Pig's Back

BOU AVENUE
Pig's Back

With a wet weather forecast for 6 August 2016, Asieh Ghodratabadi, Ali Shariat, Zosia Zgolak and I chose to do a short hike up Pig's Back in Alberta's Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. We decided to use the short cut start as described in Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Country Trail Guide. We parked a little further south of where Daffern suggests at the end of a guard rail on the side of Smith-Dorrien highway. After a bit of searching, we found a suitable place to ford Smuts Creek but were still unsure about the start of Daffern's trail. Fortunately, Ali had Vern Dewit's GPS track which helped us locate the trail (we startled two large owls here but were not quick enough to get a good photograph of them). We followed this trail to a large cut block with a cairn marking the turnoff to Commonwealth Lake. After a short but steep climb to the lake, we continued along the trail until it disappeared on the lower slopes of Pig's Back. There were a few cairns here to help point the way, but we basically scrambled up loose rubble to the base of the eastern cliffs of Pig's Back. We contoured south along the base of the cliffs, but in retrospect, it may have been easier to stay low and follow the drainage up to the col separating Pig's Back from Commonwealth Peak. A steady rain slowly drenched us as we hiked the length of the summit ridge of Pig's Back.

After returning to the col, we descended the drainage to the west. Everything went smoothly until we passed the side creek that Daffern mentions. We totally missed the trail which "traverses right across scree into forest", and as a result, we ended up bushwhacking down a very steep and bushy slope. If we were not already damp from the rain, the wet vegetation completely soaked us to the bone. Ironically, we discovered flagging tape near the valley bottom when we least needed it. We sloshed across the flats of Commonwealth Creek and found the good trail on the other side of the valley. Later on, Ali had an awkward tumble while trying to jump across Commonwealth Creek, but otherwise, we had no issues completing the loop and hiking back to the highway. The final crossing of Smuts Creek was easy since we did not even bother taking off our already wet boots.

Despite the soggy outing and disappointing views from the top of Pig's Back, everyone remained in good spirits throughout this trip. Hopefully, our next outing together will grant us weather to match our disposition.

There are already some sprinkles of rain... Zosia, Asieh and Ali prepare to embark on their journey. At far left is Commonwealth Ridge. Peeking above the ridge are the tops of Commonwealth Peak, Pig's Tail, Mount Birdwood and Pig's Back (in front and slightly right of Mount Birdwood).

This was a good place to cross, but the creek can be surprisingly deep in places. Ali, Asieh and Zosia ford Smuts Creek.

It's gonna be another character-building day... It is Sonny's turn to ford Smuts Creek.
Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

Tons of wild strawberries around here! The group follows the trail to Commonwealth Lake from this cut block. The lake's namesake ridge and peak are visible in hazy distance.

Might be a nice place for a dip on a hot day... Commonwealth Lake is still beautiful in the rain. At left is Commonwealth Peak, and at right is Pig's Back.

Actually, it might have been easier to stay low and further left in the photo. Sonny climbs toward Commonwealth Peak under the eastern cliffs of Pig's Back.
Photo courtesy of Ali Shariat

It is raining steadily now...sigh. Zosia, Ali and Asieh climb up high above Commonwealth Lake.

Those larches don't offer much shelter from the rain! Zosia pauses to adjust her gear just below the summit ridge of Pig's Back.

I'm taking this photo from the actual summit, believe it or not! Large flakes of rock appear ready to peel off the west side of the summit ridge.

The Kanetrooper is relaxing comfortably at home today... The summit of Pig's Back is not well-defined, but Sonny is standing on the highest point (2427 metres) recorded by his GPS. Commonwealth Peak dominates the background.
Photo courtesy of Ali Shariat

We're building lots of character here! Ali, Asieh and Zosia are still smiling at the north end of the summit ridge.

I will definitely come back to scramble this ridge in the future. Commonwealth Ridge sits to the southeast.

Can you spot me in the photo? Asieh follows Zosia and Sonny down the drainage to the west of Pig's Back. At left, Mount Smuts is partially shrouded by mist.
Photo courtesy of Ali Shariat

Some wet, quality suffering here! Ali and Asieh seem unfazed by very wet bushwhacking near the bottom of the drainage.

Not sure if it would be possible to climb or descend this end... Here is a look at the north end of Pig's Back from Commonwealth Creek.

Not a scramble...supposedly! Mount Birdwood makes an appearance through the mist.

Looking good, ladies! Asieh and Zosia embrace in front of the falls of Commonwealth Creek.
Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

Well, the boots can't get any wetter! Zosia tramps back across Smuts Creek without taking off her boots.

Thanks for your awesome company! Ali, Asieh and Zosia are happy that their very wet ordeal is just about over.

I may repeat this one on a nicer day... Total Distance: 12.6 kilometres
Total Time: 6 hours 2 minutes
Net Elevation Gain: 603 metres
GPX Data

	Zosia, Asieh and Ali prepare to embark on their journey. At far left is Commonwealth Ridge. Peeking above the ridge are the tops of Commonwealth Peak, Pig's Tail, Mount Birdwood and Pig's Back (in front and slightly right of Mount Birdwood).
	Ali, Asieh and Zosia ford Smuts Creek.
	It is Sonny's turn to ford Smuts Creek. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	The group follows the trail to Commonwealth Lake from this cut block. The lake's namesake ridge and peak are visible in hazy distance.
	Commonwealth Lake is still beautiful in the rain. At left is Commonwealth Peak, and at right is Pig's Back.
	Sonny climbs toward Commonwealth Peak under the eastern cliffs of Pig's Back. Photo courtesy of Ali Shariat
	Zosia, Ali and Asieh climb up high above Commonwealth Lake.
	Zosia pauses to adjust her gear just below the summit ridge of Pig's Back.
	Large flakes of rock appear ready to peel off the west side of the summit ridge.
	The summit of Pig's Back is not well-defined, but Sonny is standing on the highest point (2427 metres) recorded by his GPS. Commonwealth Peak dominates the background. Photo courtesy of Ali Shariat
	Ali, Asieh and Zosia are still smiling at the north end of the summit ridge.
	Commonwealth Ridge sits to the southeast.
	Asieh follows Zosia and Sonny down the drainage to the west of Pig's Back. At left, Mount Smuts is partially shrouded by mist. Photo courtesy of Ali Shariat
	Ali and Asieh seem unfazed by very wet bushwhacking near the bottom of the drainage.
	Here is a look at the north end of Pig's Back from Commonwealth Creek.
	Mount Birdwood makes an appearance through the mist.
	Asieh and Zosia embrace in front of the falls of Commonwealth Creek. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Zosia tramps back across Smuts Creek without taking off her boots.
	Ali, Asieh and Zosia are happy that their very wet ordeal is just about over.
	Total Distance: 12.6 kilometres Total Time: 6 hours 2 minutes Net Elevation Gain: 603 metres GPX Data