Prairie Mountain to Prairie Creek loop, Elbow Valley, Kananaskis
Description:
We’ll hike the up and over the popular Prairie Mountain (new switchback trail completed in the summer of 2023) hiking trail. A steady climb leads to breathtaking views of the front ranges, the Elbow River Valley, and the city of Calgary. We’ll loop down to connect to the Prairie Creek trail for a rolling, creekside finish. NOTE: This is a steady climb for 2+ hours and is a good fit for those who walk/ run 5+ km most days, carry a backpack on some walks and include hills and stairs in all of their walks.
Meet Place:
Allen Bill trailhead, Elbow Falls Trail (Hwy 66) Kananaskis
Directions:
This trailhead is about a 45-55 minute drive from Calgary.
- Access Hwy. 66 from Hwy. 22 (Hwy. 22 becomes Hwy. 66) or from Hwy. 8 (Glenmore Trail West).
- Follow Hwy. 66 into Kananaskis Country
- Go past the Information Centre and watch for the “Allen Bill” sign.
- The sign and parking are just past the Elbow River Crossing at the bottom of long, gradual hill.
Distance/Length:
Rated (INT), 10 km + 700 meters elevation gain: 5 hours hiking time
Carpool Option:
When possible, carpooling will be arranged from the meet place.