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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,167 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6-8.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical DIFF
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Kindersley-Sinclair Loop

Panorama on Kindersley-Sinclair Loop hike in Kootenay National Park, the Canadian Rockies
Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Kindersley-Sinclair Loop hike is a classic hike in Kootenay National Park. This is a beautiful hike that takes you through several different landscapes in Kootenay National Park. From meadows of beautiful wildflowers to sprawling vistas of the surrounding peaks, as well as dense forest this hike has it all. The Kindersley Sinclair Loop is a perfect day hike in Kootenay National Park.

Route Description for Kindersley-Sinclair Loop

The Kindersley-Sinclair Loop hike has two parking lots: Kindersley Pass Parking Lot and Sinclair Creek Parking lot. We recommend using a car shuttle, as you need to walk between the two parking lots at the end, and the walk is along the busy (and narrow) 93S highway. We like to start at the Sinclair parking lot and finish at the Kindersley Pass parking lot, as the Sinclair parking lot is at a higher elevation, which means less elevation gain on the walk. Before setting off on the Kindersley-Sinclair Loop, you should check if there is a hiking restriction due to bears in the area. It’s best to check with Kootenay National Park bulletins, as there is often a restriction of hiking in a minimum group size of 4 people, and the maximum distance between group members is 10ft. From the Sinclair Parking lot on Highway 93S, head immediately downhill and take a right up the signed path, the route roughly follows Sinclair Creek up the valley. After walking 1.1mi you will cross a bridge over Sinclair Creek. Continue hiking up the valley, and after roughly 2.3mi you will come to wonderful meadows with wildflowers. These flowers are Incredible in late-July and early-August, though that time of year can change depending on each year. Continue to follow the path as it goes up valley and then trends to the right. The views as the valley opens up are great, but they get phenomenal roughly 3.6mi from the car, as you reach tree line. After roughly 4.7mi you get to Kindersley-Sinclair Col, and the views are spectacular. Just south from the Col is a small hump of a peak. The map shows the route to the top of it, and it is highly recommended to continue to that small peak. Return from the small peak to Kindersley-Sinclair Col and then continue along the trail as it descends for roughly 0.9mi to Kindersley Pass. The pass isn’t an epic pass, as you’re in the trees, in fact we didn’t notice it on our hike. From Kindersley Pass it’s an 5.4mi hike mostly downhill through a pretty forest path that takes you to the Kindersley Pass parking lot. Find other great hikes in Kootenay National Park: * Floe Lake * Stanley Glacier * Marble Canyon * Ball Pass

Insider Hints for Kindersley-Sinclair Loop

  • This is Grizzly Bear country and by mid-summer access is usually limited to groups of four or more. Check out this website to see if this is currently the case.
  • If you don’t have a 2nd car to shuttle, you could go up via Sinclair Creek to Kindersley-Sinclair and retrace your route to your car. You could also park at Kindersley Parking lot and walk on the 93S to start the hike, though be aware that this is a busy road and part of the walk has a very small shoulder.
  • You are so close to Radium, it makes sense to drive the 7.5mi to Radium Hot Springs, which is open until 11pm in summer.

Getting to the Kindersley-Sinclair Loop Trailhead

From Radium, take the 93S highway into Kootenay National Park. There are two parking lots, we suggest parking in Sinclair Parking lot, 7.5mi east of Radium and finishing in Kindersley Pass Parking Lot, 6.8mi east of Radium. These parking lots are not well signed and appear more as pull-offs on the road.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    July - September

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Circuit

Kindersley-Sinclair Loop Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

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