Slow and Steady Hikers

We usually think of Burstall Pass as a fall favourite, but I recently learned that it is beautiful in wildflower season. So, let’s go and check it out!

Burstall Pass is a classic hike in K-Country and off the Smith Dorrien Trail. The hike moves past several swampy lakes and streams before a steep ascent up to an alpine meadow, and then finishes on a high mountain pass with grand glaciated mountain views. Because there are several stream crossings, I would suggest bringing your water shoes.

Please read the following trip posting very carefully to ensure this hike is right for you. Please answer any RSVP questions, and if the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it or you will remain on the waitlist.

This trip is weather dependent, so please check the website the morning of the trip to make sure the trip has not been cancelled.

All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance (we all look out for one another), fun, safety and respect. The organizers are not guides, but have the final say in matters of safety.

Be Bear Smart! Bears are everywhere. Please be prepared with your bear spray. http://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/wildlife/be-bear-smart.aspx

REFERENCES:
Please check these websites for info and photos:
(https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/kananaskis-smith-dorrien/burstall-pass-hike/).
https://thebanffblog.com/burstall-pass-hike/

Weather:
https://www.viewweather.com/w624277-weather-forecast-for-burstall_pass-alberta.html

Trail Desscripton:
Distance: 16.4 km
Elevation gain : 675 m.

Event Pace: We will hike at a steady pace. It is expected that everyone stays together in a group for safety. Please do not sign up for this hike if you are not interested in hiking with the group.

REQUIRED: (Gear & Supplies)
. Kananaskis park pass ***
· backpack
· hiking boots
. bear spray **MANDATORY
· snacks/lunch
. water (2l)
· appropriate clothing (no cotton),
. warm layers
. sunscreen
. bug spray
. bathroom kit
. personal first aid kit/medications
. sense of humor

SUGGESTED: (Gear & Supplies)
· hiking poles
. lightweight pad to sit on
. sunglasses/hat
. sense of adventure

RESTRICTIONS: No dogs, no children, no guests

CARPOOLING: We will meet at Shouldice Park and Ride at 6:45 a.m. to arrange carpooling. We will leave at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Please be considerate of your driver’s car and bring a change of shoes and plastic bag for dirty footwear. Suggested gas fee contribution is $25.

CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC WAIVER: You must complete the electronic waiver before you are allowed to go on this hike. This eliminates the need for handling a pen/pencil/clipboard. The waiver is located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87GKQHZ

I have read and agree to Slow and Steady's full Waiver and full Code of Conduct located at: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/ DISCLAMIER
and
CODE OF CONDUCT: http://bit.ly/SnS_Conduct

DISCLAIMER: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

I ended up with last minute Kanananaskis camping reservations for the week of this hike and it's my first time camping this summer. So, rather than driving back into the city, I'm moving this hike to Elbow Lake. We'll hike up to the hike, around the lake, have a campfire (if no ban), and enjoy the full moon in the mountains. Hot dogs, marshmallows, and roasting sticks recommended. I'll bring firestarter, kindling, and matches. Please try to leave your headlamps in your bag and hike with the light of the moon. Please update your availability. Meet at the Elbow trailhead parking. Arrange carpooling, if you like.

I intend to post a Glenbow Ranch evening hike once a month throughout the year, (weather and health of the organizer dependent). It will serve multiple purposes. During the winter months, we will hike as a close group, to enjoy the sunset and the rise of the full moon. This hike will also keep us in shape when we can't get to the mountains, and will allow me to get to know new to me hikers before I take them to the mountains. I have started limiting my challenging mountain hikes to people I have hiked with before. This is due to super fast hikers signing up and running ahead of the group, super slow hikers signing up and making the group wait for them and a few hikers who can't seem to get along with anyone or follow the rules, making it an uncomfortable hike for everyone.

So! I'm posting a Thursday evening hike at Glenbow Ranch for everyone. Beginners
and experienced hikers welcome. Regardless of your speed and experience, I expect you to show up prepared, get along with others, and hike at the pace of the group. No running ahead or asking to change the route. I will try to post this once a month. In the winter months, I will post it on the evening of a full moon, so we can hike under the stars (no headlamps).

There will be a minimum of four and maximum of 12 hikers.

The route will vary month to month, but it may be on pavement, dirt trails, open, and treed, flat, and with some hills. We will hike for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours (7pm-9pm or 10pm). Between 5 and 11km with some elevation gain, especially near the end.

For August, we will do the Glenbow Bow River Loop. We go down the main hill and close to the Bow river. Beautiful views, with open paved or gravel paths. 10.5km and 182m of elevation gain, mostly right at the end. It will take as long as it takes, based on the group that we have (maximum 3 hours).

If you are new to me, participation in this hike will help me evaluate if you are a good fit for the group to join my mountain hikes (not too fast or slow, cooperate with the group, follow directions, no running ahead, etc.).

A waiting list has automatically been created to determine this trip’s suitability for you as a potential participant. The organizers will be checking your hike history to determine your ability to complete this trip. If the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it, otherwise, you will remain on the waiting list.

Andy Bell's German Shepherd, Jasmine, will likely be on this hike, on a leash at all times. She is an experienced hiker and does not chase pikas, marmots, deer or bears. She is very friendly. Unfortunately, no other dogs allowed on the hike.

Backpack must include 2 liters of water, first aid kit, medications, toilet kit, snacks, and layers for all weather conditions. Good hiking books are required. Poles are optional. A positive attitude, love of nature, and sense of humour are also recommended. 🙃

Bearspray is recommended. We will hike without headlamps, but you may bring one in your backpack. Please bring a backpack and proper hiking footwear.

All participants are expected to read the Slow and Steady Waiver and Code of Conduct. You must sign the waiver at the trailhead to participate. You will need the name and phone number of an emergency contact.