Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• Elevation gain: 1,050 meters/3,445 feet
• Rating: difficult
• Trailhead: Highway 93, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) west of Sinclair Pass
The elevation gain on this strenuous day hike will be a deterrent for many, but views from
the summit will make up for the pain endured along the way. From Highway 93, the trail
climbs through a valley for about three kilometers (1.9 miles), then switchbacks up across
several avalanche paths and through more forest before emerging at an alpine meadow on
Kindersley Pass. The final two-kilometer (1.2-mile) slog gets you higher, to an elevation
of 2,400 meters (7,870 feet) at Kindersley Summit, a saddle between two slightly higher
peaks. This is where the scenery makes the journey worthwhile. You'll enjoy views west to
the Purcell Mountains, east to the Continental Divide, and, most spectacularly, north over
the Kootenay River Valley. An alternate return route to the valley floor follows Sinclair
Creek down from Kindersley Summit. This cuts two kilometers (1.2 miles) off the return
distance.
Juniper Trail
• Length: 3.2 kilometers/2 miles (1 hour) round-trip
• Elevation gain: 90 meters/295 feet
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: Highway 93, uphill from the west park gate
Named for the abundance of juniper along one section, this trail traverses a variety of ter-
rain in a relatively short distance. You'll pass Sinclair Creek, an avalanche slope, and a
lookout offering views of Windermere Valley and the Purcell Mountains. Beginning on the
north side of the road just inside the park boundary, this trail rejoins the highway 1.5 kilo-
meters (0.9 mile) farther into the park. There you can retrace your steps back to the start or
return along the highway via Sinclair Canyon.
Accommodations within the park are limited, but all of the three recommendations below
are good ones. If you feel the need to be in town, Radium Hot Springs has inexpensive
motels.
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