Burstall Pass - Sat, Sep 28 2024

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Burstall Pass (9/28/2024)

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:

Kananaskis Country

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Sep 28 2024 9:30 AM (Carpool Departure: 7:30 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Sep 27 2024 5:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

Approx. 6.5 hours + driving time

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Shelley R
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

14 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

* Distance: 16.3km return
* Elevation gain: 654m
* Minor creek crossings may be required -likely leapable!

Come out and enjoy the fall weather - and perhaps some colours. This hike takes you through forest and meadows to Burstall Pass with beautiful views of the glaciated north face of Mt. Sir Douglas and hopefully some yellow larches!

The trail begins by crossing open meadows below Mud Lake before gradually climbing on old logging roads through the forest until we reach a wide alluvial plain. There we will make our way across many braided streamlets. Most should be crossable by leaping, but if there's been rain, sandals will be needed for the last few closest to the tree line.

From here, the trail is a steady, steep and rooty path (ie: grunt) to the tree line and meadows below the pass. The last approach brings many beautiful views to distract you from the hard work! We'll find a flat and wind-sheltered spot somewhere in the pass to have lunch and after doing photos, make our way back down to the cars.

The pace will be steady (~3 - 4km/hr...a bit slower on the steeper bits). If we do come across some colour, we'll take some pauses for photos, but this is not a relaxed photo hike. A good level of fitness / endurance is required to make this an enjoyable day, and if you prefer to go fast and alone, this won't be a good fit because we'll be aiming for tight groups of 4 - 6 with regular regroupings for bear safety. We are also out to enjoy the day so duration may vary. Please do not sign up if you need to be back for another commitment.

Note for carpool drivers: We will drive out on the Smith Dorrien Road which is gravel.

Required Items to Bring:
- (waterproof) Hiking Footwear
- Bear Spray
- Water (1.5 - 2 litres - no water at pass)
- Lunch & snacks
- Clothes for changeable weather including rain jacket
- Warm layers
- sandals / water shoes or gaiters
- Plastic bag for your muddy boots for drive home
- Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
- Hiking poles
- Camera
- Warm drink
- Spare dry shirt to change into at lunch

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Take Hwy 1 west out of town to Hwy 40 exit. Go south on Hwy 40 for approx 56km. Turn right onto the Kananaskis Lakes Trail, and then just a short way down the road, turn right again onto the Smith-Dorrien / Spray Road (gravel road). Park at the Burstall Pass Trailhead.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

248Km

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $81.84 (calculated at total Km * $0.33, effective Sunday, May 10, 2026). 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:

If the weather is not safe for mountain travel (heavy rain, snow etc.) or there are fires / bear closures in the area, this event may be relocated to another area or cancelled.

Note that COC event coordinators are volunteers and are not trained guides. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip.

- 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.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: