Date: October 11, 2022
Location/Route Map:Kananaskis Lakes Elevation: 2540, 2670, 2650 m
Elevation Gain: 1130 m
Distance: 9 km
Rating: Class 3 - Moderate
Notes: Being respectful of, and not disturbing, the grizzlies is likely the crux of this trip. Bring a helmet and a small party for the loose ascent gully and expect some exposure if completing the full traverse.
GPS Track:Download
There's lots of controversy when it comes to Mount Indefatigable. You can find all kinds of differing opinions online, ranging from those strongly advocating for the trail to be officially closed, to those who say it's really no big deal, to those (like myself) who believe that you should read what others have to say, and make your own informed decision whether you venture up this mountain or not. Why so controversial you ask? The upper slopes of Mount Indefatigable are a prime grizzly habitat, often used to raise their young. Human traffic not only puts the humans at risk, but can also disrupt the grizzlies. The approach trail has therefore been decommissioned, but not officially closed. I've been wanting to climb this mountain for quite a while, and there are a couple of reasons for that: 1.) Mount Indefatigable is strategically placed right between Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, promising an extremely unique view down to both, and 2.) A goal/dream of mine is to summit all of the "Kane scrambles" (plus many more!), and Indefatigable just happens to be on that list! With that being said, I greatly respect and value our nature and wildlife, and therefore saved this scramble for mid-October, when the bears are no longer raising their newborns, and the meadows are no longer rich in bear food. In planning a day trip with some friends, Indefatigable came to mind, being relatively short, offering some fun ridge scrambling, and granting stunning views for the effort. So when Braydan, Taz and I met at the MEC parking lot at 05:00 on a crisp Tuesday in October, that's exactly the destination Taz set on his "big-screen TV" in the Rav, which for some reason wanted to tell us to turn onto the gravel Spray Lakes Road instead of continuing to Kananaskis Lakes...😂
Mount Indefatigable North to South Traverse Route Map (see link in desciption - or click here - for interactive version).
The wind was absolutely blasting across Upper Kananaskis Lake as we set off along the gravel trail from the North Interlakes parking lot. It was a beautiful autumn morning, with not a single cloud in the sky, but it was also mid-October in the Rockies and we could tell! We set a brisk pace along the lakeshore trail to get out of the cold as quickly as possible, and it was a relief to enter the sheltered forest at the (impossible to miss) decommissioned trail sign.
Mount Indefatigable, as seen from the North Interlakes parking lot. The north/true summit is hidden from this angle.
Starting up the decommissioned Mount Indefatigable Trail.
Although decommissioned, the trail was very easy to follow, and we were soon up on Indefatigable's lower, south ridge, enjoying beautiful morning views back down to Upper Kananaskis Lake and the impressive mountains beyond.
Starting up the lower, south ridge.
Taking a break at a grassy viewpoint, soaking in the morning sun and the already incredible scenery!
Eventually, the open ridge came to an end, and we re-entered the trees, ignoring the first trail branching off to the left (direct route to the south peak), and instead continued straight, through beautiful larch forest, soon emerging at the open cirque below Indefatigable's impressive east face. A pretty tarn fills the basin for most of the summer, but was completely dried up at this point in the season.
Indefatigable's east face looms above as we approach the dried-up tarn. We would ascend the east peak (right) first, before traversing to the true/north summit (center-left).
We continued up the opposite side of the cirque, following a narrow trail up grassy slopes that easily led us right up to the top of Mount Indefatigable's east peak. As Braydan and Taz grinded their way up this slope, they collectively agreed that this section (from the dried up tarn to east peak) was the hardest part of the climb, trumping the actual scrambling that came after! (Looks like some cardio work might be in order...😂)
Making the final few steps to the summit of Indefatigable's east peak.
After spending only a few minutes admiring the already impressive views from the lowest of Indefatigable's three peaks, the bitter wind quickly chased down the ridge towards the very intimidating north/true summit...
The summit cliffs look pretty daunting from here...
The south summit rises in the background as we start up the steep NE face.
Our approximate route up to the summit. Note the key traverse, about halfway up, that brings you to the final ascent gully.
