a cliff band provides access to a route above the lake. The ascent is a very long day when undertaken from the trailhead and can easily require 12 hours for a return trip. This cannot be shortened as random backcountry camping is not permitted in the area. The Castle Mountain Hut on the southern side could be used but requires technical rock climbing skills and possibly a rope to access it. While the normal scrambling route reached via Rockbound Lake is primarily a long slog, there is no discernible trail once one reaches the top of the "big hill" overlooking the lake and requires moderate scrambling abilities and a bit of route finding to ascend the gully leading to the upper bench. If pressed for time or a different objective, Helena Ridge is basically a scree slog straight up although a lingering snowfield in the gully above the big hill may provide some relief. Snow patches often linger on the upper routes even in late summer so an ice axe should be considered. Climbing routes There are numerous rock climbing routes available on the mountain, the most common routes being: Bass Buttress Brewer Buttress Ultra Brewers Eisenhower Tower References External links Mountains of Banff National Park Two-thousanders of Alberta Siksika Nation Alberta's Rockies