Sat, Aug 3 2013 - Smuts-Birdwood-Burstall traverse (View Event Details) Event Coordinator(s): (To see who coordinated the hike, log in to the Member Area) Participants: (To see who hiked, log in to the Member Area)

Write Up:
The Commonwealth Valley, Smuts Pass and Birdwood Pass were closed due to bear activity, so we decided to head to Burstall Pass and attempt Snow Peak. Six of our group made it to the summit which took 1h 15 min from Burstall Pass. The route is described in Daffern's trail guide (4th ed.). Head north from Burstall Pass along a ridge that gradually rises to a grassy are on the lower slopes of Snow Peak. From there, follow the ridge that overlooks Birdwood Pass keeping to the right as you ascend. Look from trails in the scree but make sure you stay close to the edge of the ridge. The slope gets steeper as you approach the first rock band. Scramble up through the rock band and follow a trail to the next band. There is only one place that requires the use of hands and feet near the top of the ridge, but it is only for a few steps. Once above this rock band, head west along the summit ridge to the summit. There is very little exposure because the south and west facing slope is broad. The trip is well worth the view from the top! The hiking time from the Burstall parking lot to the peak and return was 7 hours.