As we started up on the opposite side of the col, Braydan and Taz we not at all convinced that the vertical-looking face I was leading them towards could possibly be a "scramble", but I assured them the route would go, and the angle soon ramped up as we started our ascent of Indefatigable's steep NE face.
Hoka hikers definitely wouldn't be my first choice for a scrambling boot...but he's making them work! 😂
Looking ahead, just before making a short traverse to get into the central gully.
Carefully ascending steep, loose terrain in the central, upper gully.
I'd read a couple reports of this section being super loose, with significant rockfall hazard, but I personally didn't find it to be all that bad. I mean, sure it was definitely loose, and if you knock the wrong rock down it could cause some damage, but that's just Rockies' scrambling for ya, and I honestly found the short, hands-on scramble to be quite enjoyable!
Before we knew it we were topping out on the summit enjoying our best (and coldest!) views of the day! Vibrant fall colours popped out from the evergreens, with a deep blue sky overhead, and three 11,000ers along with many more familiar Kananaskis peaks within view. The relentless wind once again cut our summit stay short, and after signing the resister and snapping some pictures, we promptly continued down the connecting ridge towards Indefatigable's slightly lower south summit.
Awesome birds-eye view looking across the east face and down to the cirque from which we ascended.
Beautiful views across the valley to the west, with Foch, Sarrail, and Joffre rising on the left, Lyautey in the middle, and King George (distant) along with Putnik on the right.
Forks, Hermione, Warspite, and Invincible, form a wall encircling little Mount Nomad.
While a trail seems to be forming on the left side of the crest, we chose to stick to the solid rock directly on the ridge, tackling any downclimbs head-on (moderate scrambling with some exposure). Aside from the howling winds, we were really enjoying this traverse, and soon reached the low point between the two peaks, at which point it was all up to the south summit!
Starting down the connecting ridge to the south summit.
Enjoying some hands-on scrambling by sticking to the ridge crest.
The south summit is looking a little spicy as we reach the low-point between the two peaks.
Starting up the south summit, we soon reached what some consider the crux of the traverse - a short steep wall. Thanks to the solid nature of the holds, we didn't have any troubles ascending it, but I could see this step being a little bit trickier if you were doing the traverse in the opposite direction.
Scrambling up the "crux wall". Photo credit: Mr. Taz
Looking back, from the top of the wall.
Braydan reaches the top of the step. Note the sheer drop to the right!
After completing this step we easily carried on to the south summit, but we were so chilled at this point (my hands we so cold that I'd lost function of my pinky finger, and Braydan forgot to bring gloves and was wearing a spare pair of socks on his hands!) that we immediatley continued down the ridge to hopefully find some shelter at the repeater station.
Beautful late afternoon views from the south summit include King George, Worthington, Putnik, Beatty, Forks, Sir Douglas, Hermione, Warspite, Invincible, and Indefatigable's north summit (L to R).
Looking back along our traverse from Indefatigable's north and east peaks.
Continuing down the ridge to to refuge behind the repeater station (far-right), with Lower Kananaskis Lake stretching out below.
Upon reaching the repeater station, we were granted this incredible, nearly-unobstructed view down to Upper Kananaskis Lake, with Fox, Foch, Sarrail, Joffre, Mangin, Cordonnier, and Warrior rising from the opposite side.
Hiding behind the repeater station, we were finally able to warm up (I had to stick my hand under my bare armpit for 10 minutes before it regained function!), and Taz even pulled out his pocket rocket to fight the chill by cooking up some warming (albeit crunchy 😂) summit borscht! Protected from the wind, we spent some time comfortably relaxing up high (the first time we had this luxury), soaking in beautiful, late afternoon sunlight, and enjoying the most comprehensive views down to both Kananaskis Lakes of the whole traverse.
Looking back up to the repeater tower, as we start down the south ridge to complete the loop.
Starting down the eastern descent ridge.
Braydan and Taz finish off the upper scrambly bit, and join with the trail easily leading back down to treeline.
