Sentry Mountain

April 10, 2005, flathead range, crowsnest pass

Summit
2435 m
Gain
1050 m
Distance
7 km
Technical
SC6 YDS (3rd)
Activity
scramble
Quick 'n dirty
Class 2/3 - you fall, you sprain or break something
Difficulty
Moderate scrambling on the Kane route in dry conditions.
Route
GPS trackMap

Third time lucky! Finally I managed to summit Sentry Mountain after two previously unsuccessful attempts. On hindsight this is not a mountain that is really suited to off-season scrambling simply because of the exposure on the ridge. I would agree with the moderate rating but if there’s any snow or ice on the ridge you will not feel comfortable up there and will probably have to go low down on the scree slopes and try to summit that way.

The route from the logging road. Basically work your way up the gravel pit and towards the ridge - you can't get lost.
The route from the logging road. Basically work your way up the gravel pit and towards the ridge - you can't get lost.

I don’t think that’s the easiest way either! Overall I really enjoyed the scramble. It’s a short approach and even though there’s no trail the route is obvious the whole way.

Sentry Mountain Route Map
Sentry Mountain Route Map

I almost got into it with a large Ram about half way up Sentry so be aware that there are a lot of sheep up there and try to make some noise so nobody gets unduly surprised.

The triangle face from on the ridge. Whether you go right or left really makes no difference.
The triangle face from on the ridge. Whether you go right or left really makes no difference.
Summit ridge from the summit of Sentry Mountain. The narrow piece is really not much worse than some of the down climbs that you encounter on the way up the ridge.
Summit ridge from the summit of Sentry Mountain. The narrow piece is really not much worse than some of the down climbs that you encounter on the way up the ridge.
Phillips and Tecumseh across the Crowsnest highway.
Phillips and Tecumseh across the Crowsnest highway.
Mount Ptolemy shows up as the clouds lift temporarily.
Mount Ptolemy shows up as the clouds lift temporarily.