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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: The Windtower

GPS Track

Spray Lakes from Windtower

Panoramic Views South from Windtower Summit.  Spray Lakes below, Lougheed Tower upper left

Multiple Dates, last June 10 2020

Almost bulletproof ascent in dry conditions with very high reward::effort ratio.  When seen from Trans-Canada Highway driving past Dead Man Flats, Windtower appears impregnable; this view doesn't indicate any of gentle south side talus slopes.  Views of Spray corridor any many distant Kananaskis peaks is fantastic.  Only difficulty is slope traverse past West Wind Pass and this bit should be dry.  Hike is worth repeating over and over.  Peak did not get its name for no reason -- calm conditions don't happen very often (did you remember to bring the windbreaker?)  For photographers, sunset in right conditions can be formidable.

Drive Spray Road for ~20km (25min) south of Whiteman Gap above Canmore and park on either side of the road below obvious drainage between Rimwall and Windtower;  this is just as speed signs have been reverted back to 80kph and unobstructed view of Spray Lakes appears on west side.  Use GPS track, available for download on top of the page, if necessary.  Trail dips in the forest and is for short distance shared with TCT - Trans Canada Trail.  At second junction (marked) turn sharp right and up -- this is West Wind Pass trail.  Trail rises above the drainage with several clearings offering good view of Windtower gentle upper slopes.  It takes ~45min to West Wind Pass where you will likely leave most of the hordes behind.   Windtower is directly above, but sheer cliffs above the pass require traversing in south direction for ~30min until they have eroded and only thing that remains is gentle talus. This traverse is potentially the only tricky bit;  several small rock steps are not an issue when dry, but in spring conditions soft snow lingers long and creates dangerous moats that can cause ankle sprain or worse.  Several cairns indicate spot when you should stop traversing and angle left.  Good talus trail appears but this is better used on descent as it is fairly lose going up. Instead traverse on heather for another 5-10 minutes then easily hike up to broad Lougheed - Windtower saddle above.  This saddle is simply wild and fantastic viewpoint, in many aspects better than the summit above!

From the saddle final push is as easy as it looks.  Spray Lakes Panorama behind constantly improves as you follow beaten path in scree gently switchbacking to several wind corrals on the top.  Other side drops pretty much vertical so stay away -- fall would be fatal.  Lower Tower directly east does not offer better view although scrambling is sometimes attempted by irresponsible people trying to impress their friends - stay at main summit and enjoy views instead!  Return is the same way and depending on your timing light for panoramic photography of Spray corridor can be phenomenal.  Highly recommended.

Gallery

Looking back at West Wind Pass as trail traverses rubbly slopes below Windtower.  Rimwall upper left, Wind Ridge center - right, Little Sister poking behind