Elevation: 9072 ft / 2766 m
Degree of Difficulty:
Easy
Time to Complete Round Trip:7 - 11 hours
Information:
Looks tough from the highway, but the scramble route is easy and fun. You hike to Rockbound Lake and make your way up from there. Most people driving on the Trans Canada Highway don't know there is a little climbing hut halfway up the front side, visible with binoculars; it's easily seen looking down from the summit.The lone east tower is called Eisenhower Tower, and from the highway this looks like the highest point; actually the summit of Castle is just west of the Tower, and this is your goal.
Where to Park:
Go to Castle Junction between Banff townsite and Lake Louise. Park at the Rockbound Lake parking area on the Bow Valley Parkway, just east of the gas station.
The Route (see photo below):
Walk up the trail to Rockbound Lake. This is basically a big counter-clockwise semi-circle around Castle Mountain, about an eight kilometre hike. Walk beyond Tower Lake.
When you arrive at Rockbound Lake you'll need to head to the right and make your way up to the strata above the lake. From this tier you should spot an easy gully that will take you up another strata. From here it's an easy hike to the summit. Avoid snow above the cliff! You could slip into oblivion, for gosh sakes.
Near the summit, look down to find the hut on the side of the mountain that faces the highway. Don't venture down for a closer look unless you have climbing rope and equipment.
