If you're on the hunt for a first big summit to conquer with a baby, Yates Mountain is a fantastic option. Yates Mountain can be accessed from the Kananaski Country's, Barrier Lake, about an hour's drive away from Calgary, Alberta. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous, with a rocky beach area that's easily accessible for activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Moreover, the surrounding trails offer a multi-level challenge experience for those who wanna sweat.

Yates Mountain Hike

Sylas's daddy and I teamed up to do the Yates Mountain hike in it's entirety. Had I attempted it as a solo parent, I would have highly considered turning back at first point of interest, Prairie View lookout. The majority of your elevation gain comes from the last 1/3 of the hike (from the vantage point of Barrier Lake to Yates Mountain summit). The terrain gets more technical and steep, and would be considered moderate - hard (based on your fitness level).

Summary of Yates Mountain Hike

• PERMITS: Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, available for purchase online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre. Day-use permits cost $15, while an annual pass for three vehicles at the same address costs $90.
• DISTANCE: The hike spans approximately 13 km (8.08 miles) round trip, with an elevation gain of 650 m (2133 feet).
• DIFFICULTY: Rated as a moderate hike, it typically takes 3 to 4.5 hours for the return journey, with an additional 1 to 1.5 hours if returning via Jewell Pass. You can choose to take your time and enjoy the scenery, or turn up the pace and use it as a trail run.
• ATTRACTIONS: A vantage point of Barrier Lake (easiest option), Prairie View Lookout (most popular), and the tippy top, the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout, or the summit of Yates Mountain (less frequented).
• PARKING: Parking is at Barrier Lake day use area, around 9 km south on Highway 40 (Stoney Nakota Casino exit).
• SERVICES: Washrooms, picnic tables. Out of cell phone service area. If, like us, you often run off caffeine to fuel your adventures — restrooms are available in the parking lot. Be warned, like all the Alberta Parks washrooms, the toilet paper is one-ply and requires patience and finesse to whittle enough together for wipage!
• FAMILY/DOG FRIENDLY: Kid-friendly terrain, and on-leash dogs are allowed. If you’re planning to lug your toddler on the barrier lake hike, try to convince someone to tag along for the adventure and share weight of your heavy, wiggly backpack!
• PLANNING: Prior to setting off, download a trail map and check the trail reports for the Yates Mountain hike.
• ALL SEASONS: In winter, carry microspikes and hiking poles to navigate icy, steep sections. Hiking in bear country always requires easy access to bear spray, even in winter.

Starting Yates Mountain Hike

The Yates Mountain hike via the Prairie View Trail is an excellent choice for those seeking a relatively easy climb with stunning rewards. Your journey begins at the Barrier Lake dam parking lot, also known as the Barrier Lake Trail Day Use area. Initially, you’ll follow a gated road across the dam, which soon transitions into a mountain trail.

First Point of Interest: Barrier Lake Views

While the first section of the trail follows an old road through the forest, making it spacious and ideal for group hikes, the real beauty begins as the road morphs into a trail. This segment is perfect for trail running in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter, thanks to its moderate incline.

The elevation gain mostly comes in the form of switchbacks, gradually guiding you to a breathtaking lookout point overlooking the magnificent Barrier Lake. As you ascend, you'll experience a sense of anticipation, culminating in a final push of approximately 100 meters to reach this stunning vantage point.

Upon arriving at the Barrier Lake lookout, expect a bustling atmosphere, as many hikers make this their ultimate destination. However, if you're ready for a greater challenge, the journey doesn't have to conclude at Barrier Lake lookout.

Prairie View Hike

To access the next point of interest, Prairie View lookout, you continue onwards and upwards. You can actually see it from Barrier Lake lookout.

Continuing on the Prairie View hike, you will notice that the terrain begins to get steeper and the terrain becomes more challenging. This isn't considered a scramble but there are some larger rocks and step ups.

Prairie View lookout is a little intimidating if you are a newbie to hiking. There are sheer dropoffs that are spooky! Know your comfort level and be safe.

I love the views from Prairie View lookout! It is a beautiful spot to give yourself a minute for a few deep breathes.

Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail

Continuing on to Yates Mountain, you will pass a sign that says "no trail maintenance from this point". The trail is moderately challenging but very short-lived. Along the ridgeline, you will be rewarded with different views including the Seebe intersection off the Trans Canada Hwy, Chilver Lake, and flat-faced Yamnuska on the range to your left.

