Birdwood Traverse - Fri, Jul 29 2011

Birdwood Traverse (7/29/2011)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location:Smith Dorrien
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Jul 29 2011  9:00 AM  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Jul 27 2011 3:00:00 AM
Event Duration:7 - 8 hours +drive time
Difficulty Rating:D6: Difficult to Advanced
Event Coordinator(s): Sylvia(1) A.
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Maximum No. Guests:0
Minimum Group Size:8
Maximum No. Guests Per Member:0
Number Registered So Far: 8 (Log in to see who's signed up.)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Pace: RELAXED(Moderate on flat-SLOW on steep going up). Sorry NO speed demons, pls sign up for other event.

Proper hiking footwear required, sorry no Runners/Keen's sports sandal's or Five finger footwear or Jeans. thanks

Great event for early risers and experienced hikers who love gorgeous scenery and especially nice weather...check the forecast - sunny! It'll be a long day but very rewarding, so don't be in a rush to get back to Calgary. Some sections of this trip will be off-trail so some bushwhacking. Please note in addition there is a bog at the beginning that is quite wide, you will need water crossing shoes or sandals for this short crossing.

This has to be one of most scenic loop hikes in K-country. If you like open terrain, far-reaching views and opportunity to hike out different path from hike-in then this trip is for you. We will leave one vehicle on Burstall pass parking lot where the hike will finish, then shuttle to Commonwealth Creek Trailhead. Our loop hike will consist of:
  • Smuts Pass Trail. 6 km, 420 elevation. Valley floor hiking for first 5 km, followed by steep headwall ascent (Scramblish at places) to Smuts Pass.
  • Highline Smuts - Birdwood - Burstall Pass Traverse. 4.5 km, 200 - 300 elevation gain/loss. Highlight of the hike. Mostly off-trail with some ups and downs with spectacular views throughout.
  • Burstall Pass trail hike out. 8 km, 470 m elevation loss. Extremely popular trail, mostly forest hiking in the valley south of Mt. Burstall, Pigs Tail and Commonwealth Peak.

    This event involves a car shuttle-drivers will be given priority.

    This loop is **PRIME BEAR** area therefore as a reminder please DO NOT sign up if you are not willing to stay with the group or if you do not wish to respect the pace set for the group. Thank you for your understanding.

    Please only register if you are definitively joining us. Cancellations continue to create additional work for the co- ordinators who are volunteering their time.

    Please note that your coordinator has not done this one, please allow time/patience. Time may vary.<


Required Items to Bring:
-Water crossing shoes/sandals
-Proper hiking footwear and pack (PLS ensure your PACK is big enough to include extras -- a small water hydration bike pack that only fits your water hydration pack and small lunch is too small...one should always be ready for the unexpected)
-Plenty of water (2L minimum, more if hot(long day))
-Lunch
-Dress in layers
-Mittens, toque (yes even in July -- mountain weather is unpredicatble)
-First-aid kit
-Bear spray and/or air horn and/or whistle - NO BEAR BELLS
-Change to pay your driver
-Plastic bag to put muddy boots in.
-Headlamp.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
-GPS-if you have one you can download the route. -Hiking poles
-Bug spray
-Good attitude

How to Get There:
Event Directions: - Head west on Trans Canada to Hwy 40.
- Drive south on Hwy 40.
- At Hwy 40/Kananskis Trail Junction, reset odometer to 0. Turn right onto Kananskis Trail.
- 2.2km - Turn right (northwest) onto Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail (Hwy 742).
- 22.2km - Pass Burstall Day Use area (Mud Lake) parking lot on left. Leave one vehicle here for car shuttle.
- 26.4km - Near yellow sign, 70m after guard rail starts, pull off road and park.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):270Km
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 AM
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
** Calgary Transit Info
Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $81.00 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Friday, March 29, 2024). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:
Voluntary Donations:Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.
 
Voluntary Donation:What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
*Note: Since this involves a car shuttle, drivers are important, if you are a driver pls do not cancel at the last minute since we are counting on you.