Scramble the peak of Rundle Mountain

This hike begins at the junction of Mount Rundle Road and Spray River Trail, if you are driving, park by the Banff Springs Hotel and walk to the trailhead past the golf course. Follow the trail to Rundle Mountain, keep walking as the trail slopes horizontally to the right you will begin hiking through switchbacks within the trees with markers leading straight up the slope

After an hour of hiking through the trees you will begin to see the rocky cliffs as you breach through the woods, this is where your view of Banff and the Fairmont Springs is wide open.'

Scramble up the steep track through the trees, just to the right of the rocky outcrops and drop of the mountain. There is no "carved" trail, you can feel out your footing and see which route will be best for your pace and footwear, the rocks are slippery in places so it is important to keep moving your feet. It will take a few hours to get past the forested ridge but after you reach the rocky cliffs, it is a straight up hike from there. The views at this point are insane, you're on top of the mountainous range overlooking peaks for miles.

The trek up the Dragon's Back is a long straightforward climb of death, with a gully on each side. This stretch is not to be taken lightly as the sloping spine of rock is covered in loose gravel. I found myself pushing my feet against the rubble for so long before being able to see my progress. After rock climbing around large areas you have reached the summit (9,675 ft)!! The acsent along the Dragon's Back is a wide flat spot to rest and enjoy one of my favourite views:) The average round trip time can take around 7-8 hours

Your view stretches from Lake Minnewanka at Two Jack Lake to the Spray River all the way to Canmore. Take your time at the top to appreciate one hell of a view and accomplishment, the hike down is a stretch so make sure to give your legs and knees the break they deserve!