Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Boundary Peak

Boundary Panorama

Boundary Ridge north Panorama,  Midnight Peaks upper left, Baldy South behind. Lusk Ridge center right

Boundary Peak is highpoint of long and very elegant ridge linking Midnight Peak above Baldy Pass to the north and ending with Tiarra Peak to the south.  It is simply fantastic viewpoint with sweeping panorama of Foothills and Front Ranges.  There are 2 possible ways to climb this non-technical peak, both starting from Powderface Road (seasonally closed December 1 - May 14):

•  Lusk Meadows Route
•  Belmore Browne route

These 2 trailheads are only ~3km apart, and 1-way Traverse is best option even without second vehicle or bicycle as intervening section of Powderface Road can be speed walked in less than 45 minutes.  I present it here as 2 separate Trips aggregated on same page, because this is how I did it.  First time I climbed via Belmore Browne and almost went for a loop;  reason prevailed as I didn't feel comfortable descending route I was not familiar with.  In retrospect, now that I am familiar with both sides, this was good decision - route finding on Lusk side is not trivial.   This is main reason why I believe North - South traverse direction is better, in addition to steep Headwall above Lusk Meadows that is easier to ascend than descend.

Oct 24, 2025

I describe this option first, as this is how people usually climb Boundary Peak (most return the same way).  Trailhead is at east side of Powderface Trail, some 5km south of Dawson  Winter Gate (1st photo in Gallery below).   Lusk Meadows route forks off on left side shortly after initial creek crossing;  this spot might be easy to miss if not paying attention.  On my trip trail appeared freshly brushed off, but there are reports of some previous alder bashing - be prepared just in case.  First route-finding problem is at Hunters camp ~30min in.  Cross the marsh and pick up trail on the other side;  there might be flag marking the spot.  Hiking is fairly pleasant with moderate grade following old cutline.  After sharp right turn trail reaches treeline in about an hour mark and fades away.  This is second critical routefinding spot in order to pick up trail on descent.   Lusk Meadows are quite scenic with open views back to Foothills.  Steep Headwall below Boundary Ridge ahead looks like it might present problems, but is just class 2 scrambling - when dry.  On my trip in Oct '25 there thin layer of snow made things a bit spicy, specially on descent.   Aim for stand of Pine trees about halfway up, then follow diagonal scree trail topping up by small cairn and possible flag.  This is third critical routefinding spot if descending this way, and if not familiar with area is also easy to miss.

Ensuing ridgewalk to Boundary Peak looming above is super enjoyable - if not windy.   On my trip gale winds almost knocked me over couple of times.  Otherwise there are no difficulties as ridge is not exposed, and final ascent slope is just your classic Rockies moderate grade Talus.  Views are fantastic in all directions;   Belmore Browne route to the south,  described in second part of this page, is readily observable from the summit.

Gallery

Gallery