Centennial Pass to Mount Allen Trail

From a distance the distinctly recognizable Mount Allen is depicted below.

This trail is a steep one with sections averaging almost 30% grade and an average grade in excess of 17% over the 8 kilometer trail to the summit of Mount Allen. The trail starts on Hidden Trail. From behind the washrooms you will walk uphill approximately 500 meters. The trail goes off to the left. Do not cross the creek. At way point #002 you will turn to the left on Coal Mine Trail. Follow Coal Mine Trail for approximately 700 meters and at way point #003 you will intersect with Centennial Trail. At this point Centennial Trail cuts across the dog leg portion of Coal Mine Trail. At way point #004 you will cross the Coal Mine Trail and the very steep ascent through the forest to the tree line begins. Once you break out of the trees a series of switchbacks on the grassy hillside lead you to Centennial Ridge with you will follow to Mount Allen. Once you have climbed a mere 700 meters or so in elevation Mount Allen is visible. It is red in colour and stands out from all of the surrounding mountains.

Prior to starting the ascent to the top of Mount Allen you will note a trail to the left that runs below the summit. The trail never does reach the peak and you should stay to the right and head straight for the summit. At the top you will find the survey pin from the survey of the area in 1985.

Nice place for a picnic. The views of the area are spectacular. To the west is Wind Mountain and Mount Lougheed.

To the northwest is a series of ridges that can only be appreciated in person. The ridge looks like a point at which the tectonic plates have been pushed up into a straight ridge.

To the east is another mountain, not important enough for Mapsource to include it in the topographical maps of the area. but it is called Mount Colembola.

Follow the link to view the area using Google Earth or to see the full size image of this trail.