Castle Towers is in the Garibaldi Lake area, but should not be busy as it is off of the regular trail network. It is rated an easy/moderate scramble by Matt Gunn.

If we have enough vehicles to set up a shuttle and we'll do a traverse, entering via the Helm Creek trail and exiting via the Rubble Creek trail. We'll camp at the Gentian Pass, which is northwest of the peak. It is in the wilderness area of Garibaldi Park, so reservations are not necessary, but a wilderness permit ($10) is required. This will be a strenuous hike, so please review the route and make sure you are up to the task.

Itinerary

Day 1: We'll drop a car at the Rubble Creek parking lot, then proceed to the Cheakamus Lake park entrance and ascend the Helm Creek trail up to Helm Lake. From here we'll avoid the Helm Glacier, either travelling along Gentian Ridge to the east or Panorama Ridge to the west. We'll set up camp in Gentian Pass then scramble the final 800m to the summit. We'll return to camp and tuck in for the night.

Day 2: We'll return via Panorama Ridge and then head down through Taylor Meadows. If the group is eager and the weather is good we'll do a side trip up to Black Tusk. If it is hot we'll head down to Garibaldi Lake for a swim before descending the Rubble Creek trail.

Gear required: climbing helmet and your usual fast and light overnight backpacking setup.