For our descent, we completed the loop by continuing down the gentle south ridge for about 100 m before turning left and dropping down a steep eastern "ridge". A short section of easy scrambling quickly led down to an obvious trail and we were soon entering the forest below, following the narrow trail back to our ascent route on the lower south ridge, where we easily retraced our steps back to the parking lot.
Stunning views over both Kananaskis Lakes as we easily make our way down the eastern descent ridge.
It was great to finally bag this one! The views did not disappoint, and we didn't even see a single bear! It was incredible to experience the Kananaskis Lakes area at this time of year, free of the crowds from summer with all the campgrounds now being closed. It honestly felt like we were the only people in Kananaskis (well, aside from the one group we saw walking along the lake at the end of the day), and that was pretty cool! Overall it was an amazing day in the mountains with friends, and I can't wait until our next trip!
Photo Gallery
Mount Indefatigable, as seen from the North Interlakes parking lot. The north/true summit is hidden from this angle.
Starting up the decommissioned Mount Indefatigable Trail.
It doesn't take long to reach some stunning views on this one! Although decommissioned, the trail was easy to follow, and we were soon up on Indefatigable's lower, south ridge, looking out across the beautiful Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Starting up the lower, south ridge.
Lower Kananaskis Lake joins the party, stretching out directly below us to the east!
Taking a break at a grassy viewpoint, soaking in the morning sun and the already incredible scenery!
Indefatigable's east face looms above as we approach the dried-up tarn. We would ascend the east peak (right) first, before traversing to the true/north summit (center-left).
Looking back, as Braydan starts up the open, grassy slopes leading up to the East Peak. Indefatigable's South Summit dominates the backdrop.
A narrow trail basically leads all the way to the summit.
Mount Indefatigable's north/true summit looks intimidating from this angle!
Making the final few steps to the summit of Indefatigable's east peak.
The long, narrow form of Lower Kananaskis Lake stretches out below, with the jagged Opal Range rising on the opposite side of the valley.
A close up look of Mounts Invincible and Warspite, with French and Prairie Lookout visible distant-right. Apparently a traverse exists between the first two (difficult scramble) which would be fun to try!
Putnik, Forks, Invincible, Warspite, French, Prairie Lookout, and Murray (L to R).
The summit cliffs look pretty daunting from here...
One down, two to go!
I love the vibrant colours that fall brings.
Starting up to the North Summit from the col.
The south summit rises in the background as we start up the steep NE face.
Our approximate route up to the summit. Note the key traverse, about halfway up, that brings you to the final ascent gully.
Super neat angle of Mount Invincible!
Braydan and Taz crushing it on their first ever scramble!
Hoka hikers definitely wouldn't be my first choice for a scrambling boot...but he's making them work! 😂
Looking ahead, just before making a short traverse to get into the central gully.
The final gully, granting access to the summit ridge.
Carefully ascending steep, loose terrain in the central, upper gully.
Awesome birds-eye view looking across the east face and down to the cirque from which we ascended.
Mount King George towers to 3411m to the west.
Gypsum Ridge (treed hump, bottom left) along with the Opal Range (comprised of: Denny, Evan-Thomas, Packenham, Hood, Brock, Blane, Burney, Jerram, Schlee, and Elpoca) and Mount Rae rise beyond the now insignificant-looking east peak.
Pumpkin-head poses above the pumpkin himself! 😂
Beautiful views across the valley to the west, with Foch, Sarrail, and Joffre rising on the left, Lyautey in the middle, and King George (distant) along with Putnik on the right.
Forks, Hermione, Warspite, and Invincible, form a wall encircling little Mount Nomad.
Mount Sir Douglas, rises beyond Hermione Peak, with Warspite and Invincible just to the right, and the Murray/Cegnfs duo even more right!
The connecting ridge to the South Peak looks like it could be fun!
Looking north towards the Kananaskis Range, framed between Invincible and Indefatigable's east peak.
Gazing down 500 m to a couple small tarns nestled directly below Indefatigable's north face.
Summit group shot!
Surprised not to find a register, so we placed one of our own!
Looking back to Braydan and Taz on the summit, after taking a quick look down the connecting ridge to Invincible.
Starting down the connecting ridge to the south summit.
