We arrived at the trailhead ready to experience "one of the most spectacular day hikes for views... in the southern part of Kootenay National Park... offering fabulous views." (Gem Map trail description for Kootenay National Park) Then we encountered the dreaded notice that the trail was closed to hiking except under restricted conditions. What were two hikers to do? Well, at that very moment, a car pulled up and out hopped 4 people clearly excited about taking the trail so we asked if we could tag along. Despite our white/grey hair, they said, "Yes", - it was our lucky day!
Meet Bernetta & Adrian, from Calgary, and John & Kim, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Bernetta and Kim are old friends. Bernetta and Adrian are just finishing up their summer vacation and had completed the Rockwall, 4-day backcountry hike and were meeting John and Kim for this day-hike before they return to Calgary.
Along the trail we met David, a volunteer engaged in trail maintenance. These dedicated folks love the park and work to keep the trail enjoyable for the rest of us. He was busy cutting downed trees that had fallen across the trail and sculpting waterbars to enhance trail drainage. We thanked him for his efforts.
On the way up, through mostly forested areas, we crossed an avalanche path across a valley and had open views of some of the surrounding peaks - a promise of things to come.
Further up we briefly stopped and looked up at the trail ahead that crosses avalanche gullies with Kruppleholz tree islands dotting the mountainside. We noticed several hikers on the trail - perhaps you can too, in the middle of the picture.
The trail sign at Kindersley Pass offers tantalizing views of what is to come. Kim is pretty psyched, having just climbed 875 meters (2400 feet).
Kindersley Pass straddles the boundary between Kootenay and Banff National Parks. Frederick has just climbed 2400 feet, too!
As we continued on the views became more and more expansive.
Our turn to begin the most memorable section of the trail through sub-alpine terrain and across open slopes to where we...
topped out at barren, windswept Kindersley-Sinclair Col (or summit), a small saddle between two slightly higher peaks.
Magnificent views opened up all around us.
It was a wonderful moment to share.
The trail description says that "those with time and energy to spare can scramble up the ridgeline to panoramic views from the rocky peak (unnamed) to the southeast." Our four hiking companions decided to "run" up the peak - while Frederick and I stayed behind to guard the backpacks.
This is the unnamed peak on the other side of the Col.
While we watched their progress up the peak, we had time to eat our lunch and take in the view.
Pretty amazing and...
impressive.
From down below, we captured their accomplishment with the telephoto lens.
Time to go down through another avalanche basin at the head of Sinclair Creek.
Look-back at Kindersley-Sinclair Col.
Down into the valley.
We found these rare mushrooms that Bernetta identified as "coral" mushrooms.
Look-back at the peak conquered by the intrepid-four.
Crossing a meadow where fall color is beginning to show.
Sinclair Canyon with Sinclair Creek at the bottom.
We hiked the trail as a loop, with the trailheads separated by 1.2 km. The best part is that John and Kim had parked their car at the Sinclair Creek end and we were able to ride in their car to the trailhead for Kindersley Pass, where Bernetta and Adrain had their car and where ours was, too.
Statistics for the hike:
Distance: 10.8 miles
Elevation gain: 3,461 ft. or 375 floors (our record for most elevation gain in a day)
Duration: 7+ hours
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