Smutwood Peak (also known as Mount Smutwood) is one of the best hikes in Kananaskis Country! The scenic trail takes you through forest and meadow, to a stunning summit with epic views of Mount Birdwood, Mount Smuts, and Birdwood Lakes. Go in late July for wildflowers and late September for larches. And go early – the parking lot for this popular unofficial trail fills up fast!
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Smutwood Peak at a Glance
- Distance (one way): 8 km to summit ridge (just past Smutwood Pass) / 9 km to the summit
- Elevation gain: 600 m to Smutwood Pass / 950 m to the summit
- Difficulty: Moderate to the pass and summit ridge, Class 2-3 scramble with exposure to the summit
- Average completion time: 6-8 hours
- When to go: Late June to early October provided there is no avalanche danger. Late July is best for wildflowers and late September is best for larches!
- Map: Gemtrek Kananaskis Lakes
Smutwood Peak Route Description
Warning: Smutwood Peak is an unofficial trail, so the trail and parking area are not marked. Bring a map and navigation device! Although this popular trail is well-defined, route finding would be challenging after snow falls. Since the trail crosses large avalanche paths, we DO NOT recommend this trail when snow covered.
Warning: The last kilometre is a Class 2-3 scramble (the last 500 metres is the sketchiest), so proceed at your own risk if you have suitable experience, footwear, and trail conditions. You can still get a great view from Smutwood Pass, the summit ridge, and the false summit which is 500 metres from the true summit.
The hike to Smutwood Peak begins easily enough on an old logging road through a forest of spruce and fir trees. You can make good time here as the trail is flat.
After 3.2 km, you will reach a little waterfall. Continue for a few hundred metres on the narrow, rooty trail to the right of the waterfall until you come out to a lovely meadow. It tends to be quite muddy here, so waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
Continue along Commonwealth Creek for almost 3 km before gaining elevation – and then be prepared for a whole bunch at once. The push to Smuts Pass is steep with 280 m elevation gain over 1 kilometre, so take your time! Listen for pikas and marmots as you hike past the avalanche slope.
For the epic view of Mount Birdwood and Birdwood Lakes, continue about 1 km to the summit ridge just past Smutwood Pass. A few sections above the lakes are quite narrow, so watch your step!
Scramble to the summit (allow 1 hour): Once you reach the summit ridge, some hands-on scrambling is required. The trail gets progressively more difficult, becoming a Class 2-3 scramble, so only continue as far as you feel comfortable if the rock is dry and you have good footwear. The first 500 metres to the false summit isn’t too bad, but the last section is loose, narrow, and exposed, so many hikers turn back here (we did too because rain was coming). If you choose to carry on, take the trail at climber’s left from the false summit to the true summit.
At the top of Smutwood Peak, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the brilliant blue Birdwood Lakes below. Return the way you came.
Where to Eat
For a special après-hiking treat, we highly recommend Afternoon Tea at Mount Engadine Lodge! Tea service includes charcuterie, a dessert, and unlimited self serve coffee and teas. The setting is divine and if you’re lucky, you might see a moose outside the lodge! Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2 pm to 5 pm (unless they are hosting a special event), with the last seating at 4 pm.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online from the Government of Alberta.
- You are in bear territory. Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Pack out all trash and dog poop.
Getting Here
The Smutwood Peak Trailhead is located 2 hours southwest of Calgary. Once you get onto Smith Dorrien Trail/AB-742, you will drive 27 km on the gravel road which can often be washboardy and potholed, so observe the speed limit and take your time. It’s safer for you and the wildlife! Bears, bighorn sheep, deer, and moose are often spotted along Smith Dorrien Trail.
Take the turnoff for Mount Engadine Lodge (about 6 km north of Chester Lake Day Use), cross the bridge, and then take your next left.
What to Bring
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Waterproof mid-height hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a fully-loaded backpack (or are babywearing). You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass / Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator* and map of the area, mineral sunscreen, bug spray (this DEET-free insect repellent contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
*A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required.
More Kananaskis Hikes You Might Like
- Tent Ridge
- Mount Lipsett
- Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge
- South Lawson Peak
- Little Lougheed
- Mount Allen / Centennial Ridge Trail