Mount McCarty Route

About this trail

Mount McCarty Route is a 30.3 km out and back trail near Crowsnest Pass in Castle Wildland Provincial Park. It runs 15.1 km each way. The route gains 2,169 m in total and tops out at 2,358 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 15 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It passes two mapped trail junctions. At 7.5 km the trail forks. This route keeps left; the right fork is a 3.1 km side branch with the same name. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass the summit of St. Eloi Ridge and a stream crossing. Also used for backpacking.

Highest point 2,358 m, lowest 1,412 m, 2,169 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 63% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 0.0 kmStream crossing
2. 8.5 kmMount McCartySummit · 2,358 m
3. 11.2 kmMacDonald Pass PeakSummit · 2,243 m
4. 15.1 kmSt. Eloi RidgeSummit · 2,280 m

Good for

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

Rankings

• 4in Best backpacking trails in Castle Wildland Provincial Park
• 5in Best backpacking trails near Crowsnest Pass
• 6in Best backpacking trails in Crowsnest Pass and Castle
• 9in Best summit hikes in Castle Wildland Provincial Park
• 10in Best hikes in Castle Wildland Provincial Park

Trailhead

The trail starts at 49.4287° N, 114.4495° W.

Driving directions

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:

• Alberta Parks advisories and closures
• Avalanche Canada
• Alberta wildfire status

Nearby trails

• Castle Mtn to Lynx Creek TrailHard · 19.5 km · 491 m gain · 2.9 km away
• Hollebeke Mountain RouteHard · 23.8 km · 2,057 m gain · 3.3 km away
• Mount Darrah S4 RouteHard · 13.1 km · 1,633 m gain · 7.8 km away
• Clubs Peak RouteEasy · 1.2 km · 147 m gain · 8.0 km away
• Spades Peak RouteHard · 5.3 km · 261 m gain · 8.0 km away
• Carbondale Hill RouteModerate · 8.7 km · 453 m gain · 8.3 km away