Summit Elevation (m): 2622
Trip Date: Thursday, September 4, 2003
Round Trip Time (hrs): unknown
Elevation Gain (m): 400 – from the Skyline Trail
Total Trip Distance (km): 2 – from the Skyline Trail
Quick ‘n Dirty Rating: Class 2 – you fall, you sprain something
Difficulty Notes: An easy ascent from the Skyline Trail which passes right past the mountain on its east ridge.
Technical Rating: OT5; YDS (Hiking)
GPS Track: Download
Map: Google Maps
Curator Mountain was a very enjoyable scramble. Next to Tekarra it’s the one I would recommend most for a side trip off of the Skyline Trail backpacking route in Jasper National Park. It is just off of the Big Shovel Pass to the west and there are several routes up. The most obvious may not always be possible if the snow isn’t melted enough. If there is no way up through the snowfield you can get to the summit by tracking back a bit and going up through some steep scree and cliff bands to gain the summit ridge.
This summit is mostly a strenuous hike but does get somewhat steep in sections. The view from the top is absolutely fantastic with a view of the Skyline Trail along Curator Lake with the steep route up The Notch along with a host of other peaks to the south and the east including Centre, Excelsior and others. If you get to Big Shovel Pass and you think you have the energy, it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours to go up and down and that includes some good quality view-time at the top.
