Scrambles in Alberta

Eiffel Peak isn’t frequented by many who make their way to Moraine Lake. It is a difficult scramble with less popularity than Mount Temple. Hikers will see Moraine Lake and Larch Valley before heading off on their own to Eiffel Peak. Lots of elevation and some technical features keep the crowds away, so you will be sure to find solitude atop this peak.

The scramble up Mount Bourgeau gives way to a commanding view of the Bow Valley near Banff. The trip takes you by scenic Bourgeau Lake and Harvey Pass en route to the summit, which means you’ll still have an amazing day even if you abort your summit bid.

Aptly named, the scramble up Observation Peak gives a bird’s eye view of turquoise Peyto Lake and Bow Lake at the base of glaciated giants on the continental divide. Observation Peak is a stunning scramble on the Icefields Parkway.

Scrambling the summit of Helena Ridge offers the best view of the amazing Castle Mountain Plateau. Scenic lakes, fossils, and lovely old-growth forest will keep you entertained on the approach. This is an incredible scramble.

Scrambling Paget Peak offers a spectacular view of the glaciated peaks of the Great Divide and a fantastic aerial view of turquoise Sherbrooke Lake. An old fire lookout en route offers a wonderful place for a sheltered snack and serves as a nice backup plan should the weather turn bad.

Scrambling up Cascade Mountain is a classic scramble in the Canadian Rockies. Towering over the Bow Valley, the iconic Cascade Mountain provides a spectacular view of Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Town site, and hundreds of surrounding peaks. Avoid this route if there is still snow, or conditions are wet or foggy, at which point the route becomes very dangerous.

The scramble up Bow Peak takes you on an adventurous river crossing with an incredibly scenic forest walk to an isolated alpine pass. Giving way to incredible views of peaks and the icefields, The Bow Peak scramble is a classic Canadian Rockies adventure!

Scrambling up Mount Hector gives way to a commanding and up-close view of Hector glacier from the summit of Little Hector. The view provides a scenic punch to the glacial lakes, mountains, and icefields surrounding the peak.

Scrambling Mount Richardson is a joy and takes you to the highest peak in the world-famous Skoki region. Go in late September and you’ll see striking yellow larches dotting the approach and mountain ridges, makes this a particularly colorful scramble. This is a long day from the Lake Louise trailhead and could be done from the Hidden Lake Backcountry Campground.

The scramble up to the Onion brings you incredibly close to the Wapta Icefield which is (the source of Calgary’s drinking water! Scrambling the Onion is a very rewarding day out that has everything including tarns, glaciers, and great rock formations! Add on a stop at pretty Iceberg Lake for a great day in the Canadian Rockies.

The challenging scramble up Panorama Ridge has incredible views combined with a very challenging ascent over moving scree. Some people rate this scramble much higher, however the challenging ascent does hamper an otherwise brilliant scramble.

Avion Ridge is an exciting hike with an option to hit a summit on the way. This is a rewarding trip with a lot of elevation gain and some easy-to-moderate scrambling. You’ll get great views along the ridge as you make your way across, admiring the stunning panoramas.

The Sofa Mountain Trail scramble gains over 1,000 m elevation in a short amount of time. Consider this trail to be straight up the mountain and prepare yourself for some route finding. It’s a fun, hands-on scramble, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and still get up high for some grand views of the park.

The Bertha Peak Trail will challenge even the hardiest hikers. You’ll gain wonderful lake vistas of Bertha Lake, and your scrambling efforts will be rewarded at Bertha Peak with impressive 360-degree views. Full of switchbacks, cairns, and various rocky terrain, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach the peak.

Crowsnest Mountain is a popular scramble that requires a good understanding of the route before departure. This trail is a great option for experienced hikers looking to explore the Crowsnest Pass area with a bit of a challenge. You won’t see many people on this trail compared to others in the region, so if you are up for a big day, this is a great choice.