Mount Chephren

Mountain Banff peak with steep flanks and glaciers

Rocky Mountain peak in Banff National Park, Alberta, visited by climbers for steep routes and views of glaciers and surrounding valleys.

Main image
Main image

Mount Chephren is a peak in the Canadian Rockies located in Alberta within Banff National Park and on or near the Continental Divide. It forms part of the high alpine landscape of the national park and has glaciated slopes.

The mountain is frequently seen from the Icefields Parkway and from viewpoints near Bow Lake, making it a familiar feature on scenic drives through the park. Its higher slopes include persistent snow and ice features that are characteristic of the area.

The mountain has been part of the protected landscape of Banff National Park since the park’s establishment, contributing to conservation of alpine ecosystems and scenic values.

Geographically it lies in Alberta’s portion of the Rockies, within Banff National Park and visible from the main highway corridor that links the park’s attractions.

  • Best viewpoints: Prominent views of the mountain are available from the Icefields Parkway and Bow Lake corridor; many photographs of the region include the mountain and its glaciated slopes.

What to See #

  • Chephren Glacier: A glacier occupies the mountain's higher slopes and contributes to its alpine character; the glacier is one of the mountain's main physical features and is visible from nearby roads and viewpoints in fair weather.
Mount Chephren
51.8392, -116.6827

How to Get to Mount Chephren #

Access is by road via the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) north of Lake Louise and south of Jasper. The common trailheads for approaches are reached from the Columbia Icefield and Waterfowl Lakes parking areas. Expect long alpine approaches and prepare for glacier travel; many parties hire guides from Banff or Jasper.

Tips for Visiting Mount Chephren #

  • Start early on the trail from Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) to avoid afternoon storms and maximize light for photography.
  • The most direct approach is from the Mistaya River/Waterfowl Lakes area-be prepared for significant elevation gain and alpine terrain.
  • Mountain weather is unpredictable; carry an avalanche beacon and current conditions if attempting technical routes outside summer.

Best Time to Visit Mount Chephren #

Best visited in summer and early autumn when the alpine routes are most accessible; winter access is for highly experienced mountaineers only.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · -5-10°C at higher elevations; warmer in valleys
Climbing and scrambling conditions are best; snowfields still linger early in the season.
Late spring-early autumn (May-Sept)
May-September · -10-8°C
Longer daylight and more stable weather; classic window for ascents.

Weather & Climate near Mount Chephren #

Climate

Mount Chephren's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1132 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -20°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-20° -8°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-18° -5°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-16° -5°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -2°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-15° -5°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -19°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-19° -8°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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