Kindersley Pass Trail
Kindersley South Peak Recent heavy rains and unfavorable weather had us looking for an easy trip so we decided to hike to the Kindersley-Sinclair col. Starting at the Kindersley Pass trailhead, the route climbs northwest to Kindersley Pass before swinging east to the Kindersley-Sinclair col. We could ascend peaks on either side of the col before taking the Sinclair Trail back to the highway. Later we realized we followed the route outlined in Hikes Around Invermere. As we started up our pants became soaked by the encroaching wet vegetation. We saw little scenery; even when we reached an opening, rising mist obscured our view. But by the time we arrived below the pass, the sky had cleared somewhat. After the pass, the trees thinned and the views opened up. At Kindersley-Sinclair col, our attention shifted to the unnamed peak rising 300 m on our left, south of Mount Kindersley. It resembled little more than a rock pile and its gentle grade was more of a walk-up than a scramble. As we crested a rise, we were surprised and disappointed to find a green tower – a radio repeater – and a helipad on top. After adding layers to brace ourselves against the bitter cold, we spent several minutes surveying the surrounding peaks before descending. We weren't done climbing yet though. Sonny convinced us to ascend the smaller peak southeast of the col. Rising only 125 m above the col, the short trip was worthwhile. At least there was no tower on this peak! As we started back down, the weather quickly deteriorated. Snow pellets stung our faces and then, part way down Sinclair Trail, it began to rain. No matter, since there were few views. Even though we only ascended a couple of unnamed peaks, our GPSs indicated the South Peak was within a couple of metres in height of the impressive Mount Kindersley. |
Kindersley Pass Trail
Recent rain created a washboard effect on the trail.
The trail passes through a couple of breaks in the forest.
Sunlit mist
We pass a hanging valley.
The South Peak lies northwest of the Kindersley-Sinclair col.
Moose on Kindersley Pass (2200 m)
The trail runs below the South Peak.
Almost at the col (mouse over to look back)
After reaching the col, we head to the South Peak.
Alpine vegetation gives way to rocks (mouse over to look back).
Sonny tags a pinnacle.
We make our way to the summit.
Sonny on the rocks
We suspect others have made it to the summit before us.
On top
Mount Kindersley (mouse over for a close-up)
Panorama from the helipad
Looking northeast at Mount Assiniboine, Aye Mountain and Eon Mountain (mouse over)
Sonny on the second peak (a couple of metres higher than the point left)
Ascending the next high point
Looking back at the South Peak
View from the peak southeast of the col
Mount Sinclair
Heading back to the col
Sinclair Trail
Tangle Peak 82/J12
