The Alpenglow ~
backpacking trip in Castle Provincial Park
Remote alpine lakes with stunning colours
Duration
Level
Cost
Early Bird Special: $549 + GST
Regular: $599 + GST
Location
Castle Provincial Park
Upcoming Dates
Coming Feb 2026
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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..."
Overview
The alpenglow is the light off of the mountains either at sunset or sunrise that gives the landscape the most beautiful colour. In the South Canadian Rockies, there are natural red hues in the mountain rock, which showcase the best alpenglow. This backpacking trip will take you deep into the wilderness near Waterton Lakes National Park to two subalpine lakes. In the evening or late afternoon, we will take some time to explore the second lake a short distance away. Wake up early to watch the sunrise hit the mountain headwall and illuminate the start of your day.
This backpacking trip can be done two different ways for private trips. Add some relaxation and camp at the alpine lakes for two nights and make this a three-day trip. Have some extra time to just relax and do short day trips from your basecamp. Or stick to this option and experience the beautiful alpenglow yourself over two days.
This backpack is designed for an intermediate backpacker.
Highlights:
Remote alpine lake with stunning views Red hues during alpenglow Single-track hiking trails away from the crowds Expert knowledge from our locals guides True backcountry experience
Details
Price:
Early Bird: $549 per person
Regular: $599 per person
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
with a welcome party the evening before the trip
2026 DATES
We are currently revamping our multi-day backpacking trips. New trips and dates are coming February 2026.
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* Available for private bookings. For groups of 4 or more, the price remains the same.
Total Distance: 28 km*
* Not including optional hikes from camp
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.
Itinerary
Tentative Trip Itinerary:
Day 0
7 – 9PM
Meet the night before in Crowsnest Pass to organize gear, go over logistics, distribute food, and make sure we are set up for success!
Day 1
8AM
Meet in Crowsnest Pass at the designated location discussed the night before.
8AM – 9:30AM
Travel to trailhead. A high clearance vehicle is recommended to reach the trailhead. If you don’t have one, you will likely be able to jump in a vehicle with someone else before we reach the difficult section of the backcountry road.
9:30AM – 5PM
You will start your backpack trip in the stunning Castle Parks wilderness. During the day, you will have an unbridged creek crossing to give you the ultimate experience of remoteness. With your group, you will enjoy the beautiful mountain valley and follow a stunning creek to your final destination: an alpine lake. Take in the sunset to watch the alpenglow goodness on the mountain headwalls.
Distance: 14km
Elevation: 720m+
Day 2
10AM – 2PM
Wake up early to enjoy the stunning sunrise, or sleep in a bit while your guide starts making breakfast and fresh coffee. Make sure to give yourself some time to just relax. The hike out is slightly different than the hike in, but you will still have the opportunity to cross more creeks before returning to your vehicle.
Distance: 14km
Elevation: 720m-
Inclusions
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