Syncline Mountain Scramble
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Syncline Mountain Scramble
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Syncline Mountain is a steep ascent through a larch forest that takes you to a summit with views that stretch down multiple mountain valleys, making Syncline Mountain an excellent outing! Try this in autumn when the changing larches are spectacular!
Getting there
From Beaver Mines, drive South on Highway 774 towards Castle Ski Area. After 14.0mi, park under the drainage gully at the side of the road under Syncline.
About
| When to do | June - September |
| Backcountry Campsites | None |
| Toilets | None |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Scarmbling Rating | Grade 1 |
| Exposure | Mild |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | None |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Syncline Mountain
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Syncline Mountain
The drive to the Castle Wilderness area along Highway 774 is dominated by the large mountain that looms up from the rolling foothills – Syncline Mountain. While the mountain has three separate summits, the official one (oddly, the lowest of the three) is the most impressive one as viewed from Highway 774 and is also an easy scramble (tagging the other two summits requires some serious scrambling). It is a great day out in the Rockies.
While the ascent is exceptionally steep at just under 3281ft in just over 1.9mi – the real crux of the journey is the bushwhacking and the heat. Bring a map and/or GPS and be sure to start early in the day.
As you begin, you will immediately notice that there is a lot of brush, which can make for very slow going. You are bushwhacking here for about 656ft.
As you come upon a drainage, continue ahead until you are out of the trees and then go right to gain the ridge. As you ascend, the foliage thins, however, bushes and deadfall plague the first half of the ascent.
Past the brush and deadfall, you enter a larch forest, while a bit cluttered with bushes in spots, makes for easy travel. Near the top things get quite steep, but remain nothing more than a hike all the way through a wide gap in the cliff band guarding the summit plateau.
An easy stroll then leads you to the summit of Syncline Mountain, marked with a cairn holding a geocache/register. It is possible to traverse to the other two summits, but there is significant scrambling required. Otherwise, rest and enjoy the views then return the way you came.
Insider Hints
If you need a snack, the only nearby option is the Beaver Mines General Store in Beaver Mines before heading home for the day.
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Willow F. 4 years ago
Steep ascent through a larch forest that takes you to a summit with views that stretch down multiple mountain valleys. The changing larches are spectacular when you try it on, Autumn. A great hiking experience.
kathkirz2 4 years ago
Good introduction to scrambling for the oldest kids! We did find this pretty steep, so we really took our time. The larches would be fantastic in the fall.
RobCruz 4 years ago
This was easy for us! taking advantage of the views after an easy trail. It's a good day indeed!
JMC 4 years ago
Easy scramble with some great views. It has clear and enjoyable trail.
Rebel M. 5 years ago
Some of the paths need bushwhacking. As you climb up, the foliage thins, however, bushes and deadfall plague the first half of the ascent. A clear and easy trail.
Otis Webster 5 years ago
This is one impressive hike. The views were remarkable and absolutely stunning. It was long and arduous but very rewarding.
Clark Hermano 5 years ago
Most of the time, it's all about reaching the summit to get the best views, but it's not the case for this one. The journey was worthwhile as well and truly amazing.
Alex Lavinson 6 years ago
Demanding hike that requires a huge amount of energy. It's not that long but you would feel the burn fast.