Classic View of Banff and Bow Valley from Sanson Peak - highest point of Sulphur Mountain

1.  Cosmic Ray
2.  Gondola Trail

Google Map

January 13, 2017

"Cosmic Ray" is fancy name for old Sulphur Mountain service road that runs along its backside.  It got its name due to high-altitude geophysical laboratory built on Sanson peak and later utilized as Weather observatory.  This road is well seen as one drives east towards Banff past Sunshine ski-area junction.  Access is via Sundance canyon trail starting from Cave and Basin National Park Headquarters.   Its main advantage are open and sunny west slopes that are more scenic than more frequently used front side.  Hike is easy, but total elevation gain of over 900m requires certain level of stamina.  It is better to utilize Cosmic Ray for descent, if doing the loop.  In that case be aware that distance from Cave and Basin parking and Lower Gondola terminal is over 4km and will have to be walked if you have only 1 vehicle.

From Cave and Basin parking lot walk through the complex (swarming with tourists in summer months) and find Sundance Canyon trailhead at opposite end.  ((Lower boardwalk is popular bird-watching marsh walk, and well-worth if you have time).  Follow wide paved path enjoying open views across Bow Valley towards Mt. Norquay along the way.  After ~25 minutes you come to marked 4-way junction.  Sundance Canyon continues straight; turn left onto Sulphur Mountain road that starts ascent immediately.   After couple of switchbacks you cross old burn area and settle for long diagonal ascent.  Views here back towards Mt. Edith, Mt. Cory, Mt. Bourgeau and Pilot Mountain are well worth a break.   There is possibility of some deadfall higher up, but it presents difficulty only for descending skiers.  After about an hour of walking road finally switchbacks left, then in 10 minutes right and soon reaches the upper boardwalk.  Welcome back to civilization.

Turn left and ascent the stairs to top of Sanson Peak; this area is extremely busy during full tourist season, but in winter --depending on your timing-- you can have it to yourself.  Finally reach the Cosmic Ray station.  Structure is not in use anymore and is now recognized as National Historic site.   Views are fantastic, specially during the sunset -- see the gallery above.  Upper Gondola terminal is 10 minute walk east, and if open can offer (pricey) refreshments and food --- did you bring any money?   Finally either return the same way (twice as fast), or ride the gondola down.  Hike down Gondola trail is steep and recommended only for ascent.

Update early 2021:  Parks Canada have been doing prescribed burning and clearing of lower slopes all winter;  Cosmic Ray has been closed (including Sundance Canyon).  Always check with Parks Canada website before heading out on an official trail

Google Map

March 12, 2021

Banff version of Vancouver Grouse Grind, although nowhere as steep and far more scenic.  Starting from lower Gondola terminal gently graded switchbacks ascend forested slopes below Gondola Tram line.  Locals frequently ascend (or trail-run) this year-round.  It can get quite icy in winter, so spikes are good idea.  Download used to be free in off-season, but as of this writing (March '21) download is half price;  locals can still download free, with government ID.  It is a nice leg stretcher and with little luck can provide quite nice sunset views above Sundance Range.

When snow free, it is possible to hike south up the ridge towards what some call "true summit of Sulphur Mountain".  I have not done that as my trips were always in winter, but reportedly it is mildly exposed towards the end with couple of class 3 steps.