Rockbound Lake - Moderate Pace - Fri, Aug 21 2026

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Rockbound Lake - Moderate Pace (8/21/2026)

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, Aug 21 2026 9:30 AM (Carpool Departure: 7:30 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Aug 20 2026 5:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

approx 6-7 hours plus driving

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Julie
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:

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

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Elevation Gain: ~770m
Distance: ~17km return
Pace: Moderate

Nestled beneath the colossal ramparts of Castle Mountain, Rockbound Lake is part of an elemental landscape of water, rock and sky, inspiring in its simplicity. Wildflower displays, larches, intriguing geology, and human history add interest to this outing.

This is a rigorous outing to a high valley hidden behind the ramparts of Castle Mountain and two distinctly different lakes: one a placid, green mirror fringed by open subalpine forest and lush wildflower meadows; the other a cold, grey sheet contained by steep talus slopes and massive, tumbled boulder fields. Both lakes are overshadowed by the impressive Eisenhower Peak tower and the limestone cliffs of Castle Mountain.

If you're not sure about a hike, feel free to contact the coordinator and remember to always hike within your ability in order to be able to keep up with the group. If you have not hiked before or recently hiked with 500M+, this hike is not for you. If you're used to "slowpoke pace hikes" then this hike is not for you.

Required Items to Bring:
Bear spray
$ for carpool driver
Sturdy hiking boots
Lunch and snacks
Water (2L or more)
Clothing and layers for all weather
Bag for muddy boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking poles
Sunscreen
Bug spray
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):

260Km

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $85.80 (calculated at total Km * $0.33, effective Monday, October 5, 2026). 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.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: