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Barrier Lookout / McConnell Ridge Traverse

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 Views south from north end of McConnell Ridge.  Barrier Lake and Mt. Baldy center left

September 1, 2016

Popular all-season half-day trip close to Calgary leading to lookout structure and fine viewpoint of front ranges. View of Barrier Lake and Mt. Baldy from north end of ridge is one of the best in K-country.  You can lose crowds and spice-up things with off-trail traverse of entire McConnell ridge followed by steep scramble descent from south end.  Alternate less challenging option for loop hike is return via mostly forested Jewell pass trail, which is also popular with mountain bikers. 

Parking is at Barrier Dam day use area, 5-10 minutes south from Hwy 1 junction along Kananaskis Trail .  Cross the dam and follow signed Prairie View trail, keeping right at Stoney Trail junction;  this is where you will close the loop,  if you opt for ridge traverse or Jewell Pass descent. Fire road switchbacks through forest. There are several shortcuts - please avoid them and stay on trail to prevent erosion. Be on lookout for mountain bikers that sometimes come down this way in alarming speed!  Past the last switchback road ascends a bit steeply to clearing and fantastic viewpoint of Barrier Lake - about 1hr and 400m vertical from parking.  Even if not going any further, effort is more than justified!  Past the viewpoint road reverts to trail and ascends steeply to the north end of McConnell ridge above.  Last bit is through trees and can be quite awkward when icy, specially on descent.  Alternate and very pleasant option -- when dry -- is to scramble up a gully to the left past the switchback (class 2). This gully tops out next to Trans-Alta repeater station structure.

From north end of the ridge there are several options:

1. Continue up to Barrier Lake lookout perched on top of Yates mountain; ~15-20 min along moderately steep trail.  There are fine views on the north side towards Mt. Yamnuska. Helipad just before the lookout structure is excellent sun-tanning point.  Please refrain from stepping on the porch even if custodian is not there.  Good spot for lunch break can be found slightly down the west ridge, offering good views of front range mountains towards Canmore area. It is possible to trash down west ridge and connect with Quaite valley trail, then return via Jewell pass. Most people return the same way back to north end of McConnell ridge.


2. Follow eroded trail south to low point, then pick-up the trail descending to Jewell Pass. This return option is not overly scenic as most of hike back is under tree cover. Jewell pass itself is entirely forested. Upon arriving to the pass, turn left (east) and follow trail to south end of Barrier lake - passing pretty Jewell Falls along the way, then return back to Barrier Dam via Stoney Trail.


3. Traverse McConnell Ridge to south end high-point, then scramble down to Stoney Trail at south end of Barrier Lake

McConnell Ridge Traverse

From the point where Jewell Pass trail plunges into forest continue straight along McConnell Ridge. There is faint trail most of the way, but generally it is best to stay close to left side.  Forest is open and bushwhack is kept at minimum.  Although this ridge appears entirely forested when seen on descent from Yates mountain, there are several fine viewpoints on both sides.  It takes about 30-40 minutes to traverse to south end.  Large cairn at high-point testifies  this ridge sees some human traffic.  From the cairn walk briefly left to large clearing offering excellent viewpoint of Barrier lake, usually not seen from this angle. 

For return you can retrace your steps back to north end, then descend via Prairie View trail - the way you came up.  Alternatively it might be possible to trash down west slopes and connect with Jewell Pass trail.   Most direct option is to trash down on the east side.  This is fairly challenging and good route-finding skills are required.  Descend for a brief time only down the north side, then turn left and plunge down. Near the top slopes are very awkward and steep, but angle moderates further down.  Aim towards obvious side ridge to the left; you might have to dodge several short cliffs along the way. Follow this side ridge; it curls gently in south-east direction. When it steepens further down descend on the right side (left has cliffs!) aiming in general direction of Powerline / Stoney trail below.  There are some goat trails along the way. Final bit down the gully is moderate, but short bushwhack.  Finally you exit on Stoney Trail;  turn left and hike back to Barrier Dam and parking (~3km).  Alternatively when water level in the reservoir is low you might be able to shorten otherwise tedious journey and walk on lake shore - footing (and views) are much better!

Return the same way (shorter), or to extend the day find trail on south side of lake outlet.  This trail descends to Sheep road in about 30 minutes from the lake.  Make noise here as there have been grizzly encounters.  Once on Sheep road, if you have time it is worth hiking a bit south for good views from the shoulder just before road starts descent.  Otherwise turn left and hike back.  Sheep lakes on east side are another side-trip option;  there is back-country campground there as well, but more often used by hunters.  Just before road starts descent to Little Elbow junction watch for cairn - shortcut back to Tombstone road.   Do not miss visit to Edworthy Falls;  trail descends to the base of falls, but best viewpoint is from above when falls first come into view (did you bring the tripod?)

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