DeirdreYates Mountain in Kananaskis is a great destination for hikers of all levels. The Prairie View Trail is the most popular route to the summit, offering stunning views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding area. This moderate hike will take you through a variety of terrain, from the lakeshore to forests, and will reward you with breathtaking views from the summit.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your hike to Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail.
Prairie Trail Information
- Distance: 12km
- Elevation: 650m
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Facilities: Washrooms at parking lot
Conservation Park Pass
As of 2021, a park pass must be obtained to park in Kananaskis and Bow Valley. This area covers the Barrier Lake and surrounding areas. Daily passes cost $15 CAD per vehicle and help with the preservation of the parks. Alternatively, a yearly pass can be purchased for $90 CAD and includes 2 vehicles.
They can be purchased online, by phone (Alberta Parks Contact Centre at 1-877-537-2757) or in person at various locations including the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge.
The first Wednesday of every month is free and known as Wilderness Wednesdays. Other free days include public holidays like Christmas, Parks Day (3rd Saturday of July) and Family Day (3rd Monday of February).
Purchase your park pass here
Best Time to Hike Yates Mountain
Hiking in Kananaskis is best enjoyed during the summer months of June to September when the trails and summits are clear of snow. Temperatures can range in the 20s and 30s and water activities around Barrier Lake are also fully operational.
While this trail can be accessed year-round, deep snow and steep conditions can make it unfavourable.
I visited Barrier Lake in mid May. Calgary and the surrounding area were under a smoke warning, but luckily it cleared the day I hiked, allowing for unobstructed views of the mountains and valleys.
Wildfires in Alberta and neighboring British Colombia have been an ongoing concern over the last few years. These wildfires typically occur in late July and August when conditions are at their driest. However, 2023 has been a very dry year, causing the smoke season to occur as early as May.
These are things to consider before heading to Kananaskis, as some areas may be closed for safety concerns. Smoke not only obstruct beautiful views but also reeks havoc to the air quality, making it dangerous and uncomfortable to hike in.
How to Reach the Trailhead
The trailhead is located at Barrier Lake in Kananaskis County. This man-made lake is a very popular area to hike, cross country ski and partake in water activities.
Public transit does not reach the far corners of Kananaskis, so having a car is essential for visiting this area. Click here for car rentals.
From Calgary, head west on Trans Canada Hwy until you reach the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino. Take exit 40 and proceed down this road for 9km until you reach the turn off for Barrier Dam. Parking and washrooms are available in this area.
An additional parking area is located 2.5km along Hwy 40. This parking lot is mainly used for water activities, including canoes and kayaks, as well as the Barrier Lake Lookout hiking trail.
Directions from Calgary can be found here
Directions from Canmore can be found here
Prairie View Trail begins from the parking lot, on the northeast side of the lake.
Trail Overview: Barrier Lake
The hike begins walking along the permitter of the northeast side of Barrier Lake. This 1km gravel road passes by TransAlta and proceeds up into the forest.
The trail through the forest is quite easy and gains elevation over a slow pace. As you reach 3km, the path will gain more elevation as it climbs up the forests through a series of switchbacks. The terrain will become slightly rockier as you proceed up.
The Viewpoints
The first viewpoint is located around the 5km mark. There will be a small break along the forested trail, opening to a flat viewing area. This provides a glimpse of the mountains and lake below.
Back into the forest, the trail will continue to climb. Before reaching the second viewpoint (and arguably one of the best ones), the path becomes very steep for a short distance. It can be a little tricky navigating on the correct path, as the roots and rocks are jagged and often push hikers off to safer routes, which are off trail.
Continue to climb straight up, towards the rocky outcrop viewpoint. The views are worth the short rocky climb.
If you wanted to skip the summit or extend your hike, head west along the Jewel Pass Trail. This trail continues to walk through the thick forest, before ending at the northwest corner of the Lake. There is a footpath that walks along the water’s edge, before reconnecting with the original trail.
Yates Mountain Summit (Barrier Lake Fire Lookout)
Continuing to the summit, head back into the forest from the outcrop and follow the rocky trail for another 1km. Just before the summit and helicopter pad, there is a smaller viewpoint and picnic table to enjoy some lunch.
The summit houses a small fire lookout station. This lookout is manned during April to October and are typically off limits to the public, as this is a private residence for staff.
The west viewpoint is restricted to hikers, although on some occasions, the staff will allow few people to venture to these points. However, this is not to be an expected standard on the summit. Outside of these months, the area is free to explore.
I was fortunate to hike during a quiet time and was allowed access to these restricted areas. On a clear, smoke free day, the views of the below can extend for miles.
On the return, head back the way you came, or extend your hike via the Jewel Pass.
Those views are seriously incredible. Thank god bc I always need something to motivate me. Once I reach the halfway point, I get a little cranky hehe
The views are so nice. I would love to spend time on this trail and connect with nature. Thanks for sharing this post
I love hiking in the UK but we don’t have any that feature lakes this blue. The mix of forest and lake views make it perfect. If only I lived nearer!!
i love a hike with a good view and these are really quite breathtaking!
Beautiful! The water is SO blue!
This looks like such a gorgeous hike. That lake water looks unreal!!