Mount Temple scramble - Sept 1st 2024

Mount Temple Scramble: A Journey to the Summit Mount Temple is the highest peak in the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Standing tall at 3,543 meters (11,621 feet), this scramble is a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned hikers and scramblers Let’s dive into the details of this exhilarating journey! Getting There The Park Canada Shuttle is the most popular and budget-friendly option, costing around $8 per adult. Shuttles run every 30 minutes from the Park and Ride near Lake Louise. Unfortunately, our experience wasn’t the best when we discovered that our 4am reservation departed from Lake Louise, and we had to pay an additional $38 for the parking lot on top of our shuttle cost. The Approach The hike begins at Moraine Lake, where you’ll follow the trail along the northwest shore. The first two kilometers involve a series of switchbacks that lead you up to Larch Valley. This section provides a bit of a breather as you traverse through the valley, surrounded by breathtaking views Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass As you continue, the trail opens up, revealing the majestic Sentinel Pass. This is where the real ascent begins. The switchbacks resume, taking you up to the pass, which sits at around 2,600 meters. Here, the wind picks up, and the temperature drops, so be prepared to add an extra layer. The Scramble At the top of Sentinel Pass, It’s time to put on your climbing helmet. The route to the summit involves navigating through scree paths, gullies, and rock bands. The climb is steep and strenuous, requiring careful route-finding and the use of hands for balance and climbing. Cairns along the way help guide you, but not all mark the safest path, so stay vigilant. Safety Tips Rockfall: Human-triggered rockfall is a significant hazard. Travel in a cluster with other scramblers to minimize the risk, and always yell “Rock!” if one is dislodged. Equipment: A helmet is essential, and crampons and an ice axe may be necessary if the summit is snow-covered. Good hiking boots/shoes and poles are also best to have. Happy hiking! This mountain is incredible!!