While easier by-pass options exist, we chose to tackle difficulties along the the ridge crest head-on.
Enjoying some more hands-on scrambling on the ridge crest.
The south summit is looking a little spicy as we reach the low-point between the two peaks.
A closer look at the South Peak.
Scrambling up the "crux wall". Photo credit: Mr. Taz
Looking back, from the top of the wall.
Braydan reaches the top of the step. Note the sheer drop to the right!
Taz takes on the one slightly awkward step on the crux.
Mount Rae is visible in the distance, beyond glowing larches, and a deep blue, Lower Kananaskis Lake.
Braydan traverses a narrower section, just before the south summit.
Beautful late afternoon views from the south summit include King George, Worthington, Putnik, Beatty, Forks, Sir Douglas, Hermione, Warspite, Invincible, and Indefatigable's north summit (L to R).
Looking back up the connecting ridge to the north summit.
11,000er #1: The distant Mount Sir Douglas makes everything around it look small.
11,000er #2: Mount King George, the highest summit of the Royal Group, is visible far beyond the vibrant valley below.
11,000er #3: Mount Joffre, the highest peak in Kananaskis, overlooks the nearly evaporated Hidden Lake.
Beautiful lighting on the impressive connecting ridge to Mount Invincible.
Mount Inflexible stands out, rising at the end of Mount Kent and Mount Lawson's paralleling ridges, with The Wedge's distinct form visible down the valley to the right.
Lower Kananaskis Lake's far shore has got some character!
Looking back along our traverse from Indefatigable's north and east peaks.
Continuing down the ridge to to refuge behind the repeater station (far-right), with Lower Kananaskis Lake stretching out below.
Upon reaching the repeater station, we were granted this incredible, nearly-unobstructed view down to Upper Kananaskis Lake, with Fox, Foch, Sarrail, Joffre, Mangin, Cordonnier, and Warrior rising from the opposite side.
The view of Lower Kananaskis Lake ain't too shabby either!
Foch, Sarrail, Joffre, Mangin, Cordonnier, and Warrior impress across the upper lake.
The incredible northeast faces of Mounts Foch and Sarrail tower over Rawson Lake Ridge, sitting modestly below.
Rae and Storm rise beyond the long ridge consisting of Mounts Pocaterra, Tyrwhitt, and Storelk (distant).
Pretty afternoon light on the Opal Range. From left to right, we have: Denny, Potts, Evan-Thomas, Packenham, Hood, Brock, Blane and The Blade, Burney, and Jerram, overshadowing the smaller forefront peaks of Grizzly Peak, Packenham Jr., King Creek Ridge, and Mount Wintour.
Foch, Sarrail, Joffre, Mangin, Cordonnier.
A shadowy form of Evan-Thomas East, looms behind Packenham, Hood, and Brock.
Looks like the wind is still raging down at the lake as well...
...But we've got cover! The repeater tower came through for us, and gave Taz just enough shelter to keep the pocket rocket going to cook up some "crunchy" summit borscht! 😂 Photo credit: Braydan
I can't believe how such a narrow strip of land can separate these two masses of water!
The highest point of the Opal Range, Mount Evan-Thomas, rises center.
Summit shenanigans...
Looking back up to the repeater tower, as we start down the south ridge to complete the loop.
Barely 100 m down the ridge, we turned left, and descended a slight ridge, easily leading down to the east.
Hiking down the "ridge". After a short section of scrambling to get down from the south ridge, an obvious trail paves the rest of the route down.
Stunning views over both Kananaskis Lakes as we easily make our way down the eastern descent ridge.
Looking up to Indefatigable's north and east peaks, rising above us once again.
Back in the forest. This narrow trail would return us back to the lower ridge without difficulty.
That's one long lake!
Little Mount Roberta (almost always overshadowed), finally has its time to shine! The mighty Mount Rae looms in the shadows above.
Back on familiar ground. Now just a hike back down the decommissioned trail to the parking lot.
The pumpkin's got hops!
That's one way to wash your hair...
The pumpkin's got hops 2.0.
Why climb the mountain when you get a view like this from the parking lot?...Because it's fun :).
