Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Canadian Rockies 11,000ers
  5. Mount Lefroy

11,230 ft · Bow Range, Alberta/British Columbia

Mount Lefroy

Mount Lefroy is an 11,230 ft peak in the Bow Range, Alberta/British Columbia. The standard route is the West Face: 6 mi, 4,590 ft of gain, Class 4.

Plan this climbView Canadian Rockies 11,000ers
Mount Lefroy in the Bow Range, Alberta/British Columbia

Mount Lefroy at a glance

  • Elevation11,230 ft3,422 m
  • RouteWest FaceClass 4
  • Distance6 mi4,590 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeBow RangeAlberta/British Columbia

Climbing the West Face

From Lake Louise, drive west on Highway 1 to the Lake O'Hara parking lot and ride the bus 11 km to Lake O'Hara, or walk the road before dawn. Hike past Lake Oesa and up the loose Abbot Pass alpine route to the pass. The West Face is a sustained snow and ice climb of 40 to 45 degrees for about 400 m, with short 50-degree sections and a corniced summit ridge. Rockfall from the face and the pass slopes is constant once snow melts, so start very early while the face is frozen. Bring crampons, an axe and second tool, a helmet and rope. A Lake O'Hara bus reservation and a Parks Canada pass are required.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Ice Axe
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Rockfall
  • Avalanches
  • Steep exposure
  • Cornices

Quests with Mount Lefroy

Peaks near Mount Lefroy

  1. Mount Huber

    Mount Huber

    10,984 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Mount Victoria

    Mount Victoria

    11,365 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Hungabee Mountain

    Hungabee Mountain

    11,457 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. Mount Victoria North Peak

    Mount Victoria North Peak

    11,207 ft · 2.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Lefroy?

Mount Lefroy is 11,230 feet (3,422 m) tall. It is in the Bow Range, Alberta/British Columbia.

How does Mount Lefroy rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?

At 11,230 feet, Mount Lefroy is the 29th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Mount Lefroy?

The West Face is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 6 miles with 4,590 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount Lefroy?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the West Face, covering 6 miles with 4,590 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Mount Lefroy dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need an ice axe for Mount Lefroy?

Plan on it. An ice axe is on the gear list for the West Face for the snow and ice on the upper mountain. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.

When is the best time to climb Mount Lefroy?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Lefroy with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

App StoreGoogle Play