This was our second time hiking Table Mountain. The Autumn colours added enough variety that it was still a rewarding trip and the cooler temperatures made for a much more enjoyable day.
I pulled several weather forecasts the previous evening and noted mostly good conditions but wind gusting up to 70 km/hr. We aimed to start early to miss the worst of the wind, but still planned to avoid exposed terrain. Our neighbouring campsite wasn’t the most considerate and we only ended up getting 3 hrs of sleep. Table Mountain was exactly the short, easy hike that we needed on such a day.
The trailhead starts at Beaver Mines Lake Provincial Campground along easy, aspen-lined trail.As we gained elevation, alpine meadows opened around us.The trail curves around to the left, high above a drainage. Just past the slope at the left of this photo we will be turning left and heading up the easiest line to the ridge.Looking back at Dan (in the patch of gold) after turning left and trudging up the slope above the drainage. A Y is reached near where Dan stands: The longer branch is to climber’s left, and offers faster and easier travel on a solid path for the hike up; and then the path to climber’s right (skier’s left) is faster to scree-ski down on the way out. The majority of hikers seemed to stop once they reached the plateau. This is not the highest point on the mountain, but the views over Beaver Mines Lake are still excellent. The iconic photo every hiker takes standing on a dramatic cliff edge is at this spot. The cliff edge curves slightly, providing a good vantage point to photograph a friend.We continued across the table-flat mountain-top to the true summit. The high point can be seen directly above my head, the path to which will take us directly through the sea of gold on the ridge.Unlike most conifers, larches turn gold and lose their needles in autumn. “Live, Laugh, Larch” – My husband, the poet.Larch season varies from year to year, but the fourth week of September tends to be a good time to visit the mountains (Western and Subalpine Larches). Tamarack Larches down in the prairies tend to turn a few weeks later.Approaching the summit and looking back to the plateau where most hikers stop.At the peak of Table Mountain, looking north.Summit panorama.We returned the way we came, again passing through the sea of gold.As the wind started to pick up, we were happy to be almost done on the ridge, ready to head back down. The distinctive shape of Castle Peak can be seen in the background.Escaping the wind and ducking down the way we came. These red markers along the trail help keep the navigation easy.In the afternoon sun, the aspens were even brighter than the larches.Nearly back at the parking lot, the wind was raining golden leaves down on us as we passed underneath.
We arrived back at our vehicle in 3 hrs 30 min. I tried to encourage everyone we passed to continue across the table-top to the larches, but their later start meant they were hiking into extraordinary wind. No one seemed especially interested in spending extra time on the ridge. We only saw about ten other groups while hiking, far less than I expected for such an easy, beautiful hike. Autumn colours greatly improve this trip, in my opinion.
Appendix
We also summited Table Mountain in June 2021. Upon arriving to the Castle area, we discovered that Dan’s hiking boots hadn’t joined us for the drive out from Edmonton. Table Mountain is relatively easy, so we tried it anyway. I won’t go so far as to say sandals are a good choice for hiking this mountain, but it absolutely is possible (and we weren’t even any slower). After a quick, successful summit, we set out looking to buy hiking boots. We expected the best we would find in rural Alberta is a Mark’s or Wal-Mart, but were pleasantly surprised to learn that Tamarack Outdoor Outlet in Pincher Creek carries high-quality outdoor gear from all of the top brands.
This trooper summited Table Mountain in sandals.The iconic photo everyone snaps on this hike: standing at the viewpoint, looking over Beaver Mines Lake.Views of Mount Gladstone and distant Castle Peak from the summit of Table Mountain.Ask me how I know Beaver Mines Lake has leeches.
Peak Bliss 