Prairie Mountain – January 14, 2007      

Mountain height:           2210 m
Elevation gain:              716 m 
Ascent time:                  1:35
Descent time:                0:40

Solo hike.

Diminutive and “very” front range Prairie Mountain would appear to be an unusual choice of objectives on a potentially perfect weather day. However, I wanted to be back in Calgary by noon and since the feeling in one of my toes had still not returned, after our brutally cold ascent of Bow Peak two weeks ago, I didn’t want to risk further damage and therefore needed something short and easy. Linda Breton had mentioned she had ascended Prairie Mountain recently so I set off to do the same.

The ascent was very easy and although the majority of time was spent in the trees, the recent snow and clear sky did enhance the scenery. A five-minute summit stay, taking in a very respectable summit view was followed by a wonderfully easy and fast descent. The gentle grade of the trail allowed gravity to do all the work. Not the most memorable day out, but a good, quick workout with decent scenery – a good candidate for a winter ascent.

Prairie Mountain from about one third of the way up

Mount Fullerton peaks through the trees

Snow covered trees and a clear sky

Mount Remus (left) and Romulus (right), with Nihahi Ridge in front

The final section of the ascent

Remus, Romulus, Fullerton, and Fisher Peak

Multiple sets of tracks attest to the popularity of the ascent

Banded Peak (left), Outlaw, and Glasgow

Mount Bryant

Elbow Falls

Same as above

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