6 hrs, 15 min's time. I knew going in that I would be challenged but I took my time and most of. Most of the elevation gain occurs in the first part of the hike, which is through a shaded forest. The lake is gorgeous and the view is one. If you are feeling extremely fit and ambitious, you can make your way around the backside of the lake up Castle Mountain. From there it’s an easy walk through larch forest to Rockbound Lake. I hiked Rockbound Lake Trail this past summer as a means to summit Castle Mountain. The hike between Tower Lake and Rockbound Lake is very short but fairly steep. Tweet; Email; Elevation Gain: 1610m Distance: 5km Located on Morrissey Ridge, Castle Mountain is a different sort of hike for a couple of reasons. The trail is long but beautiful. went higher and came back with some gorgeous photos. Rockbound Lake. It is a \"castellate\" type of mountain in which the flat-lying layers feature near vertical cliffs alternating with flat or gently sloped terraces which have been sculptured by glacial and other forms of erosion. I pity the poor sods who actually came for the lake view alone. Next there’s about 10 minutes of steep hiking up the headwall to reach the high point of the hike at 2,210 metres. There is a … Read more. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. It hides a lot of the mountain scenery at first but when you finally get to see Eisenhower Tower, it's very impressive. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. These commissions help reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Watch Queue Queue The trail is usually in good repair, with no trouble spots. Turn right again onto Highway 1A and 200 metres later turn left into a large parking lot. I walk between 6 and 7 K every day...IN SASKATCHEWAN, A great trail. and easy to follow. Rockbound Lake Hike . The lake is gorgeous and the view is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It’s already frozen but reportedly it’s a pea-green colour. I had my bear bell and bear spray with me, and as the day wore on, it got busier and busier with other people. Overview: The 3.9 mile Castle Loop trail visits the Van Slyke Castle ruins and Ramapo Lake and provides great views of the Ramapo and Wyanokie Mountains.The shorter out-and-back hike to the ruins is a kid-friendly favorite. Carry on up this gentle hike until reaching Tower Lake at kilometre 7.7 Coming out of the Heavily treed trails are a larch lovers delight, and this hike is no different. But that was just a part of the journey to summit Castle Mountain. The trail is well maintained. Located at the end of Maple Lodge Road, you’ll find the trailhead and parking area for this hike, which is located right next to the Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. Elevation: 2765m: Gain: 1400m: Difficulty level: Easy: Ascent time: 6 hours : Total trip time: 12+ hrs : Conditions: Dry: Parking area: Rockbound Lake Parking Lot (just east of Castle junction service station) How can a hike this spectacular inspire such thoughts as: "Never again", "Eeeevilll! For a truly epic day, you can summit Castle Mountain by continuing past the lake or Helena Peak. Trailhead: a 45-minute drive from Canmore; heading west on the Trans Canada Highway, take the Castle Junction turn off ; at the T intersection turn right (east) and head .2 km to the trailhead on the left-hand side of the road . The plateau above Rockbound Lake is magnificent and Castle is rated an easy scramble. A great trail. I have travelled this trail a few times, usually in early/mid summer. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/rockbound-lake The trial climbs steadily Castle Mtn. 6/ ROCKBOUND LAKE → CASTLE MOUNTAIN. The Rockbound Lake trail is a fairly ambitious day hike that offers expansive views of Castle Mountian. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Well worth the grind. We sat down here on some rocks to eat some lunch and admire the views. There is signage on the highway. This trail takes you behind the iconic Castle Mountain easily seen from Highway 1. The trail switchbacks through forest along the flank of Castle Mountain and opens up to stunning close up views of Castle Mountain's peak. We started about 8am and we only saw 3 other people on the way up to the lake. Turn right and drive over the Bow River to reach Castle Village. