Kindersley-Sinclair Col

Dist: 19.5km    Elev: 1310m    Summit: 8750'    Time: 8h    Difficulty: 4/5

Nathan and I have been talking about an adventure together for years, and at last we made it happen. However, due to unseasonably cold and white September weather, we swapped our original backpacking plans at the last minute for a long day hike and sleeping in Nathan's new family motorhome. He was eager to test out "The Mothership" and neither of us were too upset about trading our tents for a luxurious hotel on wheels. We met in Radium (roughly equidistant from Calgary and Nelson) and set our sights on the Kindersley-Sinclair Col trail.

The hike started at the Kindersley Pass trailhead along Highway 93S, about 11kms east of the Radium park gates. The trail led us through forests, meadows and eventually along an open ridge with views in all directions. Ascending was consistent and gradual thanks for numerous switchbacks, and signs of winter became increasingly apparent as we gained elevation. Kindersley-Sinclair Col, tucked between two impressive summits and offering views into both northern and southern valleys, is the destination of the official trail but Nathan and I decided to venture off the beaten path to explore the rugged looking sub-peak of Mt. Kindersley to the northwest. Nathan gave me a crash course in "trundling" on the way up, and we eventually arrived at the summit to find a small helipad and strange weather-station-like structure. We snapped a couple summit photos before making our way back down to the col for some lunch and relaxation.The final segment of the trail involved descending from the saddle into the northern larch-filled valley and following Sinclair Creek back to the highway.

After a long and wintry day, Nathan and I were pleased to return to our warm and comfortable accommodations instead of having to pitch a tent in the woods. It's always nice to get into the great outdoors, but getting to spend a whole weekend with my little bro made this trip especially rewarding!

"The Mothership" aka "Greta's Bane"

First views as we emerge from the forest.

Numerous small creek crossings and lots of snow.

Nathan making snow angles among the larches.

Beautiful autumn colors!

Nearing Kindersley-Sinclair Col.

Arriving at the col, looking south.

Looking north from the col. We decided to climb this peak.

Nathan taking in the views.

Weather station?

Summit pose.

Brother love.

Northern panorama and Mt Kindersley at center.

South panorama as we head back to the col.

Lunch time!

Descending into the northern valley.

More golden larches.

Following Sinclair Creek back to the highway.

Back in Radium, just in time for rush hour.