Castle Mountain 2766 m

Banff National Park

Castle Mountain from Trans-Canada Highway

Castle Mountain has caught the imagination of Bow Valley visitors since man's earliest presence. It is a striking peak with steep walls and rises above Trans-Canada highway not far from Lake Louise. The steep side shown here boasts several rockclimbing routes, the back side is merely a scramble. The approach, which visits two pristine alpine tarns, is a deservedly popular hike in itself.

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At Rockbound Lake on the approach, with golden coloured Lyall's Larches in full autumn splendor.

High above Rockbound Lake on a sidehill enroute to the summit.

Pausing to enjoy the view from above Rockbound Lake, looking east towards Banff. No one else around; no crowds...

Ascending rubble slopes to the summit of Castle Mountain in the distance at right of centre.

From the summit looking back along the ascent route. Rockbound Lake is far below steep limestone walls.

A fine view towards Mount Temple and the Lake Louise group on a perfect autumn day. Mount Temple is a popular scramble also and is the easiest 11,000 footer in the Canadian Rockies.

This ascent and (Mount Temple) are just two of some 155 scrambles fully described in my new guidebook, Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies, which can be ordered online by clicking here.

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© All photos copyright by the author 1999.