Mount Indefatigable – South Peak
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
The scramble up the South Peak of Mount Indefatigable is a great scramble and the views of Upper Kananaskis Lake from the summit are unparalleled!
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Route Description for Mount Indefatigable – South Peak
The trail up Mount Indefatigable is an easy scramble. Start in the North Interlakes Day Use Area, and cross over the dam following the trail that normally takes you out to Point Campground and beyond. While on the dam enjoy the views of both Upper Kananaskis Lake and Lower Kananaskis Lake.
After crossing over the dam, you'll soon see a sign on your right showing the Mount Indefatigable Trail, noting that it is decommissioned in 2005. This was the path you would take to climb up Mount Indefatigable.
The trail goes up a rocky ridge, which is easier to go up then come down. The trail isn't clear going up this ridge, and there are several routes. Be careful to avoid the drop-off on your right. In rain or wet conditions the trail can be very muddy and slippery.
After roughly 2.2 km (and about 450 m of elevation gain) you can easily miss a path that goes off the the left which you must take. Continue on this path, and you will have a great view down on your right to the basin and a tarn. This is a beautiful view, and it's a great place for a break.
Continue upwards over rocks, and you soon come to some scrambly sections below the south summit. The route here is unclear, and you'll note on the map that the route ascends and descends on separate paths.
Once over the scrambly section, you have a simple hike up the summit ridge, where you eventually come to some sort of weather station. There is actually higher point perhaps 75 m away sporting a cairn clearly indicating the “actual” summit of Mount Indefatigable, however the trail along the narrow ridge is heavily exposed.
Return the way you came, and you'll likely try and find a better path over the scrambly section. The way down to the car can be a grind in both wet and dry conditions. In wet conditions the rock and mud is slippery, while in dry conditions the little stones underfoot act as ball bearings and make you feel very unstable.
Insider Hints for Mount Indefatigable – South Peak
- This is a decommissioned trail due to frequent closures for bear activity when it was opened. We suggest you select another trail in order to preserve this trail.
- There is an exhilarating traverse from the South Peak to the North Peak, however it is very exposed!
Getting to the Mount Indefatigable – South Peak Trailhead
Take Highway 40 South from the Trans-Canada Highway for 63.4 km. Turn right at the “Winter Gate” onto highway 742 and follow this 2.2 km. Continue straight (passing the turn-off for Smith-Dorrien Trail) and continue for roughly 13.1 km, parking in the North Interlakes Day Use Area.
Route Information
Mount Indefatigable – South Peak Elevation Graph
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Check Area WeatherMount Indefatigable – South Peak Reviews
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