Table Mountain Scramble
View PhotosTable Mountain Scramble
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Table Mountain is a colorful ascent alongside a creek, with spectacular photo opportunities above the sheer north face, and great summit views of where the mountains meet the prairies. In other words, a perfect day out in the Castle!
Getting there
From Beaver Mines, head south on highway 774 for 9.3mi. Go left on a signed turn to Beaver Mines Lake Campground. Follow this road for 3.4mi to Beaver Mines Lake Campground, the trailhead is on the right, just before the road goes to the left.
About
When to do | June - September |
Backcountry Campsites | None |
Toilets | At trailhead |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Scarmbling Rating | Grade 1 |
Exposure | None |
Family friendly | Older Children only |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Out and back |
Table Mountain
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a colorful and fun objective in the Castle Wilderness. It is barely a scramble; however, we have included it here as it does take you to the top of Table Mountain, a great day adventure.
Begin at the Table Mountain trailhead located in the Beaver Mines Lake campground, hiking along a good trail through the forest before a steep hike brings you to treeline. Continue following the good trail into a wide gully, then follow the gully, gaining most of the elevation over this section. In spots the trail is indistinct or missing, but travel is never difficult and you will soon find yourself facing a wide scree slope and multiple possible routes to the summit plateau of Table Mountain.
On the map for Table Mountain, we complicated the ascent to the plateau a bit with a poor route choice, using an obvious trail in loose scree that we realized halfway up was clearly meant for descent, but the only real difficulty was the frustration of slipping backwards in loose scree. Once you reach the plateau, however, the views are fantastic, with a sheer cliff on the north side and the long broad plateau stretching out to the east.
From the plateau head towards the summit on the most obvious route choice.
Views from the plateau and summit of Table Mountain are wonderful, and some of the best in Castle Provincial Park. While the views don’t change from the plateau to the summit of Table Mountain, the wonderful walk along the length of the plateau certainly justifies continuing to the true summit.
Return the way you came.
Insider Hints
Camp at Beaver Mines Lake Campground, it’s an underappreciated gem of a campground.
If you want to be based in the area and not camp, there are vacation rentals at Castle Mountain Resort, which are very affordable in summer.
Beaver Mines General Store has everything you need while in the area.
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Willow F. 4 years ago
Colorful views alongside a creek, with spectacular spots on the sheer north face. Great summit views of where the mountains meet the prairies. A perfect hike for experienced hikers.
Giedre 4 years ago
I went up to the Table Mountain during the long weekend and had an amazing time! I found this trail to be fun, constantly changing and interesting, with three wonderful overlooks. The meadow between the second overlook and the top of the mountain is very serene and beautiful. This is a must-do hike in Castle!
JMC 4 years ago
Fun hard trail with amazing views all around, good increments of elevations gain. Recommend to bring poles. Great hike
Linby SK. 5 years ago
Some spots of the trail are indistinct or missing, but travel is never difficult. The views are fantastic when you reach the plateau. Beaver Mines Lake Campground is underrated but surprisingly fantastic.
MountainPhoenix 5 years ago
The landscape that surrounds you here is truly amazing. So serene and peaceful.
Allon FT 5 years ago
Enjoyed all the scenery! Love the 306-degree views!
StephenRoss 6 years ago
Table mountain was a good long scramble. Takes some effort. But the views are worth it.