Prairie Mountain Hike Alberta Kananaskis Country.

Prairie Mountain is located 35 minutes west of the City of Calgary across the highway from Elbow Falls. Elevation gain to the summit is approximately 701 Meters. Allow 3 hours for a return trip. The trailhead is located beside Prairie Creek directly across the highway from Elbow Falls. You can park on the north side of the highway just past the Elbow Falls parking lot entrance. The trail winds it's way up through a lodgepole Pine and Spruce forest opening onto a beautiful mountain meadow that leads to the summit. Views of Moose Mountain, Mount Glasgow, Mount Cornwall, Outlaw Peak and Banded Peak are stunning. The summit also offers a classic transitional view of prairies to mountains with the city of Calgary visible on the eastern horizon. You can also see the entrance to Moose Mountain Ice Cave when looking down towards the north valley and Moose Mountain. Don't try to descend the north east valley towards Moose Mountain, there is a surrounding cliff band near the bottom. Prairie Mountain is a perfect year round hike for keeping your summer legs in shape. Due to it's close proximity to Calgary, the trail can be crowded and is heavily used for exercise. Prairie Mountain can be compared to Vancouver's Grouse (Grind) Mountain which seems to have more of a workout feeling then a nature getaway. Goose Berry campground, Little Elbow, Beaver Flat campground, Paddy's Flat campground, Moose Mountain, Moose Mountain Ice Cave, Nihahi Ridge, Powder Face Trail, Elbow Loop and Forgetmenot Pond day use picnic area are located just west and east of here. A similar hike Forget Me Not Ridge is also located near here. You are in bear country.