PRAIRIE BLUFF (north face route) 2258 m 
 
Rating Easy
Round trip time 2.5-3.5 hours
Elevation gain 550 m
Maps 82 G/8 Beaver Mines

The shortest and easiest route to the summit, yet as scenic as the other routes. Clear skies and late day ascents are recommended for maximum appreciation of the rock scenery. For a full day, multi-peak baggers could complete this route after ascending Victoria Peak, Mount Gladstone, or another close by objective.
 
From Pincher Creek head south towards Waterton. About 20 km south of the south end of town, turn right (west) onto the Shell Waterton Complex road (Twp. Rd. 4-3A; the sign is on the east side of the road). Follow the road for about 9 km, past the complex, and turn left at the Forest Reserve sign onto Twp. Rd. 4-3. Drive 5.3 km to the gas plant, turning right just before it. Follow this road for 6.2 km and then turn left onto an unsigned road. Turn left again 0.2 km later and park in the open area.
 
From the parking area, the route is obvious (see photo). Cross the creek (sometimes dry) and follow it for a few hundred metres. Turn left and up lightly forested terrain, soon reaching the open slopes of the ascent face.    
 
Head directly up to the prominent rock band above. This rock band is covered in various vibrant colours of lichens and is a real treat to explore. There are several easy routes up and through the rock band or more moderate ones – take your pick.
 
Above, continue up to the next highpoint, where sits an equally interesting red argillite rock band and then turn left and hike easily to the summit.

Return the same way. If you want some variety, it is possible to descend the bowl west of the ascent route as an alternate descent route.  




S summit. LCR lichen covered rock band

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