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Panorama of Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta

Mount Coulthard Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,112 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
19.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6-9h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical DIFF
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Located in Castle Wildland Provincial Park, the scramble up Mt Coulthard takes you through a spectacular and lush alpine basin, an historical plane crash site, and provides wonderful up-close views of the spectacular peaks of the Flathead Range.

Route Description for Mount Coulthard

From the trailhead, the initial part of the route is along an old ATV road. Unfortunately, logging in the area has made biking this section unrealistic. The route along this ATV Track is long, going SW to start and then curving around, with Mt McLaren on your left. You can see Mt Parrish and Andy Good Peak ahead of you as you continue on this clear path.

Near the end of the valley, go to your left and follow the path through the trees before coming out almost directly north of Mt Coulthard.

From here the entire ascent of Mount Coulthard is nothing more than a steep slog, and most of it is on pleasant green moss. The upper mountain is scree, but by choosing a path carefully and following sheep trails whenever possible it is not too difficult.

Mount Coulthard actually has three summits, but this route only ascends the eastern one; it's the highest and official one, the northern one is much lower and the western summit a bit more technical. While the traverse to the eastern summit appears to be a bit tedious and potentially exposed from a distance, a sheep trail traverses most of its length. We found only one short section mildly unnerving. Outside of this, the route is really nothing more than a hike.

Enjoy your time at the summit (weather permitting of course!) then start back down, utilizing good and loose scree for a few hundred meters before moving back to the green moss. From the base of the mountain, a 7.5 km long, hot trudge then brings you back to the start.

Insider Hints for Mount Coulthard

  • Stop by for some ice cream at The Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe in Bellevue, it’s a great option after a wonderful scramble.

Getting to the Mount Coulthard Trailhead

From Coleman, head south on 86th Street, which merges into 16th Ave. Go left on 81st Street and then again on 15th Ave. Turn right onto 83rd Street and then right again on the second cross street (13th Ave). Continue straight on this dirt road, and the trailhead will be on the left after about 5.6 km.

Route Information for Mount Coulthard

  • When to do:

    June - September

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    None

  • Toilets:

    None

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Scarmbling Rating:

    Grade 1

  • Exposure:

    Mild

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    None

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Mount Coulthard Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Mount Coulthard

9.9
8 reviews
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RobCruzAugust 2020

Good thing we brought extra water and snacks for this hike. A stunning scenery with your love ones? nothing compares!

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
07:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Harry S.July 2020

The hike provides wonderful up-close views of the spectacular peaks of the Flathead Range. Some paths are a bit tedious and potentially exposed from a distance. The trail is really nothing more than a hike.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Perry K.July 2020

Mount Coulthard is nothing more than a steep slog, and most of it is on pleasant green moss. There's also a historical plane crash site. Overall, the hike was something out of ordinary.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
JMCJune 2020

Moderate hike. Mount Coulthard will provide you one of a kind views at the top.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Fredie L.July 2019

This hike takes you through a spectacular and lush alpine basin. Stop by for some ice cream at The Old Dairy Ice Cream Shoppe in Bellevue. A memorable hike.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Michael M.June 2019

The core of this hike is very unique. The terrain was breathtaking and one of a kind.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Matt DuckerJune 2019

The hike was great! It was a long hike and a memorable experience. We had so much fun!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Rocco EllysiaJune 2019

Stunning hike! Enjoyed the panoramic views at the top. One of the best hikes in the park.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.

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Last Updated: August 10, 2026

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