Three-day panoramic hike in Jasper National Park - the Skyline is one of the most popular trails in Canada
Jasper National Park was hit by forest fires this summer. Check the current situation before you travel.
At almost 25 km above the tree line, the Skyline Trail is the highest and probably most scenic hike in Jasper National Park (and therefore quickly booked out) and one of the most beautiful in Canada's Rocky Mountains. The altitude allows for breathtaking views of wide valleys, lakes and windswept mountain ridges . The trail leads over three mountain passes and offers a variety of flora, fauna and landscape that is unique to Jasper National Park. Most visitors hike the Skyline Trail from south (Maligne Lake) to north, as you lose more altitude than you gain.
My tip: The highest point of the hike, The Notch, can be impassable at the beginning of the season. Check with Parcs Canada beforehand.
Key facts about the Skyline Trail in Jasper
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Walking time : 3 days
Altitude : 1,320 m up and 1,860 m down
Length : 44.8 km
Accessible by public transport? The Skyline is not accessible by public transportation, but you can book a shuttle bus from Jasper to the trailhead or pick you up from the parking lot.
Getting there: The best place to park your car is at the North Skyline/Signal Mountain Trailhead, the end point of the hike. The shuttle, which must be booked in advance, can pick you up there at 9:15 am and take you to the trailhead at Maligne Lake. That way, your car will be ready when you finish the hike. If you parked your car at the trailhead at Maligne Lake, there is also a shuttle from the Signal parking lot back to Maligne Lake that can be booked in advance.
GPS data: I have uploaded the GPS data for the hike to the Outdoor Active website
Starting point: Maligne Lake parking lot, 1680 m.
Endpoint: Signal parking lot, 1160 m.
Click on the first picture to start the photo gallery:
Safety note: Canada is a bear country. In my blog post " Safe hiking and camping in bear country Canada " you will find tips on how to avoid the bear and how to behave if you do encounter him.
Equipment: I recommend hiking boots for this hike, as the descent is via a gravel gully. Hiking poles can also be helpful here. Rain gear, warm clothing and bear spray are a must in Canada.
Hiking Guide: Canadian Skyline Adventure offers the Skyline (and other tours) as a complete package including permit booking, transportation, meals and camping equipment.
Further information and links: On the Parcs Canada website you will find all the information you need about Jasper National Park.
Entrance fee to national parks: The national parks in Canada have an entrance fee. Each day costs $10.50. If you stay longer or want to visit several national parks, the Parcs Canada Discovery Pass for $72.25, valid for one year at all Parcs Canada facilities.
Directions:
The starting point of the hike is the picturesque Maligne Lake southeast of Jasper. The skyline is well signposted. The trail climbs gently for 2.5 km through coniferous forests along the Lorraine to Mona Lake, which is a good place to take a rest. Evelyn Creek, the first camp on the skyline, is at 1821 m. After 7.5 km, the trail leads past the Little Shovel Camp and continues uphill to the Little Shovel Pass at 2240 m. From here you can see the rest of the trail through meadows along the stream to the Snowbowl Campground .
The next day, the trail leads through flower meadows up to Big Shovel Pass at 2320 m. Mary Schaffer named this area "Shovel Pass" in 1911 when she was surveying Maligne Lake, after she had to dig her way through the snowy terrain with shovels carved from trees. The shovels she left behind are now on display in the Jasper Museum. From here, you have a wide view of the Curator Lake basin and the key point of the hike, The Notch. A steep gravel gully leads from the lake up to a saddle that is the highest point on the skyline at 2511 m. Snow can lie here all year round, making the climb dangerous. The safest way is to climb the last third to the right of the gully. If the weather is good, it is worth climbing the peak of The Notch, 2594 m , via a small path to the left of the pass. The view is spectacular.
The next 4 km on the crest of the Maligne Range are where the name Skyline comes from. It follows a high, vegetation-free ridge that offers nothing but wide, open panoramas . To the south, above the valley of the Athabasca River, rises the snow-capped Edith Cavell, 3363 m. To the north stretches a wide green basin with the Watchtower, 2791 m, clearly visible above the valley. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Robson, 3954 m, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, in the distance.
The descent to Tekarra Campground takes you steeply down in switchbacks into a valley with lakes, guarded by Mount Tekarra on the left and Excelsior on the right. Along Lower Centre Lake with Centre Mountain in the background, you reach Tekarra Campground at km 30.
The last day begins with crossing Centre Creek right at the camp. The trail climbs slightly one last time before the 10 km descent through the forest leads along a forest road to the parking lot at the Signal Mountain Trailhead .
Click on the first picture to start the photo gallery:
INFO
All information on the Parks Canada website is available in English and French.
HIKING GUIDE
Canadian Skyline Adventure offers the Skyline (and other tours) as a complete package including permit booking, transportation, meals and camping equipment.
GETTING THERE
There are several scheduled flights from Germany to Vancouver or Calgary every day. An electronic travel document (eTa) is required to enter Canada.
The easiest way to continue your journey is by rental car, e.g. via www.billiger-mietwagen.de
BEST TIME
The best time to hike in the Rocky Mountains is from early July to September. Depending on the altitude, however, you can expect snow even in summer.
LITERATURE
Canadian Rocky Mountains by Rother Verlag, edition 2023
CARDS
If you would like a detailed hiking map in addition to the Parks Canada maps, you can order a waterproof and tear-resistant hiking map for the region from Gem Trek or buy one locally.