Panorama on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta
Panorama on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta

Syncline Mountain Scramble

Castle Provincial Park
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Bushwhacking on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaFrost thins on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaViews down the valley towards Castle Mountain Ski Resort on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaCliff band on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaAscent of Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaSummit views looking north on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaView of other summits on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaView south from the summit of Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaView west from the summit of Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaSyncline Brook Valley on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaDwarfed by the scenery on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, AlbertaOn the summit plateau on Syncline Mountain on Mount Coulthard scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta

Syncline Mountain Scramble

Distance: 3.6mi
Elevation: 3,264ft
Time: 5-8h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.9 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Syncline Mountain is a steep ascent through a larch forest that takes you to a summit with views that stretch down multiple mountain valleys, making Syncline Mountain an excellent outing! Try this in autumn when the changing larches are spectacular!

Syncline Mountain Scramble Map

Getting there

From Beaver Mines, drive South on Highway 774 towards Castle Ski Area. After 14.0mi, park under the drainage gully at the side of the road under Syncline.

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About

When to do

June - September

Backcountry Campsites

None

Toilets

None

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Scarmbling Rating

Grade 1

Exposure

Mild

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Syncline Mountain
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Syncline Mountain

The drive to the Castle Wilderness area along Highway 774 is dominated by the large mountain that looms up from the rolling foothillsSyncline Mountain. While the mountain has three separate summits, the official one (oddly, the lowest of the three) is the most impressive one as viewed from Highway 774 and is also an easy scramble (tagging the other two summits requires some serious scrambling). It is a great day out in the Rockies.

While the ascent is exceptionally steep at just under 3281ft in just over 1.9mithe real crux of the journey is the bushwhacking and the heat. Bring a map and/or GPS and be sure to start early in the day.

As you begin, you will immediately notice that there is a lot of brush, which can make for very slow going. You are bushwhacking here for about 656ft.

As you come upon a drainage, continue ahead until you are out of the trees and then go right to gain the ridge. As you ascend, the foliage thins, however, bushes and deadfall plague the first half of the ascent.

Past the brush and deadfall, you enter a larch forest, while a bit cluttered with bushes in spots, makes for easy travel. Near the top things get quite steep, but remain nothing more than a hike all the way through a wide gap in the cliff band guarding the summit plateau.

An easy stroll then leads you to the summit of Syncline Mountain, marked with a cairn holding a geocache/register. It is possible to traverse to the other two summits, but there is significant scrambling required. Otherwise, rest and enjoy the views then return the way you came.

Insider Hints

Comments

Willow F. 4 years ago

Steep ascent through a larch forest that takes you to a summit with views that stretch down multiple mountain valleys. The changing larches are spectacular when you try it on, Autumn. A great hiking experience.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
kathkirz2 4 years ago

Good introduction to scrambling for the oldest kids! We did find this pretty steep, so we really took our time. The larches would be fantastic in the fall.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
RobCruz 4 years ago

This was easy for us! taking advantage of the views after an easy trail. It's a good day indeed!

10.0 Overall Rating
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Physical Difficulty
6h 00m Time Taken
JMC 4 years ago

Easy scramble with some great views. It has clear and enjoyable trail.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Rebel M. 5 years ago

Some of the paths need bushwhacking. As you climb up, the foliage thins, however, bushes and deadfall plague the first half of the ascent. A clear and easy trail.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Otis Webster 5 years ago

This is one impressive hike. The views were remarkable and absolutely stunning. It was long and arduous but very rewarding.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Clark Hermano 5 years ago

Most of the time, it's all about reaching the summit to get the best views, but it's not the case for this one. The journey was worthwhile as well and truly amazing.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Alex Lavinson 5 years ago

Demanding hike that requires a huge amount of energy. It's not that long but you would feel the burn fast.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
8 Comments

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