Castle Lookout - Sat, May 30 2009

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Castle Lookout (5/30/2009)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Banff National Park

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, May 30 2009 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:30 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, May 28 2009 11:55:00 PM

Event Duration:

4 hours (plus driving time)

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Marcel B
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

12 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Distance: 7.8km round trip
Elevation: 525m

This short, steep trail up the slopes of Castle Mountain leads to the site of the old Mount Eisenhower fire lookout and an excellent panorama of the Bow Valley stretching from the grey limestone peaks near Banff to the glacier-capped summits near Lake Louise. Since it climbs along a slope with a southwesterly exposure, it is one of the earliest trails at this elevation to be free of snow in the spring (early to mid-May) and one of the latest to remain snowfree in autumn.

From the parking rear, follow a steep, wide pathway upward through forest of lodgepole pine, spruce and occasional Douglas fir. The dense forest allows only a few glimpses of the Bow Valley over the first 2km, but an old dilapidated capin offers a stop of interest at 1.4km (the collapsing structure possibly dates to the short-lived mining boom in this part of the valley circa 1884).

The broad trail eventually reverts to single-track 0.7km beyond the cabin and traverses out onto the steep, sparesely forested slopes overlooking the Bow Valley. In early summer this open forest produces a colourful array of wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush, columbine, and heart-leaved arnica.

As you gain elevation, views up and down the Bow Valley improve. Finally the trail twists up through a cliff band, enters a stand of whitebark pine, and contours to the right above the precipice for 100m to the old lookout site.

All that remains at the site is the foundation of the lookout cabin, which was constructed by labourers from the park's conscientious objector camps in the autumn of 1942. It was abandoned by Parks Canada in the mid-1970s and accidentally burned by visiting hikers in 1983.

This trip is best suited to fit hikers as we will keep a steady pace. Also, come prepared for a little mud and some snow. Bring gaiters and hiking boots. We may stop in Canmore on our way back for refreshments.

Required Items to Bring:
$$ or National Park Pass
Water
Lunch
Hiking Boots
Gaiters
Rain Gear
Clothing for Variable Weather

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking Poles

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Head west on Highway #1 past the town of Banff. Exit on the Highway #93 South (Radium) off-ramp. Turn right at the stop sign. Follow this road across the bridge to a T intersection. Turn left here and stay on this road for about 5km. The parking area will be on your right set back in the forest.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

320Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:30 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $96.00 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Saturday, April 20, 2024). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:

Voluntary Donations:

Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: