"This was my biggest challenge to date, ride in was very rough, after about 5k in the rest was a hike and climb. Did the whole trip solo and made it to the top of my first mountain. Damn proud of myself!" — jrommens • Aug 24, 2024

"The trail was busy up to the Barrier fire lookout. We post-holed about 10% of the time following an older trail along the ridge to McConnell Ridge peak, which hasn’t seen much recent traffic. " — ivo • Apr 16, 2023

"North scramble route up Yates Mountain. The short bit of scrambling near the top was a welcome change from steep hiking through the forest. My route up McConnell point was a rocky ridge above the highway. It was a nice option to scramble up small cliff bands rather then using the other hiking trails." — Randy • Jun 23, 2020

"went backpacking in Quaite Valey campground friday night, parking at Barrier Lake. Given rain, we postponed our plan of hiking Engagement Mtn Friday night. Instead, got up Saturday and had breakfast on the summit of EM. We returned to camp, packed up, and took the backpacks for a walk. we first headed to the Fire lookout via Prairie View. we dropped our packs where prairie view hits McConnel ridge, to lighten the load to the lookout. After returning to our packs, we had lunch, and headed down via McConnell Ridge. Wasnèt sure which of the three Bumps was considered the summit, so we did all three of them. Then there wasn't really a trail. We headed downn the gully, avoiding a few cliff. bands. Instead of heading for the ridge, we staid at the base of the ridge, and found some descent scree to descend quickly. Had we known the first bump was the summit, we would have likely turned around, as the rest is not really worth it IMO (certainly not with an overnight backpack). On the return, we followed the lakeshore given there were three grizzlies on the trail." — apfelstrudel • Jun 6, 2020

"Took my 2yo son up Yates Mtn/Barrier Lake Fire Lookout for his very first mountain summit. Morning was cold and blustery and we were greeted by parks people warning of an encounter with a bear and cubs by an earlier hiker. On the way up I realised how heavy my son has become since last year and how much more out of shape I am. Had some incredible views of Baldy and Barrier Lake. Made it to the Fire Lookout and chatted to the attendant there. by then the sun had warmed up the air, and the boy was able to run around on the helicopter landing pad much to his delight and we stayed for 1hr. Definitely one of the most memorable hikes for me in a long time, mainly due to the company. Tons of people and families on this hike, given its proximity to calgary and gentle slopes. But that was ok given my situation. Also encountered a mermaid photoshoot on the lake on return...that was odd. " — MarkJPerkins • Sep 10, 2018

"This is a great year round hike. Unfortunately I lost all the original picture files for this trip and the ones I salvaged from facebook are too small to upload here :(. Despite its low elevation this is a wonderful hike. " — Slogenstein • Dec 17, 2017

"Started from Stoney trail 1X trail head into the Rafter 6 Ranch trail system up the north east ridge. Trail numbers 22 to 2 then joins the prairie view trail to lookout. Returned prairie view trail to stony trail then around back to the 22 junction near camp hector. The Rafter 6 Ranch trails are many and could be confusing plus you skirt along camp hector boundary which is no trespassing." — Randy • Oct 31, 2015

"Forecast was calling for a bit of new snow late in the day. When we got to the parking lot, there was at least 4" of new snow there. More fell throughout the day off and on. Very little wind and only a hint of sun shine. Older snow pack and drifts near the summit, totaling more than knee deep. Just below freezing most of the day.. quite comfortable. Kati, Myself and many others on the trail. Elevation gain 610m, YTD 6406m." — MtnJohn • Feb 17, 2013

"A much nicer day on the mountain than in the city. The city was very foggy and about -5c, a gloomy sort of day. At the parking lot, very little wind and +8c with mostly sunny sky that continued all the way up. A bit of cloud at the summit and some wind when we came down, but still at least +8c. Much more snow in the city as well. Randy and Myself, not a busy trail. Elevation gain for the day 667m, YTD elevation gain 61251m." — MtnJohn • Nov 3, 2012

"A quick trip for Randy's training. Pushed hard most of the way up, passed lots of groups, no one passed us. Temperature around +15 most of the day, wind about 40k and lots of sun. 1h25m to go up and an easy 1h15m down. Elevation gain for the trip 610m, YTD elevation gain 45605m." — MtnJohn • Sep 2, 2012