Panoramic views on Victoria Peak scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta
Panoramic views on Victoria Peak scramble in Castle Provincial Park, Alberta

Victoria Peak Scramble

Castle Provincial Park
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Victoria Peak Scramble

Distance: 10.9mi
Elevation: 3,350ft
Time: 6-8h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Victoria Peak is the highest peak in the Castle area, scrambling up Victoria Peak provides spectacular views of where the colorful mountains of the Castle meet the prairies.

Victoria Peak Scramble Map

Getting there

From Pincher Creek head south on Highway 6 after about 12.4mi then a turn right onto Township Road 43A, signed for Shell Waterton Complex. Continue on this road, past the Shell Waterton Complex, until you reach a locked gate. Find parking and begin your trek on the road past the gate.

I’ve done this 19 people have done this
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About

When to do

June - November

Backcountry Campsites

None

Toilets

None

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Scarmbling Rating

Grade 1

Exposure

None

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Victoria Peak
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Victoria Peak

This ascent of Victoria Peak was done via the less popular south slope, but given that there was snow we chose this easier and drier slope. You should also check for wind when scrambling up Victoria Peak, as it can be really windy in Castle Provincial Park.

The scramble up Victoria Peak involves a bit of trail-finding and bushwhacking. We suggest taking a GPS device with the map loaded to assist you on this scramble.

From the gate after the large Shell Waterton industrial complex, begin by walking up the road, heading west, for about 2.2mi. This portion is made easier by bringing a bike and stashing it in the bushes once you reach the trail and enter the forest.

Continue following the path that goes into the trees and then you walk through a mixture of trees and clearings for another 1.6mi.

A bit over 3.7mi from where you parked your car you will leave the trail and head up the southwest slope of Victoria Peak. This is just after the trail turns north and enters the forest, after having been in the open for a while.

After a short stint of very intense bushwhacking there will be a steep scree slope that you can follow all the way up to a small plateau 1312ft below the summit. Keep in mind, this is prime bear country, hike in a group, as we came across dozens of fresh bear diggings on the slope as well as seeing bear tracks in a patch of snow.

From the plateau a small forest separates you from the scree slope of the summit ridge, The scree leading to the ridge is quite easy to ascend, and the rubble on the final 100 m to the summit is similarly pleasant to hike along. Remarkably, the wind was light (far lighter than on the access road) and with the sun beating down on us, we didn’t even need a jacket or gloves!

The view from the summit was absolutely fantastic! Return the way you came, and revel in the joy of another great day in the mountains!

Insider Hints

  • Bring a bike to cut down on journey time while you are on the road.

  • This trail requires some bushwhacking, so it’s good to have downloaded a map onto your phone or GPS unit to assist you in making your way onto the summit ridge.

  • The Castle area is notoriously windy, so be prepared for increased winds once you’re in the alpine.

Comments

Willow F. 4 years ago

The lake has a relaxing vibe on it. Definitely worth the hike. Tag along with your friends to make it more fun.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
RobCruz 4 years ago

This Hike is a good family bonding, my kids looking out for me. I'm strong enough I'm not that old yet! I can still hike for another 30 years!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
7h 00m Time Taken
CamilaP. 4 years ago

It's true that this trail includes bushwhacking so better to have GPS device. The summit views are pretty and amazing.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
kelsih_99 5 years ago

perfect spot to see how beautiful Castle is. such an underrated hike!

Linby SK. 5 years ago

The highest peak in the Castle area. It provides spectacular views of where the colorful mountains of the Castle meet the prairies. Definitely loved the view.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Fredie L. 5 years ago

I love the relaxing sensation when traversing the trail surrounded by trees. Fantastic view at the summit. The Castle area is windy, so be sure to bring a jacket.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
6 Comments

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