Are you looking for a good workout near Calgary? The Prairie Mountain hike is a steep leg-burner close to Bragg Creek, with expansive Rocky Mountain views on a clear day. With many fantastic Kananaskis hikes to choose from, Prairie Mountain wouldn’t typically be my first choice in the summertime. That being said, the Prairie Mountain hike can be a terrific year-round option!
When we lived in Calgary, Bella the Berner and I took a trip to Prairie Mountain near the end of May. In the shoulder season, many Kananaskis hikes have avalanche risk as the deep mountain snows melt away. The Prairie Mountain hike offers the perfect shoulder-season or winter day trip, depending on weather conditions, of course. When we visited, there were a few leftover snow patches but overall the conditions were excellent. I’m pretty sure Bella thought so, too!
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Table of Contents
About Prairie Mountain Hike
Location: Kananaskis Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ), near Bragg Creek, Alberta
Distance: 7.5 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate, with steep sections
Elevation: 670 metre elevation gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash
Features: The Prairie Mountain hike is a steady and steep incline through the dense forested trail, followed by gradual hiking up to the summit. When the skies are clear, hikers will find expansive views over the rolling foothills of Kananaskis Country. This short but challenging trek is accessible any time of the year, offering an escape from the bustling Calgary city life.
Note: Prairie Mountain Trail received major upgrades in summer 2023, making steep sections of trail much more gradual. The beginning of Prairie Mountain Trail has changed significantly, but connects to the previous route up to the summit. Starting next to the Elbow Falls Day Use, follow the newly installed signs for Prairie Mountain — still a solid workout to the summit!
Prairie Mountain Trail Map
Finding the Prairie Mountain Trailhead
If you’re coming from Calgary, head west on the Trans Canada Hwy toward Banff and turn off onto Hwy 22 (Cowboy Trail). Enjoy the scenic drive south toward Bragg Creek, continuing past Bragg Creek toward the junction. Turn right on Hwy 66 and keep going toward Elbow Falls. Prairie Mountain Trailhead is just before the winter gate closure on the north side of the highway. You can park on the road shoulder or at Elbow Falls Day Use Area. There’s also another free parking area just beyond the winter gate on the south side of Hwy 66.
Read next: Ski Moose Loop on the West Bragg Creek Trails
Prairie Mountain Hike — Year-Round Hike in Kananaskis
Prairie Mountain is a moderately challenging and steep hiking trail. After tossing on my pack and harnessing Bella with her leash, we made our way up the loose gravel trail and into the pine and spruce forest. Dressed in layers on this cool spring morning, it wasn’t long before I shed my shell and continued in a base layer. You’ll warm up quickly on this one; Prairie Mountain demands a level of fitness and energy to reach the top. Hiking through the forest was very steep (and got the blood pumping!), but I hear the steepest section has been replaced with graded trails and shorter steep bursts.
Once above the treeline, turn right and continue north along the ridge on a less steep grade. Hiking poles were still useful here, though much more so on the downhill return. I enjoyed the relaxed hiking pace to the summit, with impressive mountain views on the way up. I found no signage and rugged trail conditions when I visited. At the summit, there was a large rock pile supporting a rapidly flapping Canadian flag (now there’s a much smaller cairn and flag). If the weather cooperates, the panoramic views of the foothills and snow-capped mountains will be a satisfying reward. You might even see the City of Calgary to the east and Moose Mountain and Powderface Ridge to the west. Prairie Mountain is a fairly popular hike and you’ll likely cross paths with other hikers all year round.
Read next: Mount Burke Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Know Before You Go
Parking: You will need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass (either a day pass or season pass) before heading out, and parking can be found at the Elbow Falls Day Use Area.
Toilets: Outhouses are available at the Elbow Falls Day Use Area.
Season: Prairie Mountain is a great year-round hiking option with no avalanche danger. I highly recommend hiking Prairie Mountain in the springtime. Check the local weather advisories and trail conditions before you go. For winter hiking, I always bring along Hillsound Trail Crampons.
Cell service: Kananaskis Country has unreliable cell service. Download an offline map and carry a Gem Trek Bragg Creek & Sheep Valley map. You also might want to consider bringing a satellite communications device for emergencies.
Safety: Always leave your trip plan with someone you trust. Share your hiking plan and expected return time, including what to do if you don’t return on time. Bring a small first aid kit with you to deal with minor injuries.
Wildlife: Kananaskis Country is prime bear habitat. Bring bear spray and know how to use it, and make noise (i.e. talk) while hiking to avoid surprising grizzly bears and other wildlife. Remember, always keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in, including garbage and organic waste (i.e. fruit peels). If you’re hiking with a dog, bring a smell-proof bag to pack out the poop. Show respect for the natural environment by keeping to designated trails.
Day Hike Essentials — Hiking in Kananaskis Country
Bring day hiking essentials to set yourself up for a safe and enjoyable hike. Wear sturdy hiking boots that offer enough support for those rocky and steep sections. Bring several layers, including a waterproof rain shell, to help keep you dry and warm, as weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. And of course, don’t forget to pack enough water, snacks, and even hiking poles for additional stability. I love these tasty high-energy chews for a quick burst of energy on the trail.
Even in the winter months, it’s a good idea to pack bear spray and know how to use it. After hiking with trail crampons, you’ll rarely find me without them on my winter hiking boots. Bring a lightweight first aid kit to treat any minor injuries, as you’re not close to emergency services. Packing a map and compass is always a good idea in the Rockies, especially if you somehow get turned around (through Prairie Mountain is fairly straightforward). If you’re bringing a doggo, make sure you have a leash and anything else your four-legged friend might need.
Read next: Galatea Lakes Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
More Kananaskis Hikes
Are you looking for more Kananaskis hiking trails? Check out these options:
- King Creek Ridge Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- South Lawson Peak in Kananaskis, Alberta
- The Chester Lake Hike in Winter Is Better Than Most
- Rawson Lake Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- The Edworthy Falls Hike in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country
- Galatea Lakes Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
- Tent Ridge Hike: One of the Best Hikes in Kananaskis
Have you hiked Prairie Mountain near Bragg Creek? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
