Sulphur Mountain, Banff

Sulphur Mountain, Banff

Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park is a Canadian Rockies peak, named for the sulfurous hot springs on its lower slopes.The summit at 2281 metres is just a gondola ride away from the city, offering magnificent views of Banff, Rundle, Lake Minnewanka, and the Bow Valley.The Sulphur Mountain trail is a moderately difficult hike of 5.5 kms from the trailhead at Upper Hot Springs, going up a steep 655 metres along switchbacks to the summit ridge.

Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park is a Canadian Rockies peak, named for the sulfurous hot springs on its lower slopes.The summit at 2281 metres is just a gondola ride away from the city, offering magnificent views of Banff, Rundle, Lake Minnewanka, and the Bow Valley.

The Sulphur Mountain trail is a moderately difficult hike of 5.5 kms from the trailhead at Upper Hot Springs, going up a steep 655 metres along switchbacks to the summit ridge. You can continue 1 kilometre further along the ridge to reach the Cosmic Ray Station, weather observatory, and Sanson’s Peak. A round trip takes about 4 hours.

Travelers who are not game for the long hike can try the easier Marsh Loop, a 2.8 kilometre flat loop that encircles the wetlands created by hot springs on the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain. Start from the trailhead at Cave and Basin to admire the warm marshlands, and maybe the occasional Banff Springs snail. A typical hike takes about 40 minutes.