Mount ChephrenMount Chephren at a Glance
About Mount Chephren
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Mount Chephren
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -20° - -8° | -22° | 107 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -18° - -5° | -18° | 82 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -16° - -5° | -17° | 86 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -10° - -2° | -11° | 66 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -5° - 3° | -5° | 84 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -2° - 8° | 3° | 116 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 112 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 1° - 13° | 5° | 104 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -3° - 8° | -1° | 81 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -8° - 3° | -8° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -15° - -5° | -17° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -19° - -8° | -22° | 87 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
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.