Buchanan Scramble Route

Near Waterton Park · Waterton Lakes National Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 66 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Buchanan Scramble Route is a 2.7 km out and back trail near Waterton Park in Waterton Lakes National Park. It runs 1.3 km each way. The route gains 448 m in total and tops out at 2,379 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes of moving time. Along the way you pass the summit of Buchanan Ridge.

Length: 2.7km; 1.3 km each way
Elevation gain: 448m
Estimated time: 2h45min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,379m
Lowest point: 2,001m

Elevation profile

2,001 m to 2,379 m

Highest point 2,379 m, lowest 2,001 m, 448 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 86% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

1.3 kmBuchanan RidgeSummit · 2,409 m

Good for

Hiking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Summit, Views, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 49.0307° N, 113.9838° W.

Driving directions

Waterton Lakes National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy Discovery Pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 63 trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30