Prairie Mountain (Microspikes Mandatory)
Details
Trail Name: Prairie Mountain (Click link for the Alltrails Route)
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 9:00am
Location: Elbow Falls Parking Lot (Click link for the parking lot area)
NOTE: **Attendance** - A waitlist has been created. I will admit attendees at my own discretion. I am aiming for up to 12 people, including myself.
NOTE: *Microspikes Mandatory* - Expecting snowy/icy conditions 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.
High winds in the forecast for the coming weekend. Let's do a quick hike at Prairie Mountain mostly sheltered from the wind!
Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 8.4 km (Out-and-Back)
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
RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES
- appropriate clothing - Early Winter - Medium wool clothing is recommended with a windbreaker/medium jacket. Waterproof pants and boots are important in winter. Cotton clothes are not good. Jeans are not good.
- gaiters - optional - trail should be well packed down at this time
- hiking poles - useful for the steep ascent and descent sections
- gloves/toque/balaclava - cooler temperatures, especially in the morning
- sunglasses
- personal first aid kit
- snacks/lunch
- water/warm drink (recommend 1-2 litres of water)
Suggested Ride Sharing Point:
Petro-Canada off Highway 1 and Highway 22.
Suggested Ride Sharing Fee: $15
Look forward to seeing you all there!