- Distance: 18 km
- Elevation: 950 m
- Where to Park: Park as you would for Commonwealth Creek
- Surface: Dirt, Mud, Scree, Roots, And Rock
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain Classes: Class 1-3
Description:
A great trail for the larch season, this trail brings you past some Kananaskis giants, beautiful waterfalls, lakes and fall colors.
Begin following the Commonwealth Creek trail/ forestry road for roughly 2.5 km, until the trail curves right and begins to handrail Commonwealth Creek leading to Smuts Pass. Soon you’ll pass a small waterfall with a clear pool beneath it and continue running along the right hand side of the trail which can be quite muddy and rooty depending on precipitation. Try to avoid the puddles! After running up the drainage the trail will take you to a large flat wide open valley that offers breathtaking views of The Fist ,Mount Birdwood and Mount Smuts continue following the trail over a mix of dirt, rubble and scree crossing a few avalanche paths in the process. Eventually you’ll reach the end of the valley and climb up towards Smuts Pass/ Birdwood Smuts Col through several patches of larches and switchbacks. Once you hit the alpine, continue over the col towards Smutwood Lakes you should see the trail for Smutwood Peak high on the left hand side of the valley follow this trail and it will take you to the summit ridge for Smutwood Peak. Handrail the ridge until you reach its highest point. Return the way you came.
