Prairie View Trail is a popular spring/fall conditioner due to its proximity to Calgary and snow-free conditions early/late in hiking season. Hike up the old forestry road to McConnell Ridge for beautiful views of Barrier Lake, Mount Baldy and beyond. From here, you can scramble up a rock outcrop to a higher viewpoint or continue on to Yates Mountain/Barrier Lake Fire Lookout where you can look out over the Bow Valley.
Prairie View Trail Route Description
The wind was howling, as it often does at Barrier Lake, but the girls couldn’t resist throwing rocks in the turquoise water. They asked, “Do you remember our beach day?” and made us promise to bring them back on a warmer day to play in the sand. With rosy cheeks and numb fingers, we said farewell to the lake and followed the beaten path up to the lookout.
Trembling aspens gave way to conifers as we wound our way ever upwards. We looked for lichens, mosses, and faces on the many trees we met and listened to the wind. At times it sounded like the ocean!
Where the trail levels off on McConnell Ridge, we caught our breath and had some water. Some folks turn back here, but there’s an even better viewpoint just a bit higher.
Right before the ridge, the trail gets quite steep, but this section is quite short. Take the narrow path to the right of the rock outcropping (or scramble straight up if the rock is dry and you have good footwear). The girls were motivated to reach the ridge and have a treat, so they moved quickly. As the trees cleared, we could see the lake below and all the surrounding peaks! Whiskeyjacks rode the thermals in the golden glow and dive bombed for crumbs (left by other hikers – please don’t feed them and make them more aggressive!).
The lake and mountain views from the rocky viewpoint are superb and make up for the boring slog through the trees. I like this trail on a windy day in shoulder season because the trees provide a good windbreak.
After more snacks (chocolate for the win!), the girls fairly flew down the mountain. It was a great half-day outing with gorgeous views from the top!
Going Further: Yates Mountain/Barrier Lake Fire Lookout and Jewell Falls
At the next junction, turn right to head up to Barrier Lake Fire Lookout (going left goes to Jewell Falls). It’s a steep 700 metres (with 132 m elevation gain) to the fire lookout. It can be hard to find the way when snowy, but if you hike along/close to the ridgetop at right, you’ll make it. Just don’t walk too close to the edge; especially in winter when cornices – unsupported snow ledges (that can suddenly break off) – can form.
The fire lookout is an active fire lookout from April until October, so please respect the fire warden’s privacy/work and keep away from the fire lookout. Of course, if he comes out to say hi (and he often does), a little chat is ok! Take the signed “Viewpoint” trail to a pretty picnic area and return the way you came.
Optional way back: Make a 17.5 km loop via Jewell Pass. Highlights include Jewell Falls and Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground. To get here: when you come down from the fire lookout, turn right at the junction. 2.1 km later, at the Quaite/Barrier Lake Junction, turn left for Jewell Pass. Continue until you reach Stoney Trail, then turn left again (a short detour to the right takes you to Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground). Follow Stoney Trail for about 4 km to the Prairie View junction, then turn right to cross the dam and return to the parking lot.
Prairie View Trail at a Glance
- Distance (round trip): 13.2 km to McConnell Ridge / 14.6 km one way to Barrier Lake Fire Lookout / 17.5 km Prairie View – Barrier Lake Fire Lookout – Jewell Pass Loop
- Elevation Gain: 421 m elevation gain to McConnell Ridge / +553 m to Barrier Lake Fire Lookout
- Washrooms? Outhouses at parking lot
- Stroller Friendly? No
- Directions from Calgary: Head west on Highway 1. Take the Highway 40S/Kananaskis Trail exit. At the top of the ramp, turn left at the stop sign. Continue for 12 km. AFTER Barrier Lake Information Centre, turn right at Barrier Dam Day Use.
- Parking: Barrier Dam Day Use Area
- Trailhead: The trailhead is at the northwest corner of the parking lot.
*The trail is for hiking and mountain biking. Please share the trail (move to the right when you hear a bike bell!).
Getting Here
The trailhead for Prairie View Trail / Yates Mountain / Barrier Lake Fire Lookout is at Barrier Lake Dam, 1 hour west of Calgary. Take Highway 1 west to the Kananaskis / Hwy 40 turnoff. Turn left (south) on Highway 40, and continue for 9.4 km. Turn right at the Barrier Lake Dam Day Use.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online from the Government of Alberta.
- You are in bear territory. Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Pack out all trash and dog poop.
What to Bring
Disclosure: This section includes affiliate links through which I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Good hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a heavy pack. You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass, and map of the area, sunscreen (this mineral sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, and reef-friendly), bug spray (this Deet-free one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required!
In snowy/icy conditions, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon, MEC, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Sport Chek) are recommended. See our Fall/Winter Hiking Gear Guide for recommended clothing and gear.
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2 comments
It wasn't icy in November, but I imagine it would be now with all the melting and freezing. I highly recommend Kahtoola microspikes for spring/fall hiking!
Any icy sections when you went? Your girls are great little hikers!
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