Tower of Babel Scramble

The Tower of Babel Scramble is a difficult scramble route that requires route finding and hands-on moves. It is crucial to bring a helmet and have good knowledge of the route before attempting this exhilarating route. From the Moraine Lake parking lot, you will find a trail sign and kiosk at the lakeshore. You’ll be looking for trail signs that lead to Consolation Lakes past the Rockpile Trail. From this trail sign, take a left, opposite from the Moraine Lake Lodge. Follow the dirt path that is extremely populated for those heading up the rockpile for the classic view of Moraine Lake.

After a few hundred metres, you’ll come to a small footbridge crossing a creek. You’ll see a trail sign directing you to Consolation Lakes. Be aware that there are no signs for Tower of Babel itself as it is an unmarked scramble route. Follow the Consolation Lakes trail keeping an eye on the Tower of Babel. You will be able to see a scree gully on the right of the tower. This is your route.

Cairns will appear on the right of the Consolation Lakes trail, and you’ll start to follow these. Follow the cairns until you reach the base of the scree gully. The gully takes you straight up and can be as steep as 45 degrees. This is a good place to put on your helmet and get your trekking poles ready. The gully is full of loose rocks and can be extremely dangerous, so always wear a helmet here and be mindful of other parties.

From the base of the gully, you will climb 1699ft to the top. Work your way up the scree path through the gully. Trend right when the gully narrows for an easier path. Take your time to choose a path wisely, as many trails are zigzagging through the scree gully. Be careful not to kick rocks below and call “ROCK!” if you do.

After the halfway point, the rocks will become larger, and you’ll be able to stand off to the side on the boulders. Put your poles away once you feel like you need to use your hands. The hands-on component continues until you reach the top of the gully.

The rocks will become large boulders that are very narrow at the top. Use your scrambling skills here and communicate with other parties about passing through the narrow space at the top. After you climb over the top of the gully, follow the trail to the left, whichwill lead you a few hundred metres to the summit of Tower of Babel.

Here, you will be rewarded with astounding views of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks, along with Consolation Lakes and Panorama Ridge. Enjoy the stunning views from above before descending.

Remember on your way down that it is important to communicate with other parties and safely pass by.