openly supports closure of every motorized trail in Alberta. But, they sure have good stuff there.

What is the point of this post? If I guess it right, why did you feel the need to use sarcasm?

[w squared]

I think that he's encouraging you to spend your trail map dollars at places that don't advocate excluding us Jeep types from the wilderness.

He's probably using sarcasm because he's tired of saying the same thing over and over. Spinalguy has been part of the Jeep community through a lot of things.

[Sprockett]

Fair enough. Can I submit that not everyone who gets into 4x4 would be instantly aware of MECs current stance on motorized trails and sarcasm is unecessary and inciting.

[w squared]

Agreed...but also please understand that the actual tone of the sarcasm is VERY hard to read over the internet. I doubt that it was inteded to wind you up.

[Immortal]

no.... it probably was.... and that is why we all love spinalguy!!

[Asia]

The Gem Trek map names the trails.

If you have spent any time engaging in outdoor pursuits like: cycling, backpacking, hiking, climbing, canoeing, telemark or cross country skiing - you likely know about MEC and have bought clothing and gear from them.  They offer good gear at reasonable prices (prices have risen over the years), and stand behind their products.  My family jokes that I buy all my clothes from them   I'm aware of their stance on OHVs and spoke to them about alienating that segment of the market.  I guess we are a relatively small segment and the majority of their clientele support their position.

[tubby]

Ryan, don't be offended so easily. I do not patronize MEC anymore. I do a lot of outdoor activities besides wheeling and find they have some great products ;but I parked my old CJ in their parking lot a long time ago, and was given some "stares" from the staff. I spoke to the staff about local maps(for fly-fishing) and they didn't like that either(I kill poor fishys?) I found them to be "elitist" and "snobby" Please buy your map elsewhere or make a copy of mine. I do not want to support stores such as MEC anymore.

I don't think Spinal Guy was busting on you. He was one of my inspirations for getting back into wheeling. I remember when he did an article in "OFF The Beaten Path" and his enthusiasm for wheeling and the environment made me join the AURS so long ago. Don't get twisted in a knot over his remark...but if you did..he can probably work the kinks out of your back

[dunl]

I've been on this website for probably close to or over 5 years now....since the last inception of the forum, possibly one before that I think.

I've seen Tom go ballistic on a couple of land issue posts, but as far as I can remember, it's always towards the issue, not the person posting.  Like mentioned above, things written on the idjitweb are hard to decode sometimes.