Banff National Park // Mt Temple Scramble

I've been wanting to go to Banff National Park for years. I've wanted to climb Mt Temple because it's one of the first trails in Banff I ever heard of. It took a couple of years and a few false starts but eventually I made it to Canada's endless mountain splendor in Banff. Unfortunately, I couldn't get anyone else to go. But at the 11th hour I threw out a hail mary to wildlife artist Nick Coleman. Not only did he agree to get tested for Covid and go, he even agreed to drive. This trail starts at Lake Moraine and goes straight up 5,000ft in 5 miles. The Mt Temple trail slowly reveals a glacier spotted landscape with blue alpine lakes and rugged mountains in every direction. It's awesome.

[@MostlyThoughtThisThrough]

Just thinking of all the ups and downs to get all these incredible shots. Probably double the vert just for that. Kudos Danny!

[@calvinh208]

Yeah, good banter wasn't the only reason he wished someone else was with him.

[@MacLeanWright]

A classic solo-Danny adventure, always good for a handful of one liners! Great video, great views as always!

[@verdexj160]

Me thinks he climbed that thrice, going back and forth for the camera.

[@JamieMiles_southmainmuse]

My grandmother lived her life in Georgia and Florida always said Banff was her favorite place on earth. Such amazing footage. This must go to the top of my bucket list. Which I will have to create now.

[@kyrap5385]

Since I'm a local, I sometimes take the beauty of Banff and the Canadian Rockies for granted. It was very cool to see it not just from an outside perspective, but from the perspective of one of my favourite outdoor channels!! I worked for Parks Canada last summer in Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay, and it's times like this when I reflect back on it when I realize how how amazing it was! Hoping to be heading back to work there again this summer!

[@TheDeJureTour]

As a watcher from Colorado, I'd say 11k-ish doesn't seem too high, but prominence is king! Those views rival anything else I've seen. Simply incredible.

[@mjor6406]

Check out the Purcell Mountains right besides the Canadian Rockies, they are even taller in Person.

[@jorykozak1239]

i live just 90 minutes east of temple. our rockies are more craggy and more glaciated thus more lakes than the U.S. counterparts, also because of the glacier effect our valleys between mountains are "U" shaped and our peaks are mostly knife edge. I've read the opposite is true in the states.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Check the start elevation and the decomposition of the rock.

[@jasmineryce217]

Yes, many ranges in the Canadian Rockies have summit prominence similar to those in Colorado, some even surpassing Colorado’s highest in prominence. The views in the Canadian Rockies are truly unrivalled.

[@grahamhallman243]

@@jorykozak1239 True on average, more craggy and more exceptional vertical gain is the name of the game in the Canadian Rockies. But the US Rockies have a nice chunk of the Northern Rockies starting just south of GNP and of course including GNP and then naturally deep into Canada. What you don't get in the Canadian Rockies are massive high altitude basins, alpine tundra, valleys, plateaus, as well as incredibly deep canyons, and surreal desert landscapes and monoliths - commonplace in the jig saw sprawled US Rockies. There is also a severe absence of granite in the Canadian Rockies, but interestingly not across the Trench in the Columbia Mountains. Walking those chossy ridge lines in the Northern Rockies can be a chore, despite the awesome views. The US Rockies also have 5 of the 10 or so largest calderas on the planet above sea level and the beauty of these geological wonders reveal themselves in due time - like a fine, aged wine. The way the Central and Southern Rockies blend into the American Southwest is just spectacular and richly colorful. It's funny how the MA's spend less and less time in their native Utah, yet that state remains the most diversely beautiful collection of rocks I've seen to date. The more horizontal majesty and geological diversity of the US Rockies has actually been more my wheelhouse as I've aged. Vertical relief and prominence is oooh and ahhhh, the elegance of the Northern Rockies is undeniable, but inevitably the vertical ridge lines get the same, same. I'm just grateful the Northern Rockies don't have the overdevelopment of the Alps and Dolomites. The Northern Rockies are more beautiful, less spoiled, despite being shorter than the Alps. I actually love the broad, lower valleys of the Canadian Rockies most and the gorgeous forests are filled with excellent wildlife - but these valleys are lower compared to the US Rockies' valleys: and it's easily noticeable. I'm also aware a vast network of caves still remains uncharted in the Canadian Rockies. Regardless, both the US and Canadian Rockies are all part of one huge, transnational mountain range: The Greater Rockies. Similarly, the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, etc. cover 2 or more countries as well. But only the Andes exceeds the Rockies in total area.

