Rockbound Lake - Moderate Pace - Fri, Sep 26 2025

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Rockbound Lake - Moderate Pace (9/26/2025)

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:

Fri, Sep 26 2025 9:45 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Sep 25 2025 4:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

approx 6-7 hours plus driving

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Peter H.
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

None

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:

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

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Elevation Gain: ~760m
Distance: ~16.8km return
Pace: Moderate

Join us for some shoulder season hiking with a chance of spotting some late larches near the lake. The pace will be moderate (3 - 4 km / hr... slower on the steeps) and steady. If you have not been hiking this season, or haven't recently done a longer day with 500+m elevation, this is not a good fit.

"A long steady climb through a mixed forest leads behind the distinctive cliffs of Castle Mountain to open meadows and flower-fringed Tower Lake, 7.5 km from the trailhead. The trail then climbs a low cliff band and emerges in a glacial cirque filled by Rockbound Lake." - Parks Canada

Required Items to Bring:
Bear spray
$ or park pass for entry into Banff National Park
$ for carpool driver
Sturdy hiking boots (good in mud)
Lunch and snacks
Water (2L or more)
Clothing and layers for all weather
Bag for muddy boots
Icers if it's freezing / snowy

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking poles
Sunscreen
Sit-upon
Personal first aid kit

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Head west on the Trans-Canada Highway. Past Banff, turn North at the exit for 93 south to Radium. A short way down, the road ends at Castle Junction. Turn right onto Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). The trailhead is at Rockbound Lake, about 100 m ahead on the left.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

296Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $88.80 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Friday, November 14, 2025). 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:

Please note that COC event coordinators are volunteers and are not trained guides. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road, weather, and trail conditions for the trip.
- 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.

Cost Includes:

The round trip distance is 296 km. The current cost for is at 0.30$/km. This results in $88.80. Please be prepared to share the cost with the driver.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
*Note: If there is a severe weather advisory for the trail or highway, the event will be moved to another location or cancelled.