Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park - Long Distance Hiking Trails on Waymarking.com

Co-ordinates:
Start: N52 43.641 W117 38.790 Maligne Lake trailhead
End: N52 54.836 W118 00.083 Maligne Canyon trailhead

Distance: 27.97 miles / 45km; may be hiked in either direction starting at Maligne Lake or Maligne Canyon.

Days: Average is 3 days / 2 nights

Trail Location: Jasper National Park of Canada. Trailhead access is at Maligne Lake (southern terminus) and Maligne Canyon (northern terminus).

Parking: Lots are at the north end of Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon. Bus transportation/pickup/drop-off may be arranged at Jasper Tourist Office, or check out (visit link)

Trail Rating: Backcountry, with most of the hike above tree line. Elevation gain 4528 ft or 1830 m / maximum elevation 8169 ft or 2490 m (the Notch). Has some beautiful alpine areas and terrific views of the surrounding Rockies as you claim the Notch (scree ascent). The 5 km ridge hike may be fantastic or wild depending upon the weather. Coming down to Tekarra is awesome.
Downside is the last few miles/km coming out at Maligne Canyon.
This is a popular trail so reservations should be done in advance. Although popular, we did not run into many groups of hikers and the campsites were not crowded.
Recommended route is Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon due to elevation.

Permit Required: Yes – Wilderness Pass if tenting. Campsite reservations required (may be made up to 3 mos. in advance. (See Parks Canada website).

Camping: 7 campsites: (distances approx. from Maligne Lake Trailhead): Evelyn Creek (5.2km); Little Shovel Pass (8.1km); Snowbowl (11.8 km); Watchtower (21.5 km); Curator (20.4 km); Tekarra (30.1 km); Signal (35.7 km). Restrictions are no dogs or open fires; mandatory use of stove.
Private lodge reservations may be made if desired (Jasper Tourist Office has list).

Water: Dependent on season. Usually accessible but harder to access at Snowbowl.

Weather: Snow in higher areas may remain until mid-July. We hiked the last week of August and just missed a snowfall. We had clear skies but gale-force winds on the 5 km ridge. All part of the adventure!

Website: Parks Canada – Skyline Trail
(visit link)

Jasper National Park, BOX 10, Jasper, AB, Canada, T0E 1E0
Phone: 780-852-6176
Back-country Trail Reservations: 780-852-6177
Email: pnj.jnp@pc.gc.ca

Maps: Medicine Lake 83C/13, Athabasca Falls 83C/12

Coordinates of the other end's trailhead: N 52° 54.836 W 118° 00.083 Recommended number of days to complete: 3.00 Distance in miles or kilometres: 27.97 miles / 45 km Shelters?: No Designated campsites?: Yes Number of designated campsites: 7 Permit Required?: Yes Trail Website: [Web Link] Best Season to Hike?: mid-July to mid-October Overnight parking fee: Not Listed Permit Fees?: Not Listed Overnight parking coordinates: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 1: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 2: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 3: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 4: Not Listed Intermediate Trailhead 5: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   02/17/2010 ursus_horribilis visited it 08/12/2007 Zorkin Queen & The Fox visited it

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