The 3 P's Loop Winter Hike (Moderate / T2)

Copied From Sandy's 3P's Posting - Thanks for showing me a great trail Sandy!

Trail: This winter hike will combine parts of 3 trails to make a nice loop. We will first hike up the easier section of the Powderface Creek trail cut over east on the Prairie Link Trail and come back down the Prairie Creek trail. The Powderface Creek trailhead starts about 500 metres west of our end point at the Prairie Creek trailhead.

Read this page in its entirety before you RSVP.

THE DETAILS:

Distance: 11.8 km approx.

Difficulty: T2 (with snow and ice). The total elevation gain is approx. 250 metres. While this sounds flat, there is a quite a bit of climbing up and down, up and down, the side of the ridge above Prairie Creek. This trail rolls up and down small inclines the entire way, so it is a workout. Microspikes or some type of boot traction device are HIGHLY recommended for this trail. There is a scary section for beginners due to a narrow trail, icy winter conditions and a steep drop off into a ravine - but as long as you have microspikes you should be fine.

Time on trail est: 4-5 hours depending on trail conditions, plus driving time of an hour or so each way.

WHO CAN ATTEND: Members only, no guests, no children, no dogs, no whiners please.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Trailhead: The trailhead is located on Highway 66 just past the winter gate near Elbow Falls. (same as for Prairie Mountain trailhead) We will park near the closed gate on the side of the road.

Carpooling: If you need a ride from Calgary meet at Shouldice at 8:30 am (to get to the trailhead at 9:30am) or arrange a ride with someone closer to your home using the email function on the meetup page. Indicate on your RSVP if you need a ride or will drive people from Shouldice or if you will meet us at the trailhead at 9:30 am. Plan your carpool meeting time based on how long it will take to get to the trailhead from there.

For New Members Needing a Ride: If you need a ride, it is your responsibility to communicate with other members via the RSVP box or email function to arrange a ride. It is a favor that some people will drive others, so don't abuse that favor by not offering gas money, expecting to be home at a certain time, or demanding personal pickup or drop off at a different place other than where the driver wants to meet or drop off passengers. Getting to the pick up spot and home from the pick up spot is your responsibility.

Suggested carpool contribution is $10 per person paid to your driver.

I will meet you at the closed winter gate and will be driving a silver toyota corolla.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A SAFE AND PLEASANT EXPERIENCE ON THE TRAIL:

sturdy over the ankle hiking boots mitts/gloves toque/hat/ear muffs gaiters - keep snow out of your boots hiking pole(s) - for stability layered warm clothing with a waterproof shell lunch, snacks and water personal first aid kit - band aids for blisters at the very least a thermos with hot drink of choice or soup is always a good idea in the winter. Hand warmer packets are great to bring for emergencies ABSOLUTELY NO COTTON CLOTHING, NO RUNNING SHOES. THE REST:

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Please read the following: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/Update_Carpooling_Etiquette_-Required_reading_io

I will bring the group waiver form with me to the trail head. You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this hike. You will also be asked to provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact in case something happens to you.

Your Host is a volunteer and not a trained guide. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip; and, you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear, food and water, personal First-aid and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.