[@Hotsoups42]

Danny you’re a machine, and you guys are an inspiration for me to get out and conquer some trails. I’m down over 100 lbs doing this stuff, albeit no where near as grueling as this one. Just 3 Colorado 14ers so far!

[@meleinie7248]

Beauty. Great way to introduce those Canadian hosers to MA.....an unfettered Danny dropping lines like "a Mountain Dew soaked meat berry", while crushing the fitness fantasies of every Canuk on the hill! Classic.

[@jasmineryce217]

Cringiest comment I’ve ever read

[@BackyardHiker]

Banff in itself just AMAZING!!! Mind-blowing of the beauty there...

[@forestyforest]

Right on, Mediocre Amateur Canadian adventures 👍

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

When one legend comments on another legend's channel. 😎

[@jeremys6631]

Came here to comment that you and Danny should have done a summit

[@MrESlice]

You guys should definitely do a collab

[@AleksandarGospic]

Seeing Simon here just confirms he is the man who knows what's good :)

[@TheGomer321]

I knew you had good taste Foresty!

[@alex_prizzi]

It's always sick when you guys tag a peak I've been on. Such an awesome way to relive some great memories. I would highly recommend Turtle Mountain in Crowsnest Pass if you're still in the area. Not difficult but super interesting to see in person.

[@McGirr5799]

I second this, def worth

[@john26razor340]

Kind of an easy one for these guys but worth it for Frank Slide I guess

[@theworldhiker1]

Danny and his dedication to filming these videos has been a big inspiration to me trail running and sharing some of the best hikes in California through my own videos. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@tjcihlar1]

The Canadian Rockies are at another level of rockiness. Beautiful

[@wmbiisurgeon9087]

Thanks for this! Going to Mt. Temple next week. 5500’ in 4.5 miles. Will take my time!

[@bjshear]

Absolutely stunning landscape. Thanks for sharing!

[@MurrayPeeps]

What a gift to wake up to!!!

[@RelaxationMusicc]

If you take any step, no matter how small it is, towards achieving your dreams then you will surely find the right path and reach the abundance that lies in store for you! You got a new subscriber and watched the whole video❤

[@doriswlongAgoandfarAway]

Incredible beauty. Thanks!

[@WeWynne]

@ 5:51 You're walking towards the camera and SOOOOO far from it. You did these shots, by yourself having to walk, set up the camera, go back and then walk... You're basically hiking the mountain twice. You're inspiring.

[@paddlefaster]

A foresty Forest/ mediocre amateur hike would be interesting.

[@mungham948]

Too true!

[@ebohm2302]

That is exactly what I thought and then I scrolled through the comments!

[@covarrubias93]

The views were absolutely beautiful!

[@dangrotrian9113]

Temple is a great slog but the height and view are the best. Across the pond there is Mt. Hungabee. I think I did both peaks with The Alpine Club in 1986-87

[@gzu9653]

Woh neat seeing you in areas I have been! Welcome to Canada!

[@umazhar]

It’s so cool seeing you guys do a peak I’ve been on as well. I did it a few years ago and it’s still in my top 5 hikes for sure.

[@alan4sure]

It isn't a hike, it's a scramble, and not an easy one. Big difference. Calling them hikes is why incompetent walkers get misled and later need rescues.

[@marumarukira]

@@alan4sure sorry but, we canadian rockies consider this just a " Hike " I do this every year to start off my summer hikes. this may not be a beginner friendly hike but I wouldn't called this intermediate either and far from HARD. this hike is all about endurance and having a bit of gravel fun, nothing special. Great view tho. still in my top 3

[@alan4sure]

@@marumarukira I first did Temple in 1980s, so probably before you were even born. Correct? Lol I've done it many times since too. It requires use of hands to SCRAMBLE through two rockbands, so that makes it more than just hike. And that's in ideal bare, dry conditions. Conditions which don't always exist. Seems you're unclear on definitions of hike and scramble. Calling it a hike underscores your lack of knowledge, whether you go up it every year or

[@jafarazizi3194]

Welcome to Canada Danny Mount Temple, is awesome Scramble , is the easier 11,000er in the Canadian rockies , But the view of The Valley of the 10th as absolutely incredible ,, And sentinel pass ,, next time you visit Canada I recommend go to Columbia icefield,

[@danielschloss1111]

Those Canadian Rockies are something amazing. Made me a little jealous.

[@riaanvandermerwe7141]

That was...spectacular..... yes. Spectacular is the right word. 🗻🗻🗻 happy birthday up there 😄

[@bbqaddict2293]

Summitted with my dad this summer. Experience of a lifetime! Great video!

