Mt Cory Scramble
Mt Cory Scramble

Mount Cory Scramble

Banff National Park
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View from the first of Mt Cory s two equal elevation summits route follows the ridge on the right side looking downView of the ridge which the main scramble route follows to the summit High point of the photo is the first of two equal elevation summitsSawback range from the summit of Mount Cory ScrambleLooking up to the summit of Mount Cory ScrambleLooking down on hikers from the summit of Mount Cory

Mount Cory Scramble

Distance: 5.7mi
Elevation: 4,701ft
Time: 4-6h

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Scrambling to the summit of Mount Cory is reserved for experienced hikers and scramblers. This steep trail is a grind from the start, taking hikers from the valley floor to the peak of Mount Cory. This scramble is exhilarating and provides incredible high alpine views without a long approach. If you are ready to use all fours, this scramble is for you.

Mount Cory Scramble Map

Getting there

From the Town of Banff, take the Trans-Canada Highway westbound and take the exit for the Bow Valley Parkway (1A). Turn right off the exit and continue on the parkway for 1.2mi until you come across a small pullout with a shoulder that has space for a few vehicles. Do not park at the Fireside picnic area like you would for Cory Pass. You will park the bottom of the most eastern rib of the mountain.

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About

When to do

July-September

Backcountry Campsites

No

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Mount Cory
Elevation Graph


Cory Pass Trail Description

To scramble the south ridge of Mount Cory, you will need to have a good idea of where you are going as there are no signs on the route. This is a scramble route with other climbing routes on the mountain. Parks Canada has no signage, and you’ll need to be confident with your approach.

From the pullout on the road, head into the woods on a faint trail. From here, you will gain elevation quickly on the steep ascent of the rib. You’ll want to stick to the easternmost rib of Mount Cory on your ascent, and as many scrambles do, there will be various trails to follow. Follow the most intuitive option and continue to gain the ridge.

The trees will open up and slowly disappear as you hike on the trail into the alpine. Views of the river and Bow Valley below will be prominent. You’ll see the incredible Vermillion Lakes with Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle above.

Continue gaining the ridge until you come to some hands-on scramble sections. The false summit will present itself beyond some technical sections that you’ll be able to see straight ahead. Work your way up the rock bands to the false summit, and you will be able to see the true summit.

Continue onwards, gaining the true summit. From the summit, you will be able to see 360-degree panoramic views of the valley. After basking in the staggering vistas, return the way you came.

Insider Hints

  • Be extra careful if taking this trail. It is very easy to go off route and end up in a dangerous location. There are known cases where Mountain Rescue had to help hikers down the mountain.

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