The Karst ~
backpacking trip near Crowsnest Pass
Remarkable scenery and cave landscapes
Duration
Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Cost
Early Bird Special: $549 + GST
Regular: $599 + GST
Location
Upcoming Dates
Coming Feb 2026
Explore with Purpose
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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
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.
Highlights:
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
Details
Price:
Early Bird (Dec 31-Feb 28): $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: 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.
Itinerary
Tentative Trip Itinerary:
Day 0
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!
Day 1
8AM
Meet in Crowsnest Pass at the designated location discussed the night before.
8AM – 8:30AM
Travel to trailhead.
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
Elevation: 750m+
Day 2
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
Elevation: 750m-
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