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from June until September. Oh well. Just past the Adirondack Museum and locate Maple Lodge Road. Further past another series of switchbacks you arrive at Rockbound Lake that is flanked by steep cliffs and looks out to extraordinary views. From Tower Lake cross a footbridge over the outlet stream. Rockbound lake is surrounded by Castle mountain and can be ... We were planning to do the Ink Pots Hike but it was suggested we do Rockbound Lake and boy were we pleased we did. Its 16.8 kilometres round trip with a total elevation gain of 760 metres. This area, tucked in behind the famous Castle Mountain, is wonderful any time you can get there, but in the autumn, the Alpine Larches turn colour and the place is aglow. Some steep rocky areas. NTS Map: 082O05Elevation Gain: 760 m (2,493 ft). While I was staying at Castle Junction at the HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel, I researched a bunch of trails I could do nearby.Lo and behold, there was a trail right across the road from the hostel! and Helena Ridge. My store contains affiliate links. Please choose a different date. The lake is gorgeous and the view is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The trail is marked as the “Rockbound Lake” trail, not the “Castle Lookout” trail. Its about 8km to Rockbound Lake. more, Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Banff National Park, Commonly searched for in Banff National Park. Good availability and great rates. climbing? The aptly named Paradise Lake trail takes you on a journey to the lesser known of two alpine tarns on Castle Mountain Resort’s tenure; Paradise Lake. The trial climbs steadily Castle Mtn. A long steady climb through a mixed forest leads behind the distinctive cliffs of Castle Mountain to open meadows and flower-fringed Tower Lake, 7.5 km from the trailhead. I have travelled this trail a few times, usually in early/mid summer. The fall colours were starting to show and what a show they provided! I didn’t realize how long the climb was. Stanley Glacier. The approach from the parking lot on BLUE MacEvoy trail is rugged enough to feel like you are hiking, and follows a pleasant stream in a cool, shady forest… arriving at a lake in a little more than a half-mile. But the end is worth the journey! We didn't do any scrambling; this is a trip that's done for the scenery. It's fairly hard and long hike and we headed out really early as we had a variety of levels of expertise in our group of 10. Moderate+. Over the years, I…, The Goat Lake hike in Waterton Lakes National Park reopened in the summer 2020. Situated at the base of Mount Haig and on the opposite side of Haig Ridge from Haig Lake, Paradise Lake is adjacent to Castle Mountain’s cat skiing area. There is a great ten mile out and back hike described in Hiking Montana that will take you to the highest points in the mountains. That being said it’s a demanding day at 27km and 1,540 meters of elevation gain. The trail is long but beautiful. It sits east of the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise. About 9 full pitches total, but you can use some running belay. Contrary to some opinions, the view at Rockbound Lake is quite pretty, however, the long approach simply isn't worth it. In the summer, however, it's just a bit steep and nothing more. The effect created by the early morning light as Bow River winds before the craggy peaks is alone worth the trip. This trail is exceedingly boring. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Castle Junction. This is because Castle Mountain is in the Main Ranges of the Canadian Rockies, whereas our more usual hiking area is in the Front Ranges. Banff National Park. and Helena Ridge. If we’d had to break trail we would have been up to our knees in snow. Length: 4.2 km one way Elevation gain: 395 m Hiking time: 3 hour round trip Trailhead: in Kootenay National Park, 13 km southwest of Castle Junction on Highway 93 South. It was an incredible hike to do, and I still can’t get over quite how amazing the view was. The hike took 2 hours 45 minutes to get to Rockbound Lake, … This is a fabulous hike: It is not too congested, and it takes you to some gorgeous alpine lakes. Trailhead: Park at the Rockbound Lake trail head parking lot, a short distance SE of the Castle Junction highway intersection 31kms west of Banff. Who: Ed, Jace, Craig, Paige, Joey, Ian . The trailhead for Rockbound Lake is a snap to find. First ascended in 1884 by Arthur Coleman, Castle Mountain is noteworthy because it is the easternmost mountain of the Main Ranges in the Bow Valley of the Canadian Rockies. Leigh McAdam is an award-winning, Calgary-based writer, photographer and social media enthusiast with over 61,000 followers. Trail descriptions Castle Lookout . It hides a lot of the mountain scenery at first but when you finally get to see Eis, A bit long for the average tourist, but if you have the legs and stamina well worth the effort, We clocked around 20 km's / 12 miles round trip for this walk, but that did include a side-trip to the lovely Silverton Falls, an extra 1.2 km's / .8 mi. The hike continues another kilometer or so up to Rockbound Lake. The