Sandy McNabb – Long Prairie Ridge

There’s some easy fun to be had in the rolling foothills southwest of Calgary and out in the Sandy McNabb trail network. Come take in the nice views from Long Prairie Ridge, a long low bump, running east-west and super easy to access via the route described here. Most of the trails in the area are XC ski only in winter, but this one’s an exception and can be hiked even when snow’s on the ground.

In summer it and the others in the area are shared equestrian trails, so don’t be surprised if you round a corner and come face to face with a horse and rider. Or a cow and they free roam the area when the weather’s nice. To keep it interesting, we did this as a clockwise loop and left the best part (the ridge itself) for last. It could done as an out an back, but this routing added variety and helped extend the day.

Start the trek at the Sheep River Park Office, about eighteen kilometres west of Turner Valley along Highway #546. Look for the sign. The trail starts at the north end of the parking lot and at the start follows a fence line.

At the first junction, turn left on Long Prairie Loop and go left again soon after. The trail dropping down from the right comes in from Long Prairie Ridge and will be used on the return leg.

There’s maps at a number of points along the way, and trail markers to help you keep your bearings. Enter a big meadow, pass a fenced in compound (used for plant studies) and cross the highway. Be sure to look both ways as drilled into you when you were a kid. Bend left and keep close to the highway for a time and then transfer to a power line right of way.

Turn right soon after the Fence line Connector Trail (used by campers with horses to access the network), cross the highway again and enter the equestrian day use area. Pick your way between the horse trailers (and so many horse calling cards) and reconnect with a trail at the north end of the lot.

After about half a click join with Long Prairie Loop and turn left. Meet up with the Death Valley Trail, turn right and at the next junction, go left..if following our route to the letter that is. You could go right and soon (after climbing a bit) hit up the Long Prairie Ridge Trail if you want.

We had intended to use more of Long Prairie Loop to continue on, but passed an old section of decommissioned connector trail that had us reminiscing. We recalled hiking it long ago, back when we started these out-of-doors adventures long ago, but soon after the route was bypassed so that was our one and only time using it.

While we’ve passed this point many times in the ensuing years, we didn’t give it much notice till now, for what ever reason. For old times sake, let’s take it and connect up with the next leg of our trail. It’s a tree lined grassy path now, that climbs up gently, but we recall it in the early days as some kind of Everest level expedition. How one’s perception differs when just starting out and now it seems like nothing at all.

Still, there’s a little climbing to do but prior to this, the trail’s been pretty flat.

Top out and make your way to an obvious four way junction. A fallen log here becomes our lunch stop and rather that take the protein bar route that so many hikers seem to do, we always go gourmet-ish-on-the-cheap (as gourmet as it can get backpacking that is).

Some fine cheese, artisan bread and a little tapenade makes the hike all the more memorable. Then add in a little fermented grape juice to wash it down and it’s good day – cheers! Our breaks are always good and long.

Back on the trail. Head south on Death Valley and after dropping down a little bit, go left and transfer to the Prairie Ridge Trail. Now it gets interesting. Here along the broad ridge top, there’s a mix of woods and meadows and with that comes the first real views of the day.

To the south, it’s Mt Dyson, to its right Mt McNabb (or McNab on some maps – we got lost on it, once), then Green Mountain and further west Mt Hoffmann (Hoffman on some maps).

Still some distance away, it’s the barren peaks of the front ranges and they appear as though a big grey wall.

Directly west, Windy Point Ridge sticks out slightly above of Foran Grade and there’s plenty more big mountains in the back. Unseen from this angle, but down to the south and hidden in the trees, there’s the highway you came in on and the Sheep River.

The open ridge top rises and falls ever so slightly and at certain times of year it must be fields of flowers, but all we got was dandelions.

Coming to the trees, take one last look around. It’ll be the last.

Soon after start the descent (what little there is) and connect back up with Long Prairie Loop. There was a huge number of strawberry plants underfoot along here, but none were with fruit. Lots of flowers though, so a couple week hence and the berries would be out. But it is an horse trail (recall us mentioning cattle too) and interestingly that’s where strawberries seem to flourish best. Be sure to wash them before eating.

Hit the fence line, go right and soon after you’re back at Sheep Park’s HQ.

This is one of the easiest ridge walks around and it’s so lowly to barely qualify by name as one. All those meadows, however, means some remarkably good views can be be had, so it’s not only a cake walk, but easy to get to (if you live in Cowtown) and there’s some nice scenery to enjoy. Not bad and we had a great time, but of course we always do.

Know more (new tab): Sandy McNabb Trails.

They’re saying…

”…I sure enjoy reading about their travels” James Churchill.

Like this….
Miquelon Lake Park Big Loop.
Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop.
Jumpingpound Loop.

If you wish more information about this route or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: June, 2022.
Location: Sheep River area, Kananaskis AB.
Distance: 7km loop.
Height gain maximum: 120m.
Height gain cumulative: 150m-ish.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own) – the system is obviously flawed.
Technical stuff and notes: None.
Reference: Kananaskis Trail Guides by the Dafferns.

Luck in our future?

There’s maps along the way…

And trail markers…

The first half is quite easy going.

Trails are horse friendly.

Passing through the equestrian parking lot.

Blue skies on the Long Prairie Loop leg.

Left here…

The old Death Valley section (for nostalgia’s sake).

The lunch stop is always something special.

We’ll soon connect with Long Prairie Ridge.

This view…

And the reverse angle – Foran Grade & Windy Point Ridge behind.

Rolling hills and big peaks in back.

It’s a most pleasant outing.

Looking across at Mt McNabb.

Mt Dyson in the distance (left).

Last of the meadows.

In the trees now.

Lots of Strawberry plants, but no fruit.

Dropping down.

Riders ahead.

Minutes away from the end.

Going clockwise leaves the best for last.