[@Ensonik]

Top notch soundtrack as always

[@exploringgodscountry]

Skyline trail is pretty badass in jasper. I ran the ridge on that years ago. Those were the days haha

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow - fantastic views - this place is always portrayed so beautifully!

[@andresfelipenavasarias3046]

What beautiful views, and what video shots. What an impressive place. I must go - dreams come true. Thanks for sharing. A hug from Bogotá - Colombia. Mediocre.

[@deannilvalli6579]

Impressive as always.

[@tomswadley5431]

Amazing video and awesome views That’s some killer vert. Thanks for posting. Looking forward to more from this Region of Canada.

[@Mars_Life_and_Beings]

Eons ago, I was skiing Lake Louise in the spring. My hand grazed some snow covered shale. which went right through my glove and hand. I spent 4 hours in the clinic where the doc hosed out tiny pieces of shale. Good system up there though.

[@DoseofDirt]

DANG! Banff is on my list, and this video shows why! Incredible. These views are 🤯😍

[@chrisc9869]

You really manage to find some of the most beautiful parts of the planet. This one’s on my bucket list!!

[@steveilg6134]

oh man! THANK YOU! in my younger years i used Banff as my basecamp for ice climbing/winter mountaineering. Ironically, i've never been there in the summer! ROAD TRIP with my daughter! THANKS AGAIN for taking time out of your solo mission to grab some beautiful clips for us! head bowed from Durango...

[@BMCBryce]

That was some unbelievable scenery! Thanks for sharing. Great stuff Danny. Bring back Blake. He could probably inhale some bugs or something.

[@austinado16]

You know when the arm sleeves go on, sh!t's about to get REAL. Love your humor, love your adventures, and I'm pretty sure you and the cast are made out of forged unobtainium.

[@B1GE2]

I got across in September for the first time in 26 months. It was fantastic. I love Canada.

[@jamesjeffery1757]

I Liked this before I even saw it!! Jazzed that you guys made it up here.

[@0kkin]

Welcome Danny! Love your videos and it’s so cool to see you here

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Wow the Tower of Babel from up there looks so small. You can see it jutting out at 6:06 I have a video on that one it's a gnarly scree scramble the whole way up.

[@garyb455]

Wow what a view

[@johnmaxwell1750]

Fantastically beautiful!

[@evancortens]

It’s so cool to see you guys practically in my backyard! Love the videos, keep up the great work!

[@remingtonevert8451]

2:04 in 😂 We made it over the border for a trip in August/September. Absolutely stunning. Great time. Great video.

[@pagewhite8177]

Gorgeous lakes, wow!

[@bradleydosch8884]

This scenery is amazing. This has been added to the adventure list

[@mikeshumanpoweredadventures]

"These people are hardcore" Ya it's kinda crazy where Canadians tourists go in the Rockies... you think your alone in challenging terrain and you come around the corner and there's people in flip flops. Boggles the mind!

[@Staroy]

Ikr, same in Norway

[@natronius]

then you find out they're from toronto and just activated search& rescue ;)

[@AlpineShenanigans]

SAR loves THAT

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

@@natronius is Toronto even in Canada? I like to pretend it's not.

[@lancefloreani2551]

Finally came up North! Temple is such a classic :)

[@cherylbenish3274]

Awesome vid Danny! Looks like you are the only true Mediocre Amateur to take on the Canadian Rockies. Banff is such a beautiful place so I really enjoyed this one. Thanks so much.

[@AleksandarGospic]

Mount Temple, what a nice surprise :) I adore the scenery and architecture of Canadian Rockies, for me they are up there with the most beautiful mountains in the world. Yeah, there are similarities to the Alps, especially Dolomites, but with their own North American twist

[@andrewjamesokey7559]

What a view! Thank you for sharing!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

I wish you had brought me Danny! I’d get you some great shot but you did darn well anyway.

[@1turtlebutt]

Well done Danny! Beautiful video!

[@Bulldawg1975]

Great video as always, Danny!

[@drewpmartin9918]

Welcome to Alberta!!

[@happiness52]

Wonderful ❤️🎁

[@irytheweatherguy1751]

this is amazing!! now i feel like i need to do this someday!!

[@WilltoRide]

Yes! Stoked to see you made it to Canada!

[@killer909Y]

Mind blowing views!

[@joefish6546]

Exceptional. Thank you.

[@ZonDog]

Man you have legs and lungs of steel. What a view!!

[@robopecha]

the famous iron lung.

[@tobygarton9494]

Beautiful video cant wait for the day you ascend a peak over 15k ive watched almost every video i love them.

[@deroux]

Gorgeous! On my list now!

