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11,637 ft · Bow Range, Alberta

Mount Temple

Mount Temple is an 11,637 ft peak in the Bow Range, Alberta. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 9 mi, 5,543 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Mount Temple in the Bow Range, Alberta

Mount Temple at a glance

  • Elevation11,637 ft3,546 m
  • RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 3
  • Distance9 mi5,543 ft gain
  • Time7 – 12 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeBow RangeAlberta

Climbing the Southwest Ridge

From Lake Louise, ride a Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake (the road is closed to private vehicles; the Alpine Start shuttle leaves the Lakeshore lot at 4 or 5 am). Hike the Larch Valley trail to Sentinel Pass, then follow the cairned Southwest Ridge scramble (Class 3) up scree and two grey rock bands to the summit snowfield. Rockfall from parties above is the main hazard, so stay left of the broad gully and wear a helmet. Lingering snow means axe and crampons; stay back from ridge cornices. Larch Valley often has a group-of-four bear restriction. A Parks Canada shuttle 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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Rockfall
  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Cornices

Quests with Mount Temple

Peaks near Mount Temple

  1. Mount Lefroy

    Mount Lefroy

    11,230 ft · 3.3 mi away

  2. Hungabee Mountain

    Hungabee Mountain

    11,457 ft · 3.6 mi away

  3. Deltaform Mountain

    Deltaform Mountain

    11,240 ft · 3.8 mi away

  4. Mount Victoria

    Mount Victoria

    11,365 ft · 4.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Temple?

Mount Temple is 11,637 feet (3,546 m) tall. It is in the Bow Range, Alberta.

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

At 11,637 feet, Mount Temple is the 11th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Mount Temple?

The Southwest Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 5,543 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount Temple?

Most people take 7 – 12 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge, covering 9 miles with 5,543 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Mount Temple dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger 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 a helmet for Mount Temple?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Mount Temple?

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 Temple with Yak

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