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Rockies :: Yoho :: Mt. Niles

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 Mt. Niles summit Panorama. Ridge-like Mt. Daly right,  Waputik Iciefield below.  Distant Mt. Balfour left

September 7, 2024

Mt. Niles is terrific hiker peak towering high above Waputik Icefield.  It is listed as moderate in Kane guidebook, but in my opinion it hardly classifies as scramble as only difficulty is typical Rockies Talus slope where trails and cairns have developed over time.  Approach is via Niles Meadows Hiking Trial;  this compact alpine area is well worth the effort even if not planning on hiking further.    Despite not being officially maintained past Sherbrooke Lake,  Niles trail is well defined and easy to follow.   After reaching the meadows in 2:15 - 2:20 of moderate pace with light pack,  hike up obvious waterworn gully resembling shallow canyon - dirt trails can be found at both sides.  Above the Canyon it is necessary to cross large boulder field in order to reach obvious Pinnacle directly above Niles col where scramble starts;  going left (west) side is easier even if slightly longer.   The Col is exceptional viewpoint;  directly below is secluded Takkakaw Lake, ultimate source of famous Takkakaw Falls in Little Yoho.  Hiking down to this extremely rarely visited lake from the col would be straightforward, but such trip would likely require overnight.

From the col turn right;   summit is about an hour away.  There are no difficulties when dry - I hiked up Niles twice, first in my 40s and second in my 60s and both times did not have to use hands at all.   (Hiking Poles are big asset, specially on descent).   Rounded summit plateau is very wide and on clear day views are simply fantastic, in particular vast Waputik Icefield below.   Kane scramble route up Mt. Daly can be observed by descending briefly on east side - see Gallery.   Be careful in case of cornices as there are steep cliffs below.   Return is the same way, although there is also alternate class 3 route breaching cliffs on east side thus allowing loop of a sort.  I have not climbed this way and can not confirm the accuracy - if not sure better to descend the same way to Niles col and hike out that way back to the Meadows.

It would be well worth hauling overnight gear to Niles Meadows;  then besides Niles/Daly scrambles also have ample time to explore spectacular ridges surrounding the area.   Obtaining Parks Canada wilderness permit would probably be problematic though.

Gallery