This trail goes by secluded Jewell Falls and has beautiful views of Barrier Lake. We’ll climb to the top of Yates Mountain where a fire lookout is perched, and have lunch before looping back on the Prairie View Trail.
Shell Station, Hwy 1 at COP
Barrier Dam Trailhead: Follow Hwy 1 west to Hwy 40. Take Hwy 40 to the Barrier Dam Parking lot (just past the Kananaskis Visitor Centre and before the Kananaskis Village and Nakiska Ski Hill turn off).
Rated (MOD/INT), 12 km + 600 meters elevation gain: 5-6 hours hiking. There is an option for some people to stop after about 500 metres of elevation gain and enjoy the views.
When possible, carpooling will be arranged from the Shell station in Calgary. It is not guaranteed but may be an option.