Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park
N 52° 43.641 W 117° 38.790
11U E 456340 N 5842137
Located in the Canadian Rockies in Jasper National Park. The hike ranges from glacier blue lake, forests, sub-alpine, scree, and a summit where you hike 3.11 miles/5 km of ridge giving a 360-degree view of the Rocky Mountains.
Waymark Code: WM2XCB
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 01/04/2008
Views: 82
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