Panorama on Table Mountain scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta
Panorama on Table Mountain scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta

Table Mountain Scramble

Castle Provincial Park
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Table Mountain Scramble

Distance: 5.8mi
Elevation: 2,507ft
Time: 4-7h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
10 Overall Rating
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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!

Table Mountain Scramble Map

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.

I’ve done this 17 people have done this
I want to do this 39 want to do this route

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


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.

Comments

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.

10.0 Overall Rating
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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!

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JMC 4 years ago

Fun hard trail with amazing views all around, good increments of elevations gain. Recommend to bring poles. Great hike

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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.

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MountainPhoenix 5 years ago

The landscape that surrounds you here is truly amazing. So serene and peaceful.

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Allon FT 6 years ago

Enjoyed all the scenery! Love the 306-degree views!

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StephenRoss 6 years ago

Table mountain was a good long scramble. Takes some effort. But the views are worth it.

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6h 00m Time Taken
7 Comments

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