Sat, Jul 18 2015 - Birdwood Traverse (View Original Event Details)
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This hike has been on my list for about 4 years now. I finally got the chance to hike it today. We had perfect weather, and a great group. I could not of asked for anything more. Initially, we had some route finding issues as we opted to take the 'shortcut' and intersect the Commonwealth Creek trail. We found a good trail from Smuts Creek which petered out but found a 'cut block' which again petered out. Then we found an old 'road' which was heavily over grown. We then found a really excellent trail which we took however it was steep and leading up in the wrong direction, away from Commonwealth Creek. This excellent trail did not seem right and despite the elevation gained, we turned back and decided to just locate Commonwealth Creek, cross it, and intercept the trail on the north bank which we did rather easily. Though not yet confirmed, it was our best guess that this excellent trail may lead to Commonwealth Lake.
Once on the Commonwealth Creek trail, it was easier going as we made our way up to Smuts Pass. This afforded excellent views of the lower Birdwood Lake and a chance to catch our breath and eat some lunch as it was 1:30 already.
We continued on to the col from which we would see our next objective, Birdwood Pass. I neglected to review the route description and instead led the group down a steep slope to some open meadows, thinking from here we would side hill our way to Birdwood Pass. As luck would have it, we found the so-called 'game trail' as the author describes and this excellent trail made travel down steep slopes more manageable. We all enjoyed the ongoing views and the varying terrain. We hiked up the more gradual and easy angled slopes to reach Birdwood Pass. Again, an ideal spot to refuel.
Next, our final pass of the day, Burstall Pass. We surveyed the route carefully and set out. We saw the rocky and grass ledges from a distance looked difficult but in reality, were easily surmounted with some lite scrambling. Soon after, we were at the sign post marking the boundary between PLPP and Banff at Burstall Pass proper. It was about 5:30 and we took a well deserved 15 min siesta.
From here it was just an easy hike back to the trailhead. All said and done it was about 10
hours and small change. A absolute gorgeous day! The Birdwood Traverse truly is an outstanding
hike taking you over awesome landscapes and full of awesome vistas of the Rockies. A hike I am
sure to repeat in the years to come. Thanks to the group for their hiking efforts and patience,
especially in the early goings as I tried to lead us in the correct way. Just a great group of
people. Thanks to the drivers. Hope to see you again soon.
Jeff