Prairie Mountain - Bragg Creek Elbow Falls Area
A nice view from Highway 22/66 near Bragg Creek
A closer view of Prairie Mountain
Trailhead is just past the road closure barrier on highway 66 but before Prairie Creek
Take the trail up the hill not the one along Prairie Creek
H'mm there is a small cairn for the start of the trail provided somebody doesn't stumble over it and it gets demolished
A look at the steep trail at the start
Left fork is now closed with the new trail opened in September 2023. Some New pictures coming soon.
The left fork now closed. Some new pictures coming soon.
Terrain on the main ridge trail
More trail terrain
Trail as it starts to get steeper
And more steeper
Steep up to the first view point, one more steep section after this to tree line
Unfortunately the knarly tree viewpoint has been bypassed by the new trail further to the right. Quite disappointing for them to eliminate one of the best picture taking spots on the trail! Perhaps they can do a short side trail detour to the knarly tree and then back over to the main trail in the near future!
New trail is now further to the right. New picture coming soon. The second even steeper section to tree line
New trail is now further to the right. New picture coming soon. At last tree line is in sightAt last tree line is in sight
Finally above tree line, it's an easy stroll now
More of the ridge above tree line
Almost there see the summit pole?
A bit windy but an agreeable day
A stark juxtaposition?
Views to the South West
Views to the West
Views to the North West
Heading back down
Quirk Ridge to the South
Prairie Mountain - Bragg Creek Elbow Falls Area
- Scramble: Class 1 - Steep Hiking
- Altitude: 2,210 m (7,251 ft)
- Ascent Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: approx. 716 m (2,350 ft) 3 km one way 6 km return
- Best Season to Scramble: Early Spring to Late Fall, Possible Winter Ascent if snow pack low and not too windy, Road closed from December 1 to May 14 each year. With the new trail completed in September 2023 there are two official trail head starting points. The orginal one down by Prairie Creek and the new one directly across from the Elbow Falls parking lot. Both take you to the main trail above. Bring your micro-spikes in winter.
Highlights
This is a great early season conditioner. Trail has some fairly steep sections but views come quick and are great. Most people probably wouldn't mind doing this one again for the effort and great views. I know I will.
Getting There
Head out to Bragg Creek and onto highway 66 towards Elbow Falls. Around 19 km down highway 66 you will see the winter road closure gate for highway 66. Many park on the side of the road just past this gate. Just 100 yards ahead is the trailhead right beside the guardrail for the bridge over Prairie Creek. Some park farther back with a left hand turn into the "Elbow Falls Recreational Area" parking lot.
Route Description
The original and still active trailhead is right at the start of the guardrail for the bridge over Prairie Creek. Should be a cairned trail leading steeply up the bank provided no one has kicked down the cairn. Don’t go down to the creek and take the trail along Prairie Creek. The new second trailhead as at September 2023 is directly across from the Elbow Falls parking area. Both trails take you to a high point above the road and begin the main trail heading north. The new trail takes you to the standard first viewpoint. Some nice rock seats here. Then the trail heads right of the orginal trail bypassing the knarly tree and the steep climb section to treeline. It ascends steeply to the right of the original trail then does a left across the top near treeline to an opening with a nice viewpoint and more rock seats for a bit of a rest. So treeline is now a bit west by say 50-75 yards of the original treeline exit. Once above tree line the steepness becomes much less and you just follow the open grassy ridge to the summit hump.