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Yates Mountain Hike in Kananaskis
- andrewsco3
- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
For a hike close to Calgary that still delivers big mountain views, Yates Mountain via the Prairie View Trail is hard to beat. The route is a moderate challenge that strong adventurous kids can handle and a solid choice for anyone tackling their first summit.
Yates Mountain is one of the first peaks you’ll come across when driving into Kananaskis from Highway 1, making it a great outing if you’re short on time but still want a good workout and epic views.
It’s a great hike as it caters to whatever kind of day you’re after, whether that’s a shorter outing or a full summit. Along the trail you’ll find several natural stopping points. You can stop at the Prairie View Lookout ridge for views over Barrier Lake, continue higher to a rocky cliff lookout, climb further to a ridge with sweeping views to the northeast, or push on to the fire lookout at the summit.
Another bonus is that Yates is one of the few mountains that can be summited in winter, so it’s a hike you can enjoy year-round.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the hike from start to finish, highlight the different options for turnaround points, and share plenty of photos so you know what to expect if you’re doing this hike with your family.
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Table of Contents:
Yates Mountain Hike in Kananaskis
Key Information
In a rush? Here's some key information about the hike at a glance.
Distance: Approximately 13 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 733 m according to my AllTrails app
Difficulty: Moderately challenging with a steady climb and a short, steep (ish) section near the summit
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Time Required: 4 to 6 hours depending on pace and breaks (it took us just under 5 hours)
Best Time to Go: Year-round. The trail is popular in every season. In winter it can be hiked but can be icy so microspikes are recommended.
Permits Required: Yes – a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep them leashed. Our dog Ellie (a golden retriever) had no real problems
Kid Friendly: Strong, experienced kids should be able to manage it. The final push to the summit has some steep sections but no significant exposure as long as you stay away from the edge. You can always turn around at the Prairie View Lookout with younger kids.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The Yates Mountain trailhead starts at the Barrier Lake day-use area in Bow Valley Provincial Park. It’s one of the most accessible hikes in Kananaskis, with the parking lot right off Highway 40, though that convenience comes at a cost as it can get very busy on weekends.
If you’re coming from Calgary, take Highway 1 west toward Banff and exit onto Highway 40 south toward Kananaskis. The Barrier Lake day-use area is about 10 minutes from the turnoff, and you’ll see clear signs for the parking area on your right. The drive takes roughly an hour from Calgary.
If you’re starting in Canmore or Banff, head east on Highway 1 and turn south onto Highway 40. You’ll reach the Barrier Lake day-use area in about 30 minutes.
The parking lot is large and paved, with washrooms available. The trail to Yates Mountain begins along the eastern shore of Barrier Lake, so you can't miss it.
Yates Mountain via Prairie View Map:
Key
Bench viewpoint
Prairie View Lookout
The Rocky Cliff Lookout
Yates Mountain Summit / Fire Lookout
The Prairie View Lookout
The trail to Yates Mountain begins along the edge of Barrier Lake where a wide service road follows the shoreline before turning off towards the trees. After a short climb you’ll come across a bench viewpoint that gives you a nice spot to look out over the lake below.
Just before you begin ascending the mountain, you’ll come to a junction where Stoney Trail meets Prairie View Trail. Make sure to take the Prairie View Trail at this point.
From here the trail begins to climb more steadily, winding up a series of switchbacks through the forest. The grade is consistent but manageable, and the path is wide and easy to follow. While this stretch isn’t especially scenic, the forested walk is pleasant enough.
There are a number of short cut trails that bypass some of the switchbacks, but they are steeper and not maintained, so I generally would recommend sticking to the main path.
After about 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, depending on your pace, you’ll arrive at a wide clearing where you finally realize what all the fuss is about. From this spot you’re treated to sweeping views of Barrier Lake with Mount Baldy rising behind it and the Kananaskis Valley stretching off into the distance.
If you have young kids, this makes a great turnaround point, or if you’re trying to squeeze in a quick outing after work or heading up during the winter. But if you still have some energy, it’s worth continuing on to the next viewpoint for an even higher perspective.
The Rocky Cliff Viewpoint
From the Prairie View Lookout you will notice a cliff rising above you. That is the next goal, which I am calling the 'rocky cliff' viewpoint. It is about 400 metres in distance with roughly 50 metres of elevation gain to reach it.
The trail up to the second viewpoint gets steeper than what you have tackled so far, and it also narrows in places, making it a bit trickier to navigate.
There is a short rocky stretch around the back of the cliff that our kids really enjoyed since it feels more adventurous than the forested path below. The terrain is more uneven and rocky here, though it is not technical.
At the top you are rewarded with a sweeping view similar to the Prairie View Lookout, but the higher vantage point makes the extra climb worthwhile.
