The Fortress - September 15, 2013

The Fortress
Trip Date: September 15, 2103
Classification: Scramble
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain/Summit Elevation: 1100m (3,608 ft)/3000m (9,843 ft)
Distance: 17.2km (round trip)
Location: 50.82N, 115.23W
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The Fortress is located in the Central Kananaskis Range in the picturesque Chester Lake area.  It is one of three mountains that can be access from the Chester Lake trail head and combines a picturesque hike and a beautiful alpine lake with an easy scramble (an optional moderate down scramble can easily be added).

You are likely to share the first part of the trail to Chester Lake with other hikers, but once past the lake the valley will likely become yours alone, and the views just get better and better.

The summit provides views of hundreds of mountains including Mt. Assiniboine, Mt. Joffre and Mt. Sir Douglas.  The large summit can also allow for a quick summit nap without any risks of fall.

Chester Lake Trail in September.  Gusty Peak (Centre), Mt. Chester (Right),
the Fortress (behind Gusty Peak).  Click to enlarge

Click here to read the trip report.