MT SMUTWOOD | Hiking and Trail Running Adventure Film
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- Mount Smutwood, situated in Spray Valley Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, is renowned for its spectacular Smutwood Peak hike, a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. It is a popular half-day adventure for trail runners, or all day hike spanning approximately 17 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of just over 1,000 meters. The hike begins at 1875 meters altitude with the summit of Smutwood peaking topping out at 2700 meters.
The route offers a diverse array of terrains, providing an engaging experience for hikers, and overall comprises one of the more easier terrain hikes in the region. The journey begins with a relatively easy trail through dense forests, characterized by a mix of pine and spruce trees. This shaded and cool section often has a soft, needle-laden path underfoot.
As the hike progresses, the terrain shifts to open alpine meadows, where the landscape opens up to expansive views. The meadows are dotted with vibrant wildflowers in the summer months, adding bursts of color to the hike. This section can be marshy or muddy, especially after rains, requiring careful foot placement.
Further along, you will encounter a steeper, rockier ascent as you approach the ridge. This section requires more careful navigation over loose rocks and scree. The path here can be uneven at times with shifting stones but is relatively easy technically but rises steeply for almost 400 vertical meters in just 2km distance.
The final approach to the Smutwood Ridge and Peak is characterized by a mix of rocky and potentially snowy patches, depending on the season. This part of the hike is more challenging, with some areas requiring the use of hands for balance and support. It is achievable for most shore footed people but some people may find the exposed cliff disconcerting and the descent off the summit is steep and can be slippy with loose scree and gravel. There is not a lot of room to move around on the summit and a fall from the edge would prove fatal so be careful with your foot placement when near the edges.
The highlight of the hike is the breathtaking views of Mount Birdwood - a diamond shaped ridgeline and peak looking out to the south-east. There is also views of Mount Smuts to the north east and below the ridgeline are views of the two pristine, turquoise alpine lakes nestled at the base of Smutwood Peak. This spot provides an unparalleled opportunity for photography and a moment to soak in the tranquil beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
The best time to embark on this hike is from July to September, when the snow has melted, and the trail is most accessible. It's essential for hikers to be prepared for varying weather conditions and to carry bear spray, as the area is known for its wildlife.
To reach the trailhead its approximately a one hour drive from the town of Canmore via the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail. This is a gravel road for the majority of the way, so be prepared for a slower and potentially bumpier ride, but it is mostly flat and 2WD accessible. Also note there is no cell service along this trail, so make sure to bring a map or use GPS.
Join James Stewart of Couch to the Summit
as he ventures up the Mt Smutwood Trail
on October 8, 2023
Canadian Rockies Playlist: • Canadian Rockies Adven...
STRAVA LINK OF THIS RUN: / strava
If you need help getting fit or striving for new personal achievements feel free to get in touch with me at my website Couch to the Summit: www.couchtothes...
I offer performance coaching services for people of all abilities focused on developing vertical focused running endurance.
Website: www.couchtothes...
IG: @couchtothesummit
Strava: / strava
Music Credits:
ALCHEMORPH - / alchemorph
QUALLM - / quallmmusic
OWSEY - / owsey
EREZ RUSSO (THE DAYS) - • Everything
One of your best videos. Lots of great info for people who are interested in doing this hike.
Words just can't describe all of the beauty captured in this video! I love the mountain and trail views. Great video as always!!!
Thanks so much Chad!
As you know James, I have been following your videos almost religiously for 3+ years. I cannot appreciate enough the inspiration, and personal guidance you have given me through direct advice on my overnight HSCT climb, which I am finally doing this summer. I speak the truth when I say every morning before work I watch one of your videos. Usually Bremner HSCT, Mt.Harvey, Elfin Lakes and more. This one is just the most top shelf video yet. I have never mentioned it before in our chats but I have been involved with self defense and martial arts for many years, and am still actively training. The fact that you mentioned the machete, and bear spray (fighting to the death) and that doing things in life takes risks...was fantastic to hear! Also, this video was ridiculously stunning. The area that you were at brings me back to that video of Mt. Assiniboine II. It's incredible that you can pull off these trails under daylight restrictions. Amazing job 🙂 Cheers sir 👍
Hey mate, as always thanks so much for your dedicated support of my videos. Thanks for reaching out again to let me know how much you value my videos and the impact they have on your life!! Plenty more videos will be coming in 2024 - so stay tuned - its going to be a big year!
Amazing video. Thanks for sharing. subbed & 👍15
can you show us what you eat on your big hike days? Just curious : )