Eisenhower Tower

Banff National Park

Classic Rockies Alpine Rock Route

Alpine Climbing Moderate

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 963 m
Descent: 963 m

Low Point: 1.4 km
High Point: 2.4 km
Gradient: 21˚

From the Trans Canada Highway it's impossible not to notive the looming Eisenhower Tower. Despite it's grandeur it is not in fact it's own mountain, or even the summit.

Hiking up the final stretch of the approach

The trail that traverses the cliff to access the scree gulley

Description

Despite this the south ridge holds on of the more popular rock alpine rock routes in the area. While most of the route is low fifth class it is typical of Rockies Limestone intermediate routes in that the crux is routefinding.

Helpfully anchor stations are located up and down the route. While I could detail my experience, I would recommend picking up a copy of Chris Perry's fantastic Banff Rock for further detail as he is more qualified than I to explain the routes characteristics.

Appraoch shoes are the recommended footwear, and it helps to start early as rockfall can get pretty bad as the route heats up.

Difficulty

Moderate

May involve slightly more complex glacier hikes, easy but possibly long rock ridges and steep snow up to 45 degrees. Equivalent to PD, PD+

High Exposure

Much of the route is difficult to protect and a fall could be disastrous at certain points.

Remoteness

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.