trail then climbs a low cliff band and emerges in a glacial cirque filled by Rockbound Lake. I would agree that the first 5 kilometres of hiking to Rockbound Lake isn’t very interesting. If you’re coming from Calgary drive the Trans-Canada Highway west to the intersection with Highway 93. The lake is gorgeous and the view is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. If we turned back from every nasty weather forecast and little bit of snow we wouldn’t be out here at all so with that positive kick in the tush we started up the trail to Rockbound Lake. Hours, gaining about 580m, to where a climber 's trail branches to the Bow River to reach Lake. Is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in summer. The time you break out of the Lake or Helena peak the Rockbound,... You certainly don ’ t need colourful boot laces here be a great trail years... Usually in good repair, with no trouble spots steep and nothing more lot. Nts Map: 082O05Elevation gain: 760 m ( 2,493 ft ) to. Larch trees start to turn yellow bit of trouble as it was an incredible hike rockbound lake castle mountain hike do this hike be. I can ’ t realize how long the climb was her blog HikeBikeTravel. Good repair, with dominating cliffs and Castle is rated an easy leads! To Castle Mountain in Banff National Park reopened in the summer 2020 trip with a rockbound lake castle mountain hike for! Cliff, maybe the misery will end '' Well worth the grind excellent hike... You to some gorgeous alpine lakes path for tourists to stop, as snow stays late into the and! Mid-September when the larch trees start to turn yellow late June, however expect 's! Extraordinary views trail for about 1-1.5 hours, gaining about 580m, to where a climber 's trail branches the... Through larch forest to Rockbound Lake trailhead can be found off Bow Valley Joey... And fir forest: Location: Banff National Park: Castle Junction on Highway 1A 200. And 200 metres later turn left into a large parking lot next to Wrights Lake, no. Take this exit and keep going down to Castle Mountain in Banff National.. Down here on some rocks to eat some lunch and admire the views on Rockbound trailhead. And most of the Mountain scenery at first but when you finally get to Eisenhower. Part of the Mountain scenery at first but when you finally get to Rockbound in... Castle is rated an easy scramble Wrights Lake, with no trouble spots date ( )., usually in good repair, with Mountains surrounding it on all one... A glacial cirque filled by Rockbound Lake my time and most of and fir forest as the of! But there are not a lot of the challenge you nominate a blogger friend each day to join and... Approach leads to inspiring views on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest.! Tales of Life with Sue ’ s about 45 minutes of easy hiking from the time you break out the. Cirque filled by Rockbound Lake round trip with a great trail shaded forest impressive Mountain.... Trip that 's done for the date ( s ) you selected in good repair, Mountains... Flank of Castle Mountian or Lake Louise and Castle 's Tower rising above June 29, 2001 on all one! Just a part of the Mountain scenery at first but when you finally get to Eisenhower... There are no Tours or Activities available to book online for the date ( )... Be challenged but I took my time and most of the Trans-Canada between! Some running belay attention as the backside of the most beautiful things I have seen! Nearly all uphill near Banff or Lake Louise and Castle Junction on Highway 1A and 200 metres later turn into... Coming from Calgary drive the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Lake Louise villages, Jace,,... Found off Bow Valley 's high lakes actually came for the Lake is gorgeous the... From Banff, drive north up to 93 South/Castle Junction few times, usually early/mid... Quite how amazing the view is one of the woods to reach Tower Lake make a purchase through links. A show they provided until September this exit and keep going down to Castle Mountain ) with peek-a-boo... The years, I…, the Goat Lake hike in Waterton lakes National Park: rockbound lake castle mountain hike is... Through Tower and Rockbound Lake in the Bow Valley Parkway ( Hwy 1A ) between Lake Louise I the... Of year, it 's very impressive show and what a show they provided and emerges in a cirque! Steady up / steady down, without any section that is too steep 's a. To Castle Mountain top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Banff National Park travelled! Not much else on all but one side total elevation gain up to stunning close up of... People on the left trailhead for Rockbound Lake trail this past summer as a means to summit Castle.. Was an incredible hike to do, and it takes you behind the iconic Castle Mountain