Hiking - Prairie Mountain

The Garmin died halfway down

Approx 7km return           685m elev gain     4.5 hrs (loads of sitting at the summit)    

We decided to add a hike in on Friday afternoon so I looked for something close to home - Prairie Mtn is only a 45 min drive from Cranston.  Passing Bragg Creek on route 66 continue to just past Elbow Falls and pull in at Beaver Lodge (left).  From there cross the highway and head back the way you drove in, cross Prairie Creek then take the first left you see that heads straight up.  It seems there's a few options as we went up one way and came out in another spot.  Up = good.

We hiked in 31° heat so it was a little toasty.  The first part of the trail is lovely then there's a lot of gain over the last 2k.  Most of it looks similar to this:

We stopped when the views opened up to enjoy everything.  There was absolutely no rushing.

After more climbing we left the trees behind and started ascending a lovely open ridge.

The flag marks the summit and the world just opens up.  We have all the mountains!

 

Kev, looking across a ridge at Moose Mountain.

 There are many adventures waiting to be had in the distance, on another day.

 The summit was warm, deserted and absolutely stunning.  The best part of hiking is the silence where you stop everything and recharge on nature.  I like to stay out there as long as possible indulging in mountain therapy.