The Karst Backpacking Trip
Castle Parks, near Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
Remarkable scenery and cave landscapes
The Karst Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Karst Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Karst Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Karst Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Karst Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
THE KARST BACKPACKING TRIP
Castle Parks, near Crowsnest Pass
A karst is a landscape predominantly derived from limestone and has been eroded over thousands of years to produce fissures, sinkholes, caves, and more. The karst backpacking trip takes you on a journey of exploration of moon-like landscapes. After a scenic day of backpacking, you will reach camp and want to immediately explore this awe-inspiring area. You will want to keep your eyes peeled for visitors though and it is common to see mountain goats and sheep carefully watching you from the alpine mountain slopes.
This backpacking trip can be done two different ways for private trips. You can do this as a 3-day backpack and have a basecamp at a junction point to the valleys. This will allow you to explore two valleys over three days, or book onto a 2-day trip staying high in the mountain environment.
This backpacking trip is designed for an intermediate to advanced backpacker.
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
with a welcome party the evening before the trip
2025 DATES
July 4-6 (women only)
July 11-13 (co-ed)
July 25-27 (co-ed)
* Available for private bookings. For groups of 4 or more, the price remains the same.
PRICE
Early Bird Special (Dec 31-Feb 28): $549 per person
Regular Pricing: $599 per person
* price includes meals, group gear, professional guide, and more
** price does not include taxes
Prepare for your trip!
Packing for your trip
After you book your trip, check your email for a booking confirmation. If you didn't get it, then something went wrong and you can email us. In the booking confirmation we send out information on how to prepare for your trip and a link to our Visitor Guide to help with planning. If you have more questions, ask ahead of time and ease your mind.
The day of your trip
An email is sent out at least a week before your trip and we will confirm a meal plan with the group. Ensure you read this email and respond to the meal plan. The email will also indicate the meeting location and other information important for your trip.
Your trip starts with us meeting up in the evening for a welcome party (Day 0 in the itineray). If this is your first backpacking trip, please let us know and we can review even the smallest details. When you enjoy your trip, then we are happy! We are here to help you and to make this trip positively memorable. All questions are welcome.
Highlights of this tour
- Viewing karst landscapes and exploring a cave
- High potential of seeing alpine wildlife such as goats and sheep
- Expert knowledge from our locals guides
- River crossings
- True backcountry experience
INCLUDED
Food on Day 1 (lunch, snacks, supper)
Food on Day 2 (breakfast, lunch, snacks)
Safety equipment (carried by guide: bear spray, first aid kit, satellite communication device, repair kit, guide tarp, maps)
Group equipment (water filter / purification, cooking pots, cooking utensils, soap and scrubby, dishes, stoves, fuel, bear hang, rope)
Professional guide (our backpacking guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are Wilderness First Responders)
Permits
Small group sizes
NOT INCLUDED
✕ Transportation to trailhead
✕ Personal Gear (gear can be rented at an additional and discounted cost, such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks)
✕ Accommodations before and after the trip
✕ Breakfast on Day 1
✕ Supper on Day 2
✕ Cancellation insurance
✕ Gratuity
Tentative Trip Itinerary
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Day 0 |
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7 – 9PM |
Meet the night before in Crowsnest Pass for the welcome party. We will organize gear, go over logistics, distribute food, and make sure we are set up for success! |
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Day 1 |
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8AM |
Meet in Crowsnest Pass at the designated location discussed the night before. |
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8AM – 8:30AM |
Travel to trailhead. |
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8:30AM – 2PM |
You will quickly enter the stunning Castle Parks wilderness on your backpack trip. During the day, you will have several unbridged creek crossings to give you the ultimate experience of remoteness. You do not want to forget a quality pair of water shoes on this trip! Flip flops are not recommended. With your group, you will enjoy the beautiful mountain valley and follow a stunning creek before arriving at a talus slope. Listen for pikas as your make your final ascend into camp. After dinner and setting up your campsite, you can venture to a small cave and explore around the landscape. Distance: 7.5km |
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Day 2 |
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10AM – 2PM |
Enjoy the spectacular morning views and take in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Your hike out today will be the same trail you took yesterday. On the way back, you can take a side trail to a hidden waterfall. Just remember that you have a few creek crossings, just to make your life a little more interesting. Distance: 7.5km |
Total Distance: 15 km*
* Not including optional hikes from camp or going to the cave.
Meeting Location (Day 0): In Crowsnest Pass
A welcome party will be held the night before your trip. We ask all participants to attend.
The exact location will be emailed to you the week leading up to your adventure.
Tours can be offered to private groups with a minimum of four people between July and September. Please contact us for a private booking.
Book an upcoming tour now!
Select a date on the calendar to book your tour, or contact us to book a private tour.
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"I had a wonderful weekend adventure with Uplift Adventures! I highly recommend this service to anyone heading out to the south Canadian Rockies and looking for a little fun and guidance to spice up your trip. Whether you're experienced or not, the team will make you feel comfortable and will not fail to make you smile..."