Last updated on April 25th, 2025 at 12:02 am
The reason so many people, including myself, decide to scramble the Tower of Babel is for the stunning views looking down over Moraine Lake. This birdseye view is really beautiful but you have to work hard for it. There is no maintained trail to the top of the Tower of Babel, instead there is an unmarked and unmaintained trail which switchbacks up through loose scree, making this is a scramble and not a hike.
It is a very popular scramble in the area, so prepare to encounter many other people heading up the Tower of Babel from dawn until dusk. Many people enjoy reaching the top of the Tower of Babel to watch sunrise, if this is you make sure to pack a head torch and hope for a clear day.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts For Scrambling The Tower Of Babel
Distance: 2.9km
Elevation: 520m
Time: 2 – 4 hours return
When to scramble: Mid to late June through September
How To Scramble The Tower Of Babel
I scrambled the Tower of Babel one year when the road was still closed, so we had to cycle our way in to Moraine Lake, this meant there were very few other people enjoying the lake when we arrived. Note that it is not always possible to scramble the Tower of Babel early season due to lingering snow.
As we sat enjoying some snacks and taking in the view we looked up at the Tower of Babel and realized we would never have a quiet time to summit this again. We had discussed completing the scramble before we headed out so we both cycled in prepared for the fact that if we felt we had the energy we would go for it. Taking in the empty surroundings we decided we would be crazy not to get up there!
The scramble up the Tower of Babel is notorious for it’s rockfall hazards with many a news article detailing unfortunate injuries and their consequent rescues on this route. If you don’t have scrambling experience and aren’t prepared to wear a helmet, this trip is not for you! The lack of people around, made the scramble up the Tower of Babel all the more appealing to us. The main cause of rockfall on this route is, after all, people above you. Take them out of the equation and the risk is considerably reduced!
Getting To The Trailhead
Parks Canada has closed the road to Moraine Lake to private vehicles, so you need to plan ahead to get a shuttle or organise a private taxi to get to the Moraine Lake trailhead. It’s a very popular spot and therefore you’ll want to make reservations in advance.
I’d recommend taking the Parks Canada shuttle, they also operate an alpine start shuttle now for those who want to be on the trails early or who have big full day objectives in mind. The Parks Canada shuttle is also one of the most economical ways to get to Moraine Lake. Reservations for the shuttle open on the 16th April 2025 at 8am MST and can be booked on the Parks Canada Reservation site. However they don’t release all the seats then and the rest of the shuttle spots can be booked at 8am two days in advance.
If you want to explore more options to get to Moraine Lake in 2025, I have a whole blog dedicated to the topic to help you plan the perfect trip there.
How To Scramble The Tower Of Babel
Like most scrambles, the route up to the Tower of Babel is not an official trail, therefore it isn’t signed or maintained. From the parking lot, follow the trail towards Consolation Lakes. Shortly after the rockpile, the trail enters some trees. Many trails can be seen through these trees on the right of the trail, this is the start of the route up.
The trail ascends quickly, over bigger boulders and rocks. Watch your footing here. The trail can be difficult to find as well, keep right and you should pick it up. The trail goes up though the gully, so head in that direction and you w=can’t go wrong.
The well beaten trail makes for easier and faster travel. We missed this on the way up and it led to a slow grind up towards the summit of the Tower of Babel, with lots of loose rock, meaning we went one step forward two back for most of the way. The more well worn trail is compacted and less loose, making it faster and easier.
Once in the gully, it narrows quickly and this is where the worst of the rockfall hazards exist from people above on the trail. We stuck to the right of the gully on the harder rock where we could, which made for a bit more hands on scrambling at times.
Towards the top of the gully there is a short section of unavoidable hands on scrambling over some hard rock. Nothing unobtainable and it’s done quickly. Always remember that ascending is typically easier than descending, and on the way down this section, I did a bit of butt sliding to keep things safe and low to the ground!
Once you pop up, you can see over the backside to Consolation Lake. The route to the summit of the Tower of Babel is obvious from here. The right is a steep rock face, so the left is the way to go. Mostly flat and wide, the trail goes right to the end of the ledge, offering beautiful views of Moraine Lake, the reason so many people want to head up here.
It was warm and windless and we had the summit to ourselves, a rare occurrence at the summit of the Tower of Babel.
The descent was easier than the climb up, the loose rock allowing us to ski down and the lack of people under us due to the road being closed reduced the risk of us throwing rocks onto others below.
What You’ll Need To Scramble The Tower Of Babel
Backpack – A good day pack to hold extra layers, water and food, is a must for the scramble up Eiffel Peak. Don’t forget the sunscreen either, a lot of this trail has no shade.
Hiking Poles – The trail is steep, I can’t recommend hiking poles enough to help your knees, especially on the descent. Collapsible poles mean you can stow them away for the hands on scrambling parts if you would rather.
Hiking Boots – A solid pair of grippy boots will help a lot on this trail, look for good grip and a bit of ankle coverage to help reduce the numbers of rocks you might get in your boots!
Helmet – If there are others on the trail, a helmet is a must have for scrambling Eiffel Peak, this protects you from any loose rocks which may come down from other scramblers ahead of you..
This trail took us just over 3 hours, we still ate plenty of snacks, it’s a hard and exhausting trail, so make sure you have the fuel you need!
Other Trails Around Moraine Lake
The Tower of Babel is just one of many popular trails and scrambles around the Moraine Lake area. While many make it to the rockpile and call it a day, there are plenty of other, longer trails to explore.
Check out my scramble up to Eiffel Peak, which also starts at the Moraine Lake parking lot, here. You’ll also find the trailhead for the highly popular Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass trail in the same area.
For those looking for a little less elevation, instead of climbing up the Tower of Babel, continue along the trail to Consolation Lake, for a much less technical and steep day!
Where To Stay
Moraine Lake Lodge – It doesn’t get any closer tot he trailhead than a night at Moraine Lake Lodge, however if definitely comes at a cost.
Mountaineer Lodge – Located in Lake Louise, the Mountaineer Lodge is a great option, with beautiful rooms and included breakfast.
HI Lake Louise – The perfect, budget friendly option, with rooms for families as well as dorm rooms for singles. The onsite cafe has great food.
