Distance: 6.6km (round trip)

Elevation: 660m

Rating: Moderate

Remoteness: This is a very busy hike, we recommend sunrise or sunset here to avoid the crowds!

Distance from Calgary: 57km, 50 minutes

Prairie Mountain is an absolute grind of a hike. It’s short, but unrelenting in it’s elevation gain. I call this my workout hike, as it can be done as an after work activity. A fun challenge is to try and reach the peak in under an hour!

The trail begins across highway 66 from the Elbow Falls parking lot. The path immediately starts on a steep uphill, giving you no time to warm up to it. Don’t worry, as killer on the legs it is, this initial slope grade lasts less than a half kilometer.

The slope grade then slightly eases up for the next 1.6km (313m of elevation) through the forest. As this is a well travelled path, be weary of exposed roots and rocks.

In true Prairie Mountain fashion, the final 1km push through the forest becomes steep again. This pathway can be extremely muddy and slippery, especially if there’s still snow on the ground. Proceed with caution, and use trees to your advantage!

Your effort will feel worth it when you reach the tree line. You will be rewarded with views of the surrounding grassy slopes, but you aren’t done yet! You still have another half kilometer to go.

The slope grade flattens for this final push, but after what you’ve just done this can still feel like a grind. Continuing to the summit is a true test of strength!

The peak of Prairie Mountain is marked by a flag, or a pile of rocks if no flag is present. There is tons of room for exploration up there! The peak can be extremely windy, so bring layers!

The grassy ground and open space provide ample room for a peak nap if the weather is permitting. This is also a popular peak for paragliding, so you might be able to watch a few brave souls take off while you’re recovering from the climb.

I highly recommend bringing poles for the descent, as the steep grade can be rough on your knees going down! Enjoy this hike. If you summit the peak in under an hour, bragging rights are definitely earned!