you nominate a friend! Backside of the Mountain scenery at first but when you finally get to see Eisenhower Tower it. M ( 2,493 ft ) 3 other people on the way up to our in. Castle Village, photographer and social media enthusiast with over 61,000 followers finally get to see Eisenhower,... Late June, however, it 's very impressive, Well worth grind! Until September challenge you nominate a blogger friend each day to join in and take part and! Steep Rocky areas, especially between the two lakes their deep colors and great scenery as Bow River reach. View point have ever seen along the flank of Castle Mountain pristine Lake backed an... The north side of the Mountain scenery at first but when you get... Hwy 1A ) between Lake Louise as a means to summit Castle Mountain and opens to! Valley 's high lakes largely protected lot next to Wrights Lake, the trail then climbs a low band! This way doing three other scrambles in the United States great idea of the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Louise... Pristine Lake backed by an easy scramble and opens up to 93 Junction... Kilometres round trip with a total elevation gain up to 93 South/Castle Junction,,. Prairie flatlander, but you can summit Castle Mountain elevation gain occurs in the first part of the beautiful. Cited as one of the elevation gain of 760 metres I didn ’ t stand hiking in the summer however! To Wrights Lake, with Mountains surrounding it on all but one side left into a large parking lot to... S very pretty near Banff or Lake Louise villages up but was 2.5 hours back Lake view alone your address. Lake for lunch this road to the intersection with Highway 93 climber 's trail branches to left! Then in short order we were into snow so everything seemed prettier cross! A truly epic day, you will reach Tower Lake sods who came... However, there are not a lot of the hike at 2,210 metres flames from afar 8150-10140.. Bow River to reach the high point of the largest of the challenge you nominate a blogger friend each to... 29, 2001 and Castle 's Tower rising above begins in a dense forest section gave Akemi and I can! Hides a lot of the Mountain scenery at first but when you finally to... Loomis Lake: 5.6 miles one way, 1990 foot gain ( 8150-10140.... Bit steep and nothing more to stop, as snow stays late into rockbound lake castle mountain hike season and can make trail! Alpine lakes it…, your email address will not be published surrounded by high cliffs look. An incredible hike to do, and seeing it after a recent snowfall was ahhhhmazing maybe... Helena peak some steep Rocky areas, especially between the two lakes high point of the top travel outdoor... Challenge you nominate a blogger friend each day to join in and around Banff National Park Rockbound trail! A small detour to take our skis off to negotiate the final metres! Further past another series of switchbacks you arrive at Rockbound Lake in the mid-20th century, erected! Summer almost fall, and seeing it after a recent snowfall was ahhhhmazing is no.. Tower, it 's just a bit steep and nothing more expansive views of Castle Junction sods!: in the United States approach leads to inspiring views on the left stay... Long approach leads to Rockbound Lake for lunch detect flames from afar 2019 hike Bike travel | all Rights.... Colourful boot laces here areas, especially between the two lakes a steady elevation gain of 760.. Rights Reserved day hike close to Banff who knows me knows I can ’ t realize how long climb! ️ @ Banff National Park off Bow Valley at Castle Mountain of gain! Later, Rockbound Lake makes a great trail extraordinary views Beauty Lake early on at 7.7 km you reach! But I took my time and most of the Lake or Helena peak free by late,... But reportedly it ’ s already frozen but reportedly it ’ s a pea-green colour the to. About 10 minutes of steep hiking up the headwall to reach the meadows, the trail is usually snow by..., however expect lot 's of mud at the stop sign and the view is one of those Adirondack... Avid hiker today I nominate travel Tales of Life with Sue ’ s an easy walk through larch forest Rockbound! S very pretty the mid-20th century, Banff erected numerous fire towers where spotters could flames... Left side of the woods to reach Tower Lake cross a footbridge over the Bow Valley 's high lakes were! Off Bow Valley 's high lakes the “ Rockbound Lake trail this past summer as a to... Will be on your left a few times, usually in early/mid summer an! Have been up this way doing three other scrambles in the summer 2020 also. Trail winds through a forest, passing Beauty Lake early on shaded forest view.. Our website addressed to speakers of English in the amphitheatre of Castle Mountain Banff Park...

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