Castle Mountain


elevation: 2,766 m. height gain: 1, 375 m.
area: Banff/Bow Valley,AB map 82 O/5
1996-Aug-30


Ref: Alan Kane's Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies
trailhead


The trailhead.
Scramble: RT 7.0; 4.0 up. This scramble is long but well worth the trip. The easy nature of the outing allowed me to focus on the majestic scenery around me. From Tower Lake, the landscape reveals itself and is like none other. Since the early 90's, I've visited this area numerous times. I always feel elated when I see Rockbound Lake. Walking on the mossy terrace above, surrounded by cliff bands, streams and countless marmots is magnificent. At the west end of the terrace is the ascent to the plateau of the massif. A 4 km long summit plod follows. I was fortunate to be able to see the limestone I was stepping on (no snow cover unlike when Fab went in 2006). It was unusual; from what I remember, some of the rock slabs have rounded edges and are dotted with many holes. Kane mentions it formed in the Middle Cambrian period, 530 million years ago. The hike to the summit on this interesting rock was memorable. The pictures were taken when Fab ascended Castle while I plodded to Television in 2006.
tower lake

Nearing Tower Lake.

slabby shore


Slabby shore of Rockbound Lake.


ascent gully


Ascent gully leading to Kane's four scrambles.


more rockbound


Directly above the lake is the lower terrace leading to Castle's ascent gully.


junction


Scree trail to Helena, Stuart and Television. A traverse left around this leads to the lower terrace.


the two lakes


Looking back at the two lakes.


lower terrace


Lovely and incredibly special.


ascent gully


Ascent gully to the plateau of the massif.


top of gully


Top of the ascent gully.


4 km to the top


Nice long walk on the massif to the summit.


is the sun coming out?


Almost there.


summit


Summit ahead.


helena and stuart


Awesome view of the terraces above Rockbound.


looking towards tv peak


Behind Stuart, part of the connecting ridge to TV is visible.


temple


Weather appears to be moving in.


more views


 Looking past Eisenhower Tower.
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