Prairie View Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Prairie View is a must-do in the Barrier Lake and Highway 40 area. It is a moderate trail that is easy to follow and offers incredible views. The prairie view is like no other and is the perfect place to get your photos taken. The trail is made up of easy switchbacks that lead to an incredibly rewarding summit. There are options to continue on with a scramble to the summit of Yates Mountain.
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Route Description for Prairie View Trail
Prairie View is an extremely rewarding hike for the type of trail it is. The trail follows switchbacks up to an incredible viewpoint that allows you to look out over Barrier Lake and the Rockies on one side, and the foothills and prairies on the other.
Starting from the parking area, take the trail to the north towards the damn. Cross the damn and make your way up a gravel slope staying on the main trail. You’ll come to a junction with Stoney Trail after 1km and continue straight. In 600 m, you will come to a signed junction where you will follow signs for Prairie View and Yates Mountain.
From the junction, follow the decommissioned fire road for 1km before meeting the switchbacks. These are wide and easy to follow. After nine switchbacks, you will trend left for 1.0 km before reaching the final stage to the viewpoint. Make your way up the large rocks to find yourself at the main viewpoint. This is an amazing spot to break for lunch and photos before returning the way you came.
Find other amazing hikes in Kananaskis Country
- Kananaskis - Smith Dorrien Trail: Chester Lake, Tent Ridge, Burstall Pass, West Wind Pass and Rummel Lake.
- Bragg Creek and Sheep River Provincial Park: Prairie Mountain, Powderface Ridge, Nihahi Ridge and ForgetMeNot Ridge.
- Kananaskis Trail: Troll Falls, Rawson Lake, Wasootch Ridge, Sarrail Ridge and Pocaterra Ridge.
Getting to the Prairie View Trail Trailhead
From the junction with the Trans Canada Highway and Highway 40, take Highway 40 for 12.0 km and turn right into the Barrier Lake day use area. Park here and begin your hike at the trail sign.
Route Information
Prairie View Trail Elevation Graph
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