Prairie Mountain (Microspikes Mandatory)

Trail Name: Prairie Mountain (Click link for the Alltrails Route)
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 9:00am
Location: Elbow Falls Parking Lot (Click link for the parking lot area)

NOTE: *Microspikes Mandatory* - Expect plenty of snow and icy sections on the trail.

NOTE: Hike Difficulty - Moderate-Hard - The trail is a straightforward walk, which puts it more towards the moderate category, but there is a decent amount of elevation gained. You should have at least an average level of fitness and be comfortable ascending a steep trail. Snow and ice on the trail will make footing trickier, so more attention is required.

NOTE: Weather and Hike Day - All hikes are subject to being moved to a different day, depending on the weather and trail conditions.

Major avalanche activity is going on throughout the mountains right now. As a result, we're playing it safe and ascending Prairie Mountain!

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 8.4 km (Loop)
Elevation gain: Approx. 711 meters
Time: Approx. 4 hours

Trail Description: From the parking lot, we will cross the road and begin ascending the Prairie Mountain Trail. The redesigned trail is more gradual with switchbacks, but we still have a decent amount of elevation gain to the summit. We will enjoy the views at the summit and retrace our steps back to the parking lot.

MANDATORY GEAR

• microspikes - Important to safely navigate the snow and ice on the trail.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES:

• · walking/hiking poles
  · Clothing - Early spring - Medium/Light wool clothing is recommended, along with a windbreaker or thicker jacket. Cotton clothing is not good. Jeans are not good.
  - gloves, toque/balaclava
  · personal first aid kit
  · snacks/lunch
  - warm water/warm drink (recommend 1-2 litres)

Ride Sharing:
Suggested Ride-Sharing spot: Petro Canada at the corner of Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 22x - Upper Gravel Road Parking. Feel free to coordinate your own ride sharing spot as required.

Please post below if a ride share is needed. Typical rideshare fee for this hike: $15.

If you have any questions please message below in the discussion. If it is urgent call or text Anuj at 403-827-6553.

Join us for a fun hike closer to Calgary!