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Location:
Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes,
Kananaskis Country
Date:
July 23, 2001
Distance:
n/a kilometers
Maximum Elevation:
3000 meters
Elevation Gain:
{Elevation Gain}
meters
Time Required:
8.0 to 9.5
hours
The Fortress is a popular scramble in the Chester Lake area. There are two approaches to reach the summit. For variety, you can combine the two to make a loop, visiting entirely different valleys with exquisite alpine lakes.
The apporach from Headwall Lakes, although longer, it may be more preferrable as it serves better on ascent on the scree slope to The Fortress/Chester col. While loose rubble on the Chester Lake side makes for a better descent.
On apporaching the summit rocks, the trail turns left, traversing below the cliffs on broken ground. Then scramble right up to a platform and walk to the summit. The view is superb; with care, Fortress Lake can be seen 823 vertical meters below the sheer cliff.
