Panorama from East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies
Panorama from East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies

East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) Scramble

Kananaskis Country
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Canal at the start of East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaHa Ling on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaGoat Creek valley on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaSpray Lakes Reservoir on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaAscending on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaView across to Ha Ling on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaSteepening part of the trail on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaScree path of East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaBeautiful views of East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaGreat scenery on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaHa Ling and the Bow Valley on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaPanoramic views from East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaScrambly part of East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaSummit view from East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaTrail of East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaView down the valley from East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaAt the base of the cliff band on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaPeaks around East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, AlbertaEast End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in CanmoreWhitemans Pond on East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) scramble in Canmore, Alberta

East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) Scramble

Distance: 4.2mi
Elevation: 2,805ft
Time: 5-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
7.5 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Scrambling the East End of Rundle or EEOR is a popular scramble close to Canmore. It is often under-estimated, and there are tricky sections on this for new scramblers. This scenic scramble has stunning views of the surrounding peaks from the summit.

East End of Rundle Route Snowshoe Map

Getting there

From Canmore, head past the Nordic Centre and continue on Highway 742. This turns into a gravel road, known as the Smith-Dorrien Highway. Keep your eyes open for a parking lot on your right named “Goat Creek”.

I’ve done this 6 people have done this
I want to do this 53 want to do this route

About

When to do

May - October

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Trailhead

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Scarmbling Rating

Grade 1

Exposure

Mild

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Extreme

Route Type

Out and back


East End of Rundle Route (EEOR)
Elevation Graph


Route Description for East End of Rundle Route (EEOR)

From the parking lot, walk back along the Smith-Dorrien for a couple of minutes. Look out for a trail going up to the left – this is what you will take. Follow the path and make your way through the trees. This is a steep uphill but with occasionally wonderful views.

At 0.8mi there is a little spur to the right for a fine view of Spray Lakes. After taking a quick look, get back on the main trail and continue to follow the ridge up, whilst being careful not to get off on the edge where there is exposure. Look out for blue squares to guide you – there should never be a big drop beside you.

At 1.4mi you will reach an alpine meadow, which is a lovely place to take a break. Many people stay in this location if they don’t want to deal with the scrambly route the cliff-band to get to the summit.

To summit there are many routes, but the main route goes up and slightly left through the cliff-band. Then make your way through a cliff-band and you can see routes with all the tracks coming down.

Once through the cliff-band, you get to a ridge, go right to head up to the summit of the East End of Rundle.

Treat this area with respect – a person died here in 2018. Furthermore, many new scramblers find the route very challenging, and we’ve often seen a person ‘freeze’ on the descent from the cliff-band.

After enjoying the summit, return the way you came. The small rocks on the hard rock mean that this is a tricky descent all the way down.

Insider Hints

  • This is a popular first hike / scramble. It shouldn’t be. It’s got a nice view, but you’re better off going up Windtower, just down the road, if you want a great summit.

  • Parking fills up super early and people park on the road.

  • Rock helmets are useful once in the cliff-band.

Comments

Wicked T 6 years ago

EEOR is a classic. Sadly overcrowded at times. It was okay when I was there but people do complain about the volumes here.

7.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
4h 45m Time Taken
Cykelly 6 years ago

Really crowded. I started early but I wasn't too fast. People started swarming past me.

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
2 Comments

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