Hike Prairie Mountain year round for lovely views of the Elbow Valley.
Prairie Mountain is a popular year-round hike due to its proximity to Calgary and panoramic views. With 700 metres of elevation gain in 4 kilometres, you will have to work for those views, but the effort is well worth it. Microspikes are recommended from late fall through spring.
April 22, 2024 Update: Prairie Mountain Trail is closed until May 1st to prevent damage to the trail.
See Alberta Parks Advisories for updates.
Prairie Mountain Trip Report
On the day we hiked Prairie Mountain, it was covered in a blanket of sparkling snow. Fortunately, early-rising hikers had broken trail, so it was easy to find our way. Slowly and steadily, we made it to the top, using every lookout as a snack spot. I’m glad I packed lots of food because we devoured all of it!
The hike is a steady climb, but the last bit in the trees (1 km from the top) was the toughest with solid ice beneath the snow. Microspikes for the win! Once we emerged from the trees, we could see our objective: the summit cairn and flag, only 500 metres away. With Calgary’s skyscrapers to the east, the Elbow Valley below, and mountains all around, the view was beautiful in every direction. We took a summit selfie, enjoyed a well deserved “good job treat” (chocolate bars) and headed back the way we came.
All in all, it took us 3.5 hours to ascend and 2.5 hours to come down including lots of breaks and snow play. It was a big day for my little hikers and I am so proud of them!
Prairie Mountain At a Glance
- Distance: 8 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: 700 m
- Time: Allow 3-4 hours (5-6 hours if hiking with small children)
- Nearest Washrooms: Elbow Falls Day Use Area
- Stroller Friendly? No
- Geocaches: There are several geocaches on the mountain! Download and store cache data at home as there is no cell service on the trail.
- Distance from Calgary: 65 km
Getting Here
Directions from Bragg Creek: Take Hwy 22 South. At the 3-way intersection, turn right onto Hwy 66. Continue on Hwy 66 for 18 kilometres. Elbow Falls parking lot will be on your left. If the winter gate is open, continue on for half a kilometre and park at Beaver Lodge on the left.
Parking: Elbow Falls Day Use (Google Maps pin)
Trailhead: Follow the sign on the west/near side of the parking lot to the trailhead. The trail starts across the street from the entrance to Elbow Falls Parking Lot. Cross Highway 66 carefully.
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
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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.
Related Posts
- The Best Short Hikes in Kananaskis
- The Best Spring and Fall Hikes in Kananaskis
- Waterfall Hikes in Southern Alberta
- Four Spring Hikes in Banff
- Hiking and Backpacking Safety Tips
