Tombstone Backcountry Campground

Location: Elbow Loop Trail in Kananaskis Country 61kms west of Calgary. Accessible only by a 16km hike, bike or horse. Kananaskis Country Alberta.

Description: Elevation gain to the campground is minimal with a few short ups and downs along the way. Trailhead is located at the Harold Chapman foot bridge near Little Elbow Campground. Cross the bridge and stay on the Elbow Loop Trail for approximately 16km until you come to a signed intersection. Take the trail that leads southwest down towards the campground and open meadows.

Hikers and Horseback Riders should expect to share the Elbow Loop trail with large numbers of mountain bikers. Tombstone Campground contains 11 well treed campsites available on a first come first serve basis. This campground is also an equestrian site complete with hitching posts located in several of the campsites. Amenities include picnic tables, firewood, stream water and dry toilets. You may need a backcountry permit to stay here.

Unfortunately instructions on how to obtain these permits is always somewhat of a mystery. You can never obtain one from who ever is asking for it. The surrounding meadows and mountain valley are absolutely beautiful. Elbow lake is a short 5km distance to the west. You can also approach the Tombstone Campground from Highway 40 near the Upper Kananaskis Lakes.

A difficult hike to the summits of Banded Peak, Mount Cornwall and Mount Glasgow can be completed within a day from the campground. Tombstone Lakes are located approximately 4km north west of here near the summit of the Elbow Loop Trail. Both Elbow and Tombstone Lakes hold Brook and Cutthroat Trout. You’ll need a fishing license to try your luck.

Night skies here rank #3 on the Bortle Scale. This is bear country, food and food related items must be stored properly.

Elbow River Area Map PDF