Monday, July 7, 2025: Cranbrook to Rampart Rest Area: The Chief Isadore Trail


 

View from Chief Isadore Trail; the Steeples in the background

Today was my final day for riding the TCT in 2025.  The trail zigzags its way on streets and paths in Cranbrook.  After a couple of wrong turns,  I leave Cranbrook on the Chief Isadore Trail heading toward Wardner.  It follows a former railroad grade between Cranbrook and Wardner, so I get to enjoy the mild railroad grade slopes.  These railroad grade trails make up some of my favorite sections of the TCT, and this section is no exception.  At points, the trail was high above Highway 3, and it afforded nice views of the countryside, including the Rockies in the distance. 

The first range of the Rocky Mountains that eastbound travelers see are called the Steeples. They are steep, pointed peaks that foreshadow the steep climbs coming up on the TCT. But for now, they are just scenery, as today brings to a close, my tour of the TransCanada Trail for 2025.  The hamlet of Wardner is 27 miles  away at the other end of the Chief Isadore Trail, and too far for me to achieve today.  My ride ends at The Rampart rest area along Highway 3.

Chief Isadore Trail leaving Cranbrook

Highway 3 in the Cranbrook area
Rampart Rest Area


Sunset for the TransCanada Trail for 2025



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