Summit Elevation (m): 3084
Elevation Gain (m): 1200
Trip Time (hr): 5
Total Trip Distance (km): 11
Quick ‘n Dirty Rating: Class 2/3 – you fall, you sprain or break something
Difficulty Notes: No major difficulties if snow and ice free. Beware of the hiking restrictions due to bear activity in the summer.
Technical Rating: SC5; YDS (3rd)
Map: Google Maps
On July 24, 2009 I soloed the scramble route up Eiffel Peak in Lake Louise, Banff National Park. Technically there is a hiking restriction of a minimum part of 4 to get in this area but I simply hiked between groups of tourists that were slower than me and figured as long as I stuck with the groups, I’d be fine. There are a LOT of people on the trails in this area in the summer anyway, but you should be aware that there are stiff fines if you are hiking solo.
Eiffel Peak is an easy scramble – I don’t know why it’s not rated ‘easy’ but according to me it should be. It’s a very pleasant and short day out with a killer view. I will probably repeat this one some day in the fall with my kids – it would be fantastic with lots of larches.
I missed the trail that cuts across the stream on the way up – I actually went down it but didn’t think it continued over the stream. You know you have the right trail when you are immediately crossing the stream at a small falls (you hear it from the main trail) and there are small stone steps dug into the slope right off the main trail. I went all the way up to the empty sign post and benches before losing height on my way over to Eiffel’s shoulder ridge. The trail is obvious all the way up.
The view from the sub-summit is worth the extra 5 minutes because you get a clear view over Wenkchemna Pass.
On descent I passed more people and had to take care for falling rocks – both from myself and from those above me. This is a highly recommended scramble with some pretty stellar views.
