Smut Pass

Posted January 14th, 2008 by dirkca
in

Distance:
15.3 km
Difficulty:
Moderate
Elev. gain:
505 meters
Time required:
3 - 5 hours
Bikes permitted:
Yes
Dogs permitted:
Yes
Horses permitted:
Yes

Directions to trail head

The trail head is just past the Mount Engadine Lodge on the way to the Mount Shark parking lot. Take the Smith-Dorrien Highway either from Canmore or Highway 40. Turn to the Mount Shark trail area. Cross the 2 bridges. The trailhead is just after the second bridge when the road makes a right turn up the hill. Turn to the left where you will find a parking lot.

Hazards on trail

Trail is not well defined in some spots. Steep sections on loose rock.

Hike Description

Perhaps a hidden gem in K-Country, this trail has it all: Easy walking, waterfalls, old tree stands, meadows, steep climbing and a great view.

During the first 2/3 of the hike, the trail gains about 400 feet in elevation. It is during this section that the hiker gets to experience beautiful water features, meadows and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Due to its relative low popularity, lots of wildlife can be seen and observed.

The last push for the pass is not to be underestimated. Steep climbing on sometimes loose rocks makes it a difficult task to get to the top. Once there, the views are awesome.

On the way down there is the option of using the trail right along the north side of the valley, along the foot of Mt Smuts. Not a great idea unless you are up for some bush waking, as the trail suddenly disappears at the foot of the mountain. You can see the loop on the map. Use common sense when looking for the trail. It's down there.



Hike Photos

Elevation Profile Image

In the description, it says

On September 15th, 2008 dennis.warren says:

In the description, it says you cross 2 bridges, however, there is only 1 bridge. At the time, the turnoff for the parking lot was unmarked. There was a sign post without a sign. I would highly recommend taking a GPS with this map loaded onto it, because the path is hard to find at times. There is also a point where the path forks left or right at the beginning. Stay to the right. There are two lakes at the top, make sure not to just stop at the first lake. Go up by the waterfalls for another spectacular view. One of my favorite hikes. Definitely worth doing.