As usual, Death Valley, my preferred mountain biking trail in the Medicine Hat area, did not disappoint. Despite temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius, the trail offered a thrilling ride through boulders, rock slabs, and flowing sections, providing a blissful badlands biking experience. While Death Valley, located in Redcliff near the Riverview Golf Club, is always a highlight, spending time in 'The Hat' consistently delivers abundant outdoor adventures.
More Than Just a Pit Stop
Of all the small and mid-sized cities in Alberta, Medicine Hat is where I have spent the most time. Often it has been a simple drive-through, as the city sits right on the Trans Canada Highway, and anyone heading east passes through this scenic southeast city. However, Medicine Hat should not be viewed merely as a stop for gas and snacks. Spending a couple of days exploring reveals plenty of fantastic activities that can fill a weekend or more.
Located 295 kilometers west of Calgary in Cypress County, Medicine Hat lies on the South Saskatchewan River and is surrounded by profitable gas fields, earning it the nickname 'The Gas City.' Yet, according to Environment Canada, it is also the sunniest city in Canada, averaging 2,544 hours of sunshine per year. This warm, dry weather, combined with beautiful coulees, verdant river valleys, badlands, and the nearby Cypress Hills, makes Medicine Hat a prime location for outdoor recreation.
Top-Notch Mountain Biking
The mountain biking scene in the area is exceptional. The three main trail networks – Redcliff, Echo Dale Regional Park, and Elkwater in the Cypress Hills – combine to offer what many consider Alberta's best mountain biking destination east of the Rockies. The riding is diverse, ranging from easy green cruisers to technical black-diamond descents with roots, rocks, and gnarly drops, providing a rare opportunity to pedal on sanctioned trails in beautiful, bone-dry badlands terrain.
During a recent trip in early May, I rode Death Valley, a classic intermediate descent through an arid gulch, followed by the riverside trail Tequila Sunrise, which dips and dives below soaring red shale cliffs. I completed the loop by riding back up via Slow Burn. This wonderful 1.5-hour ride is ideal for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. The Trailforks app can help locate these trails and any other worth riding.
Outstanding Golf Courses
While a trail bike is essential for a Medicine Hat getaway, golf clubs are also required gear. The golf scene is outstanding, with five solid prairie courses. The Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club is an underrated gem along a bluff above the South Saskatchewan River, but my favorite is Desert Blume. This contemporary layout winds through coulees, offering a scenic challenge with excellent turf conditions, dramatic elevation changes, and beautiful bunkering. It features a memorable par-5 finish along a creek and excellent clubhouse food.
