Jewel Pass/Prarie Creek

Closest Major City: Canmore

Distance: 16.00 miles (25.74 KM)

Description:
Start at Heart Creek Trail at Lac Des Arcs accessed from Highway 1(Transcanada). Head east on rolling single track until you come to a gravel road, go right and climb (moderately) to the Quate Valley campground. Continue through the campground(watch for bears) and start some steep dual track/old road climbing for about 30 min. You will come to a fork in the trail, stay right(jewel pass) left is prairie creek. The trail starts to rock here! Ride the single track for about 30 min. until you come to a dirt road at Barrier Lake, go left , the road runs along the lake, stay on the high road, until you come to a split/intersection. Stay left and start climbing up the switchback road, it is about a 45 min climb with a bike/hike near the end. You will have to shoulder your bike and climb up through some rock s to the summit( it well worth it ). Now the fun begins, follow the trail back into the woods where a technical fast downhill starts. At the very least I hope you have V brakes as your hands will start to cramp from all the braking. The single track exits at the junction of jewel pass. Follow your route back from here.

Directions to the trail:
1 hour west of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway. Exit at the Lac Des Arcs turnoff and park at the Heartcreek Parking lot.