Mount Indefatigable commands attention with a monumental slab face that looms quietly over Kananaskis Country. This granite giant calls climbers to test their slab technique on clean rock stretches peppered with pockets of loose stone, reminding every ascent is an interplay of focus and respect for the mountain. The star attraction here is the classic multi-pitch route Joy, rated 5.6 and extending over 10 pitches. It's a steady, hands-on tradition—rewarding climbers who can embrace the rhythm of the slab with its sustained friction and occasional slopey holds. For those seeking a bit more spice, The Shining Path offers a slightly bolder flavor; diverging early on, this route skirts a narrower dihedral with some uncertain rock, demanding careful movement and attention to loose blocks that aggregate on ledges.

The quality of the rock at Mount Indefatigable is consistently above average—indeed, some sections border on stellar—but climbers must be vigilant. Loose stones are part of the terrain’s character, particularly on ledges where debris collects. Timing your climb to avoid parties above is essential to minimize risk. Neither route is equipped with fixed anchors, so a retreat means either leaving gear behind or enduring a high-stakes descent under worsening weather conditions with an ongoing threat of rockfall. This makes weather checks not just advisable but mandatory.

Getting to the base of the climb is an approachable yet deliberate endeavor. From the Interlakes Parking area, just a short 25-minute hike across mostly flat terrain leads you toward the scree slope that marks the final push to the route’s base. This approach balances ease with the ruggedness typical of Kananaskis hikes—forest-lined trails give way to the scree field where boots must find purchase on shifting stones. That direct access, combined with the sublime setting near the clear waters of the Kananaskis Lakes, creates an inviting gateway to challenging slab adventure.

Descent options are influenced by ecological factors: the main trail down intersects prime grizzly habitat and remains officially recommended closed. Instead, climbers take solace in an alternative scree chute that demands group discipline to minimize rockfall risk. This descent isn’t a casual stroll; it requires measured, controlled movement, with the added challenge of slowing the pace relative to similar scree descents in the area.

The elevation rests at 8,760 feet, giving climbers a taste of alpine conditions without extreme altitude. Once on the granite, attention to detail is paramount—wind and weather shape the climb's difficulty as loose rock shifts and shelter is found in subtle ledges unique to Joy. Unlike routes that welcome crowds year-round, Mount Indefatigable’s traffic pattern truly shapes the experience; the climbs soften slightly as the season progresses and sporadic climbing parties brush away accumulated debris.

Though the area hosts six main routes, the focus for most visiting climbers centers on Joy and The Shining Path. These routes represent the heart of the slab climbing experience here—challenging yet accessible to those with solid slab skills and a readiness for alpine considerations. Packing bear spray is essential given the proximity to active wildlife areas, as is thorough weather planning to avoid the terrifying scenario of rockfall during storms.

Mount Indefatigable is a bold step beyond the crowded classic climbing zones. It offers a purer, more focused slab climbing experience with a very real mountain personality. Here, each move feels earned against the backdrop of expansive views, quiet forests, and granite faces that demand respect and steady nerves. To stand on the summit, after sharing the rock with known routes like Joy, is to embrace both the calm and the challenge that defines this stretch of Alberta wilderness.