[@stephenj2014]

Lucky you guys did this before the road was forever closed to that lake, now you need to get a dicey shuttle or bike the 14K

[@ryanmccandlass2995]

danny is a certified BEAST rad views brotha GOOD SHIT

[@Lima547]

Awesome

[@jasonhawkins2717]

awesome footage!

[@GiuliaontheSummit]

you nailed it 😍

[@GotMountains]

One of my favorite scrambles of all time (except for the volumes of people). Wish I knew your were in town, would have been fun to try and keep with you. 😅

[@mjor6406]

That's because you went during the Instagram generation ie now. Not many people went before that. Mostly hard core scramblers. I am from the foothills.

[@GotMountains]

@@mjor6406 I've been going to Temple for 20 years now. I've watched the zoo start. If I can't be on the trail by 5am I find somewhere else to go. 🦓🦒🐆🐅

[@mjor6406]

@@GotMountains Basically, you are one of them lol. 20 years? That's it? I have been going to the Rockies for 35 years. 90% of the hikers at Moraine /Temple only go up to Sentinel pass. The 5 or 10% go all the way up to Mt Temple and you only have 2 months of good dry period. Mid July to early September. It is a popular spot. Even seasoned hikers and climbers still go up to Sentinel or Eiffel Lake to show friends and family.

[@pinetarsavage]

@@mjor6406 dude chill. The Instagram generation did not start 20 years ago, gramps.

[@okaythenIguess]

This is what half my dreams look like. One dream I was on a sled and went down, hit a ramp and started flying like Aladdin and jasmine. My favourite dream.

[@frncscbtncrt]

What an amazing place

[@marc-antoinemetivier2854]

Ho yeah welcome to CANADA baby!! So pumped that you are north of the border

[@nickmarchiando6358]

thank you for the content dude, keep doing what you do!!

[@WhereKentWent]

Cool video. It's about time you guys do a trip in Canada

[@johnbarroll1120]

Awesome vid, man! Hope you got high as a kite from the elevation! Getting DOWN is harder, though.

[@samanthagrandon7000]

Amazing as ever

[@marki7275]

That was cool. Love it.

[@bidenadministrationischina5091]

True art is dying for art. Meaning a Part of you that resists the beyond must die for his true self. The self that hiked to the top.

[@red6743]

We missed each other by about 2 weeks. Banff and Kananaskis Country were amazing! Lake Moraine was closed unfortunately for us.

[@tmlogan139]

Mountain-dew soaked meat berry. Classic Danny!

[@Randomstlhero]

You guys should check out the Highline trail in the Unitas! I did it this past summer and it was life changing!

[@aradventures9450]

Typical Danny humor, while he makes a difficult scramble look like a walk in the park. Sound familiar Forest? You guys inspire us, we love the content. Thank you

[@bgwhalley]

1100 thumbs ups and 0 thumbs downs is about right. That looked absolutely stunning!!!

[@WonderingRanges]

Ok, now my favorite video of yours. Mainly because you completed mount temple, second because you called us canadians a different breed 😂. Partly wishing I could have joined you!

[@westcoastislander6699]

Yah, we're a bit more rugged up here in Canada eh. Try coming a bit further west, to BC (British Columbia). There's Glacier NP (the Canadian version), Yoho NP, Kootenay NP, Mt Assiniboine NP....you get the idea. Then there's the provincial parks.....but bring the bear spray fer shure.😁 Pretty sure we saw Matt in Tofino last year...

[@jordanshultz6339]

Hey dude love your videos next time you’re in banff take a look at “Jimmy Simpson”. I think you would enjoy it!

[@NickFlanik]

you are the reason i want to summit mountains, working my way there, did Grinnell glacier overlook in glacier

[@Aj23427]

Freaking awesome!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@scottternan105]

Welcome to Canada !

[@petr-podrouzek]

Amazing, great job !! :-)

[@scottkearl8167]

Welcome to my home range! LMK if you want any ski beta for WHEN you come back in the winter. Come back like March to June is the best time to ski :)

[@XanderBudnick]

Great to see Mediocre Amateur on this side of the border🤙

[@markclowdus3834]

Wow....It DOES rival the Alps. BANFF OR BUST

[@SolaceEasy]

Sometimes mountains look like they rise above all else. Other times it seems like they are the bottoms of what had been mountains.

[@SolaceEasy]

I can't imagine smelling delicious after such a day outside.

[@DramasaurousRex]

Come back to Canada soon - you just scratched the surface of what the rockies have to offer.

[@July4.1776]

Your are a machine!

[@Sandy-fz6zd]

My. Canarvon in yoho is a fantastic scramble, ptarmigan peak in Skokie is also fun