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) GPS Track: Download 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. (Update 2022: I would no longer consider going solo nowadays while there are active restrictions in this area. Due to a massive influx of tourists to the area there are more enforcements of the rules compared to when I was here in 2009.)
Eiffel Peak Route Map
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.
First views of the easy scramble line up Eiffel Peak.
A pleasant hike up the east ridge of Eiffel towards Moraine Lake.
Loose terrain on the east ridge.
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.
Incredible summit panorama from Deltaform (L) to Hungabee, Victoria, Lefroy (C) and Mount Temple and Moraine Lake (R). Sublime views over Paradise Valley. Summits include Wastach, Hungabee, Victoria, Lefroy and Eiffel Tower
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.
Loose rocks on the descent mean you should be aware of parties climbing either above or beneath you.
Looking back up the ascent line.
Looking carefully you will spot cairns marking the route behind me and two scramblers high up above.
