Mount Smutwood
11.0 mi
Distance
5 hrs 40 min
Time
terrain
2,572 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to Mount Smutwood in Banff National Park.
This trail goes by Commonwealth Lake.
Flat for first 6km then steep for about 1km. Flattens out again but is a bit more exposed - wouldn't do this portion in the winter as there is overhead exposure. The last 200m is the most scrambly section. You can get the amazing views without doing the scramble.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
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Aug 12, 2020
Amazing day hike. 20km round trip. Flat for first 6km then steep for about 1km. Flattens out again but is a bit more exposed - wouldn't do this portion in the winter as there is overhead exposure. The last 200m is the most scrambly section. You can get the amazing views without doing the scramble. Highly recommend!
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Public Tracks
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Mount Smutwood
Park in the small parking lot shortly after turning right for Engadine Lodge. Follow an old logging road until you reach Commonwealth creek. Here the trail becomes narrower as it follows the flow of the creek up the valley. Shortly you emerge into the open valley with Mount Birdwood immediately visible at the valley head. Pass below large avalanche slopes though patches of trees to reach the head of the pass. Here the trail steeply ascends the avalanche slope, watch for signs of mountain goats on the slopes of Birdwood to your left. Reach the pass above and take in the first view of Mount Smutwood ahead over the first of 2 lakes. Contour the loose rock slope to the south of the lake gaining elevation to the pass above the second lake. Here the trail follows the ridge line up to a false summit then on to the summit proper. The final 50m to the top involves some class 3 scrambling with significant exposure.
Smutwood Peak
Excellent hike, excellent day, and yeah, the view of Mt. Birdwood is spectacular.
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