The Yates Mountain hike in Kananaskis, also referred to as the Barrier Lake Hearth Lookout hike, may be an over-the-top busy hike on a sunny weekend from Could by means of October. However in case you decide a weekday or do the Yates Mountain hike in winter, it’s possible you’ll get pleasure from a little bit of solitude. The hike, which switchbacks up an previous forestry street for about 5 kilometres, gained’t wow you till you escape of the bushes. However then magic occurs, and also you’re met with a panoramic view of Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy. And it will get higher in case you’re ready to hike steeply to the summit of Yates Mountain. There you’ll see the working Barrier Lake Hearth Lookout along with a fowl’s eye view of Mount Yamnuska and the peaks lining the Trans-Canada Freeway as you look west in direction of Canmore.
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Yates Mountain hike abstract
- You’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Go to hike Yates Mountain. Buy on-line or on the Kananaskis Customer Data Centre situated alongside Freeway 40 as you drive south in direction of Barrier Lake. Passes are $15 for a day-use allow or $90 for a 12 months, good for 2 autos on the similar handle.
- It’s roughly a 12.5 km or 7.8 mile out and again hike with an elevation acquire of about 550 m or 1,804 toes.
- From the Prairie View Lookout it’s a brief, steep 0.7 km one-way hike with 125 m (410 toes) of elevation acquire to achieve the Barrier Lake Hearth Lookout.
- Yates Mountains tops out at 1,996 m or 6,549 toes.
- I’d price this as a average hike.
- Enable 3 – 4.5 hours for the return up and again hike to Yates Mountain. Add one other 1 – 1.5 hours in case you return by way of Jewell Go, as a substitute of the way in which you got here up.
- Canine are permitted on a leash. On scorching days, you should definitely take a number of water for them.
- Examine the path stories earlier than you go for the Prairie View Path.
- You’ll be mountain climbing in bear nation so don’t overlook the bear spray and ensure it’s simple to entry.
- In winter, carry microspikes and mountain climbing poles in case you run into icy sections.
- The map for this hike is Gem Trek Canmore and Kananaskis Village.
Yates Mountain hike trailhead location
You may see the road of vehicles pulled over alongside Freeway 40 earlier than you see the street turning into the Barrier Lake parking zone. The street to the parking zone is about 9 km south of the Trans-Canada Freeway-Freeway 40 intersection and simply 2.2 km south of the Kananaskis Customer Data Centre. Should you haven’t bought your Kananaskis Conservation Go, cease in on the Customer Centre (clear washrooms, operating water, and educated workers too) and purchase one or threat a major high quality.
There’s a map of the hike (take a photograph so you could have a simple reference) and extra washrooms on the parking zone.
Yates Mountain by way of Prairie View Path description
The beginning of the Yates Mountain hike shouldn’t be spectacular. From the parking zone head for the Barrier Dam – having fun with fairly Barrier Lake and mountain views to the west. This part of the hike is usually windy so bundle up if its winter. At 1.1 km cross a motorbike path operating northeast – southwest however proceed straight for an additional 0.5 km. You’ll attain an intersection right here beneath the ability strains with a location map. Take the left fork onto the Prairie View Path. Begin gaining elevation as you switchback up by means of the forest. Chances are you’ll be sharing the path with mountain bikers, so be able to shortly step apart – even in winter.
After climbing for two.0 km, you’ll make a tough left and begin mountain climbing alongside McConnell Ridge. It’s steep, then flatter as you attain a gap within the bushes – after which very steep as you climb up a slim path by means of the rocks. There are some huge steps right here however no publicity and there are many bushes to carry onto. Come out on flat floor and head left for very good views of Barrier Lake and Baldy Mountain. The Prairie View Lookout is a well-liked place to cease and have lunch.
Prairie View Lookout to the summit of Yates Mountain
From the perspective search for the signal that claims unmaintained path. Comply with it by means of the bushes, and switch proper in a matter of metres to select up the path to Yates Mountain. It might be brief, however it’s steep. I believe it’s in all probability a better winter hike as a result of it’s smooth underfoot and also you don’t have to fret about twisting an ankle on a rock. We didn’t see any flagging tape – merely the path which was simple to observe in winter.
There are some stellar views alongside the sting on the way in which up. The truth is, it was attention-grabbing to look down at so many little lakes. On the ultimate strategy you’ll see a helicopter touchdown pad after which the Barrier Lake Hearth Lookout – which is a residence in the summertime so you should definitely respect the privateness of the human smoke detector.
There’s additionally an indication beneath the lookout that factors you within the course of a path that’s properly value doing. Take it for a 100 m or so to achieve one other nice lookout – this time of the Bow River Valley trying west in direction of Canmore.
The Barrier Lake Hearth Lookout
If the place to look you possibly can see the Barrier Lake Hearth Lookout from Scott Lake Hill nearly so far as Canmore from the Trans- Canada Freeway. Preserve an eye fixed out for it subsequent time you do the drive.
There are a few picnic tables for the usage of hikers beneath the hearth lookout however the outhouse on the summit is out of bounds to the general public.
The placement of the present lookout known as “Tokyapebi ipa“in Stoney, which means lookout level for Blackfeet. I’m certain there’s a lengthy historical past to this lookout!
Our lunch spot
We continued to the perspective about 100 m west of the signal and had the rocks to ourselves. I’d suggest this minor addition to the hike because the views are very good.
The descent from Yates Mountain
Retrace your steps down the mountain to return to the Prairie View Lookout Path. From there you possibly can proceed all the way down to the parking zone (which is what most individuals do) or proceed west on the Prairie View – Jewell Go path combo – which I’d extremely suggest. Nonetheless, I haven’t completed it in winter, so that you’ll need to make a judgement name on whether or not it’s protected to hike when there’s a number of snow. Definitely, it’s an excellent loop to do in summer time and fall.
The place to remain close to the Yates Mountain hike
There’s a number of car-camping in Kananaskis -and there’s a shocking quantity that’s first come, first served.
Advisable studying: A Full Information to Tenting in Kananaskis
In order for you a roof over your head, the Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is close by as is an upscale resort – the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Village.
All in favour of extra mountain climbing in Kananaskis??
A few of the close by hikes I’ve completely loved
Off the Smith Dorrien Highway (nonetheless in Kananaskis) there are extra wonderful hikes
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