It will be very obvious when you reach top Yates Mountain. You will see the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout, operated by Alberta Parks.

To get on top of the rock pile, you need to get Shayne's permission as it's inside Parks restricted area. We lucked out and he invited us inside to commemorate Sylas's first summit!

There are a few picnic tables up here and lots of rocks for toddlers to play with. We hung out for about 30 minutes before packing everything back into our bags and began our journey back down.

Once everyone fuels up, you'll start your journey back down the trail. If you have knee or hip issues, the ascent is where you'll feel it most. Poles definitely help to take some the weight off the quads, especially when you are carrying a 40 pound backpack.

Top Tips for Preparing for your First Summit

Here are my top tips to help you make the most of your first summit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains:

• Choose the Right Trail: When selecting a trail, consider the length, difficulty, and elevation gain, as well as the availability of facilities such as bathrooms and water stations. It's a good idea to start with shorter, easier trails and gradually work your way up to more challenging routes.
• Safety First: Have a GPS app for your phone, like AllTrails+. Download the hike maps before you get out of service. Always send your list of hiking choices to someone else and let them know approximately what time you anticipate being back home.
• Know your Capabilities: Hiking with a baby can be physically demanding, so it's important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. If you feel tired or uncomfortable, it's okay to turn back or take a shorter route.
• Pack Smart: Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, and other essential supplies, as well as extra layers. A carrier or backpack is essential for family hikes.
• Extras in the Vehicle: We usually need more water once we get back to the vehicle. Electrolyte drinks and salty plain chips are my favourite drive home snack. Clean socks and shoes, or sandals are amazing to have.
• Be Mindful and Observant: Keep a close eye on your baby at all times and stay aware. You may come across hazards such as loose rocks or slippery surfaces. Use micro-spikes and poles during winter family hikes.
• Plan for Breaks: It's important to take breaks along the way to rest, and hydrate and feed yourself and your baby. Take a real, deeeeeeeep breath and take it all in!
• Respect, Appreciate and Leave NO Trace: How lucky are we to be able to do any of these world-class first summits?! Avoid going off trail and disturbing plants and wildlife and pack out all your trash. Show your gratitude to those who have taken care of our Earth since immemorial.

Items to consider packing for the Yates Mountain hike:

• Baby carrier or backpack: Choose a carrier with a sturdy frame, padded shoulder straps, and a comfortable, secure fit for your baby. Consider the age and size of your child, as well as their mobility, when selecting a carrier. We used a Konny carrier up until Sylas was about 6 months and was easily contained -- he napped so great snuggled into his mama! Now, he is a tank, so we have upsized to a MEC Shuttlecraft back carrier. This carrier comes with a sun visor which I take on and off depending on the weather.
• Great footwear: Salomon speedcross is my footwear of choice. I love to trail run so when I hike, I like having that freedom. I wear a thicker, higher sock to help protect the ankles from scree shots.
• Extra layers: Pack a few extra layers, such as a rain jacket, buffs, and a puffy jacket, in case of weather changes. I choose to carry my partners North Face rain jacket during our first hikes so that I could enclose the baby within the jacket. Winter hiking, I used a Konny Winter cover outside of the carrier to keep him toasty warm.
• Diapers, wet wipes, and extra clothes: Pack 1-2 diapers, wet wipes, and a layer of warm clothes for your baby in case of any weather changes, accidents, or spills. Keep a milk rag attached to the outside of your bag to wipe the boggers and drool off your baby's face, especially as you get into higher and windier elevation.
• Sunscreen, hats & bug spray: Protect your baby's sensitive skin with sunscreen and a hat, if they'll keep it on their head. We sunscreen up and use bug spray (if needed) before leaving our vehicle. I have a small one that I carry in my backpack for rub spots.
• Bear spray ALWAYS: It's always a good idea to have bear spray on hand in case of any encounters with wildlife. Keep it accessible and within reach. I've had a few close encounters -- fortunately, I have never had to deploy the bear spray but have had it in my hand while backing out of the situation.
• Hiking poles: I personally don't usually use hiking poles when hiking solo. BUT, with a 40-pound, wiggly backpack strapped on, it definitely helps to have them -- they really take a lot of the weight off your hammies and quads.
• Lip balm, blister pack, and first aid kit: Keep your lips moisturized, your feet blister-free, and be prepared for any minor injuries with a small first aid kit -- minimally, carry a triangle bandage and bandaids.
• Knife and lighter: These can be useful for emergency situations or making small repairs.