Kananaskis Country

Alberta Parks

Yamnuska Scramble Route

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.

More commonly travelled from east to west, this route travels through exposed and unmaintained alpine terrain to the summit of Mt. Yamnuska. There are many inherent risks such as rockfall and changing mountain weather involved in navigating this terrain.

Continuing beyond the East Ridge Trail at Raven’s End, hikers must scramble up the “Chimney” through the cliff block using hands and legs. Continue on following the blue blazes, which have been installed to guide hikers. Route-finding skills are still required and hikers are exposed to many sections of steep, rocky slope, with the crux being a section of chain bolted into the mountain side on a vertical section of the rock. After the chain, a short down climb is required before the route once again ascends towards the summit. The descent from the summit of Mt. Yamnuska to the West Col is steep with loose rock.

The West Col ascent to the summit may be a preferred approach as the route is less exposed with fewer route-finding challenges. Read the West Col Trail description.

**Many people have become lost on the backside of this mountain, suffered from exposure to the elements and some unfortunate people have died. If you are in any way unsure of your abilities, please turn around and do not risk putting your friends and family through this tragedy.**

Please note: With over 150 climbing routes up the face, it is critical that hikers do not throw rocks over the edge. 

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Warning

Warning: Rockfall hazard exists on this trail, especially in freeze / thaw weather conditions. Be cautious and move quickly through areas with overhead hazard, particularly in the waterfall section of the West Col portion of trail.

Length 10.2km return
Elevation: 941 m
Difficulty
Summer hiking Hiking
Winter
Trailheads
Trail Map Bow Valley WPP - Yamnuska Trail Map
Trail Report: Bow Valley
Trails: Bow Valley | Kananaskis Country | All Parks
Updated: Jul 24, 2024