Quaite Valley Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

When heading east from Canmore, pass the Lac Des Arcs overpass and start your trip odometer. In 2.9 km you'll often see cars parked on the grass to the side of the road and a gravel/fire road leading into the woods; this is the Quaite Valley trailhead. Park and hike up this trail.

It's pretty straightforward; the first major landmark will be the walk-in campground. Pass the open field and stay on the main right-trending trail.

Continue up for a total of 300 vertical metres and 5 kms from the parking area to a signed 3-way trail junction. This is the Quaite Valley / Jewell Pass / Prairie View Trail junction. You've arrived at the end of the Quaite Valley Trail.

Several options exist at this point:

1) Turn left and follow the Prairie View Trail up challenging rooty terrain for approximately 460 metres, watching for another left hand turn onto Razor's Edge for a very hairy descent.

2) For a fun out-and-back and lesser difficulty level, go straight down a fun intermediate/difficult fast descent of Jewell Pass to Barrier Lake, then turn around and climb back up to the 3-way junction.

3) For a much longer outing, go straight down the Jewell Pass route to Barrier Lake and watch for the Stoney Trail junction as described in the Prairie View - Jewell Pass Loop description. Follow the rest of the Prairie View - Jewell Pass Loop description; this will take you on a long hike back up and around the mountain to get back to the 3-way junction.