Hiking the Prospector’s Trail in Yellowknife

Posted on 30. Aug, 2009 by Shane in Hiking Trips, Sports & Recreation

Rating: +2 (from 2 votes)

Looking for a hike close to Yellowknife? Look no further than the Prospector’s Trail at Fred Henne Park. This sunny August afternoon we wanted to go for a light hike near Yellowknife. The Prospector’s Trail offered a 4 km hike of short rocky climbs, smooth shield rock, boardwalks and narrow trails. Along the route we encountered a mix of volcanic ingneous rocks, small lakes, garnets, basalt pillows, veins of quartz, jack pine trees, lily pads, muskeg, fox-tail barley, cat-tails, crowberry, creeping juniper and shrubby cinquefoil.

DIRECTIONS: The Prospector’s Trail entrance is located inside the Fred Henne Park and Campground. You can locate Fred Henne Park along highway #3 near the airport and Long Lake. Turn into the park’s main entrance (you cannot miss the large sign). Drive past the gatehouse (after checking in) and you will find a parking lot with trail signage and public washrooms on your right. The parking lot was actually at the end of the trail so we ended up hiking the trail in reverse order (following the numerical trail guide from 21 to 1). You will need to walk up the campground road about 5 minutes to reach the intended trail entrance if you want to follow the trail guide from 1 to 21.

IMPORTANT HIKING TIP: The total hike time around the 4 km loop can range from 70 minutes for power hikers, 90 minutes for average adult hikers and up to 120 minutes for adults with children (not including breaks). Seniors and small children will have moderate difficulty. Generally, the trail is fairly accessible for most hikers and there are some boardwalks throughout the trail to make some of the crossings easier. However, for those with more significant mobility challenges please note that you will encounter difficulty along this trail (due to length of hike and some trail conditions). Make sure you grab the Prospector’s Trail geological guide at the gatehouse so that you can learn more about the geological wonders of the area – including quartz veins still containing gold right under your feet. Wear good running or hiking shoes (sturdier the better), pack some light snacks for energy, bring one large water bottle per person and do not forget to bring the bug spray (especially between late June and mid August).

Shane Keller, Prospector's Trail, Fred Henne Park, Yellowknife