Sunrise Hike: Prairie View Trail

The Prairie View Trail (do not confuse with Prairie Mountain), also known as the Barrier Fire Lookout Trail, is a moderate hike in Kananaskis, around 12 km out and back. The trail climbs steadily to the old fire lookout and offers beautiful panoramic views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding peaks.
To catch the sunrise around 7:55AM, we’ll need to leave early and hike about 5.6 km to reach the lookout in time. The trail is strightforward and moderately strenuous. If the weather is bad, the hike will be postponed to the following day.

Description:
Distance; (+-)11.3km
Elevation gain: (+-) 509m
Duration: max 4-5 hrs

Difficulty: moderate

Things You will Need:
- appropriate clothing 👕
- hiking boots 🥾
- water 💦
- food/snacks 😋
- head-lamp
- spikes
- Kananaskis pass for drivers
- camera 📷
- a bear spray MANDATORY 🐻
- personal first aid kit ⛑
- recommended gas contribution $20 cash if carpooling
- positive attitude and smile 😊

Recommended:
- hiking poles
- lightweight pad to sit on

Attendance:
We will try to keep our group to 4 - 6 people.

Meeting Place:
We will meet at 4:45 am at the Shouldice Park and Ride to arrange carpooling and leave sharp 5:55 am. Look for a silver metallic Mitsubishi RVR. If you want to drive directly to the trailhead and meet there, please let me know.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/sDMdgAuPi5voRQ39A

Carpooling:
If you’re looking to carpool, please use the comments section to offer or request a ride. After connecting with someone, you can arrange the remaining details privately through messaging. A suggested gas contribution is $20. Please respect your driver’s vehicle by bringing a clean pair of shoes to change into, along with a plastic bag to store any dirty or wet footwear.

Access: Head west out of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).Take the exit for Highway 40 South (Kananaskis Trail). Drive a short distance down Highway 40 and turn west into the Barrier Dam Day Use Area parking lot on your right. The total drive takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Szo7KJvFJuLYjy3u6

Questions: Send me a message

Waiver: The organizer will have a group waiver to sign at the trailhead.

DISCLAIMER: You are fully aware that your host(s) are volunteer(s) and not trained guide(s), and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Safety and navigation are the responsibility of every participant. Please note that the hike may be cancelled or postponed at any time due to changing weather conditions, wildfire smoke, trail conditions, or other safety concerns. Any updates or cancellations will be communicated as soon as possible.