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The Fist
Kananaskis, Alberta
July 31, 2004
Distance: 14.0 km (8.7 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 770 m (2526 ft)
Dinah and I attempted The Fist the previous year, but a sudden 45-minute rainstorm left us completely soaked, and the rocks so slippery we had to abort. This time we had good weather and topped the summit without incident.
Starting on the Mount Shark access road, we hiked up the road before turning onto the trail running alongside Commonwealth Creek. 5 km from the trailhead, we left the trail and started up a bushy drainage. We topped out on the Smuts-Fist col. From there, the route soon became a hands-on climb. We scrambled up the narrow gully to the skyline notch, and mindful of the exposure here, we turned left and made our way to the summit.
The Fist is an enjoyable scramble. The exposure is easy to take as it's not in your face. Downclimbing the gully was the most challenging section.
MOVIE
The Fist seen from Spray Lakes Road
Pleasant hiking along Commonwealth Creek before leaving the trail
Starting up the drainage. The Fist is above.
Looking down the drainage
Stopping to admire the wildflowers
On the col with Mount Smuts behind
From the col, the gully appears above me
Getting closer to the gully. The tunnel on the left is easily reached.
Time to put on our helmets
Behind is Commonwealth Peak
Entering the gully
Climbing up
Here the gully is straight and narrow
Near the end of the gully
Topping out of the gully
Dinah reaches the skyline notch
Scrambling below the summit
On the summit
Coming down the crux
We were careful here as a fall would likely be fatal. Tryst Lake below.
Heading back to the notch (immediately left of Dinah)
Dinah appears unconcerned despite the drop below her in the gully
My turn to come down
It's a tight squeeze in spots in the gully
On the way back we checked out the tunnel (mouse over to view out the back)
Heading back, the downclimb below the col is easier than it looks
Indian paintbrush on the col
82 J/14 Spray Lakes
