Yates Mountain & Jewel Pass via Prairie View Trail - Hike

Date: October 26, 2025
Hike Start Time: 8:00AM
Hike Finish Time: 2pm-3pm (approximate)
Distance: 12km-16km
Elevation gain: 700m-900m
Difficulty: Hard

Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail is a relatively simple hike which allows for an easy summit. However please take into consideration that there are some steep sections which require a bit of an effort. In addition, the hike distance to the summit is 6km with an elevation gain of about 700m. The trail starts in the parking lot at the Barrier Lake dam. The path is an old road that climbs through the forrest to the shoulder ridge of Barrier Mountain. Once we leave the old road and get on the actual trail the path narrows and climbs steeply to just below the lookout. At this point the trail continues to follow the ridge and this hike can be made into a loop hike. We will first go to the fire lookout, take a lunch/snack break, and take in the views from the summit. On our way back, we can either continue on the ridge and make this a loop hike (adding about about 4km to our total distance and additional elevation gain) or retrace our ascend route back down to the parking lot. We will decide as a group once we reach the summit.

Optional: Ice skating on Barrier Lake after the hike.

(All hikes are weather dependent)

What to bring (some of the following items are optional while others are essential)

• Hiking shoes/boots with good treads.
• Hiking poles if you like to use them or for better control and balance.
• Microspikes.
• Foam pad (many options out there - shop around)
• Please dress in layers.
• Plenty of water - For winter hiking: use an insulated mug to keep your water from freezing or getting too cold to drink. If you use a water bladder, use an Insulation sleeve for the hose. Have some extra water (or hot tea) in your car to enjoy after the hike.
• Nutritious, energy-boosting lunch/snack.
• Bear spray. Many have asked why in winter? Here is one example of why 😉 and also, our group sometimes separates into smaller groups, so if you ever end up in a group or two or three it is important that at least one person has bear spray.
• Personal first aid kit.
• Toilet paper (and a bag to carry it out after use).
• Ice Skates

Carpooling/Park Pass

If anyone needs a ride from the city, please make arrangements with fellow hikers and consider a contribution to your driver for gas and Kananaskis park pass.

Weather

Barrier Lake Weather (Colder at the summit - dress for it)

Meeting Spot - Meet at the trailhead at 9AM

Prairie View Trail Parking Lot(use this link for navigation)

References

Jewel Pass via Prairie View Trail
Yates Mountain (Bob Spirko)
Kananaskis Pass
Be Bear Smart
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
GROW Kananaskis
Highway Conditions
Avalanche Canada

Event photo taken on our last trip up to Yates summit.

Contact

If you have any questions please call/text me at 416-876-1765.

Waiver - by signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:

"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."