Just be mindful that the cliff edge drops off steeply, so keep kids and pets close. This spot makes another good turnaround spot if you would prefer not to continue on to the fire lookout.
It's a great place to stop and have a picnic as there are lots of rocky areas you can sit on to enjoy the view.
The Barrier Lake Fire Lookout
If you want to continue on to the fire lookout, follow the path past the sign shown below. It is just under one kilometre to the top but does add around 130 metres of elevation gain.
The trail is fairly steep and there are a few spots where you will want to keep children close, but there is no real exposure and you do not need to go near the cliff edge.
Once you emerge from the trees, you are rewarded with stunning views looking northwest over the Bow Valley. On a clear day you can even see as far as Calgary in the distance.
After the final stretch of climbing, you will arrive at the fire lookout. It's important to note that the fire lookout is active and private property. You are not allowed to go past the “do not enter” signs, and the washroom is not accessible to the public.
The site includes a helipad which, technically, you are not supposed to climb on. However, the warden came out and told our girls they could play on it if they wanted to. Finding unique or challenging sections like this is one of our favourite ways to keep kids engaged on hikes.
Once you are done exploring, head back down the mountain the way you came. On a warm day, you can cool off in the lake as well!
Yates Mountain via Prairie View Hike - FAQ
Is the Hike Kid-Friendly?
Yes, but it is challenging, especially if you continue to the fire lookout. For reference, we had four kids with us aged 8 to 10, and all managed it without any major problems.
Is the Hike Dog-Friendly?
Yes. The trail is dog friendly, and our golden retriever made it to the top without any issues.
Can we Access the Fire Lookout?
No. The fire lookout is private property, and there are signs stating this. The warden came out to say hello and kindly let the kids stand on the helipad.
Are There Any Washrooms / Toilets?
There are washrooms at the Barrier Lake parking area, but none along the trail itself.
What Wildlife Might I Encounter on the Trail?
This is bear country, so always be prepared. Hike in groups, make noise, carry bear spray, and stay alert.
Can you Hike This Trail in Winter?
Yes. It’s possible to hike year-round, but winter conditions can be cold and icy. Dress for the weather and bring microspikes for traction.
What to Take With You
Good Hiking boots
Make sure the whole family has some good hiking boots, they are worth the money! While the path up to the Prairie View Lookout could definitely be done in comfortable running shoes, it does get more rocky and uneven if you continue on past that point.
Hiking poles
Hiking poles aren't really needed on this trail (especially up to the Prairie View Lookout) but some might find them useful.
Food and Water
Bring lots of water! We recently bought both of our kids Camelbaks so that they can drink on the go and it has been a game changer! Bring plenty of snacks and gummy treats!
First Aid Kit
I always suggest carrying a basic first aid kit, as on a recent hike we came across a hiker that was suffering from severe dehydration and even projectile vomited. Thankfully we met a nurse who had some electrolyte tablets but it was a timely reminder to be prepared for those in your group as well as fellow hikers.
Dress in Layers
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Dressing in layers lets you adjust to whatever comes your way
Bear spray
This trail is in bear country, so always carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it. Even on busy trails incidents can happen as a grizzly recently bluff charged two hikers at Troll Falls, one of the most popular hikes in Kananaskis. Stay alert and make noise as you hike.
More Adventures Nearby
Fancy Another Hike?
If you enjoyed this hike, why not try some of our other favourites in the area?
Troll Falls (one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Kananaskis)
The West Wind Pass (impressive views over Spray Lakes, and kid-friendly)
The McGillivray Creek Trail (leads to a large chockstone wedged between canyon walls
The Grotto Canyon (a great hike in both summer and winter)
The Jura Creek Hike (a fun canyon scramble in the summer and winter)
Canyon Creek Ice Cave (Involves a bike ride followed by a short scramble to the ice caves)
Ha Ling Peak (a challenging but rewarding first summit for kids)
Tent Ridge (a challenging ridge walk with some scramble sections)
Looking for a hotel?
If you are looking for accommodation, we recommend both of these hotels - they are on the higher end, but make for a really special stay:
MTN House by Basecamp (a spa is opening up in November 2025)
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (a luxury hotel in Kananaskis country which recently hosted the G7 Summit, includes an outdoor heated swimming pool and next to the Nordic Spa)
Calgary's Best Hotels for Every Budget (our guide to the best places to stay)
Things to do and Itinerary Planning
We’ve put together a detailed blog post and our most popular guide: a 2-week Canadian Rockies itinerary that covers Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton, which is packed with tips to help you plan an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies.
If your plans bring you into Calgary, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you make the most of your time there. Check out our guide to the 40 best things to do in Calgary, follow our 2-day Calgary itinerary for a well-rounded visit, or keep our list of the best indoor activities in Calgary handy for days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
As always, if you have any questions about the Yates Mountain hike in Kananaskis, feel free to ask away in the comments section!
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