Prairie Mountain to Prairie Creek loop, Elbow Valley, Kananaskis
Description:
We’ll hike up and over the popular Prairie Mountain hiking trail and connect to the quiet, rolling Praire Creek 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: We will be hiking on packed snow for some or all of this hike so bring your microspikes. It 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. Kahtoola brand micro spikes are excellent and are sold at Sporting Life, Canadian Tire, and MEC.
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.