Skyline trail

Jasper National Park

With almost 25 km of this trail hiked above treeline, the Skyline is Jasper’s highest and possibly most scenic trail. The high elevation allows for amazing views that extend over much of the park, encompassing vast meadows and windswept ridges. Crossing three mountain passes, the Skyline Trail offers a variety of flora, fauna and scenery unique to Jasper National Park. The section of trail called “The Notch” can be impassable early in the season.

Planning considerations

  • Maintained trail: High priority
  • 44.1 km one-way
  • Trail #100: 2 - 3 days
  • No dogs
  • No bikes


 

The details

The Skyline Trail is Jasper’s most popular backcountry hiking trail and books up quickly. The most popular direction to hike the Skyline is from south (Maligne Lake) to north, since you lose more elevation that you gain. Most hikers travel the Skyline Trail in 2 – 3 days, though it’s nice to have an extra day to explore the alpine areas along the way. Highlights include Little Shovel Pass at km 10.3, Big Shovel Pass at km 17.5, the high col named “The Notch” and the alpine ridge hiking beyond. Snow can persist late into the summer season on this high elevation trail.

During poor weather, the 15 km Wabasso Trail can be used as an escape route. It has a steep descent of 1100 m ends on the Icefields Parkway 14 km south of Jasper.

 
  • Fires are not permitted at any of the campgrounds.
  • Dogs are not permitted on the Skyline Trail between Maligne Lake and the Signal Campsite.
  • No bikes are permitted between Maligne Lake and Signal Fire Road.
  • This trail can typically only be hiked between early July and early October. Snow can fall any time of the year.
  • The Watchtower trail intersects the Skyline Trail. There is no bridge across the Maligne River near the Watchtower trailhead. In high water, the river can be impassable.

Trail map

Elevation profile

Elevation

Text version
  • The elevation profile shows the trail beginning at the Maligne trailhead at 1690 m.
  • The trail climbs gently over the next 4.8 km to Evelyn Creek campground (1825).
  • The next 3.5 km to Little Shovel campground (2095 m) climbs steadily.
  • The trail climbs over the next 2 km to Little Shovel Pass (2240 m) then mainly descends to Snowbowl Campground (2095 m) at kilometre 12.2.
  • There is a steady, gentle climb over the next 5.3 km to Big Shovel Pass (2320 m), then a gentle decent for 2 km to the Curator Campground junction (2210 m).
  • The trail climbs very steeply for 2.6 kilometres to the top of The Notch (2510 m).
  • There is no significant elevation change for nearly three kilometres along the ridge, then the trail descends steadily for 5.5 kilometres to Tekarra campground (2060 m).
  • Tough there are short ascents and descents, there is no significant elevation gain or loss over next 5.3 kilometres to the Signal Campground junction (2010 m).
  • The final 8.4 kilometres to the Signal trailhead (1160 m) descends steadily and steeply.
 

Campground information

Campground information
Campground Elevation Description # of sites Toilet type Food storage UTM
Evelyn Creek
#27

No campfires   No horses
1824 m A small, quiet campground by a creek, good for hikers getting a late start in the day. 4 Throne Lockers 11U 452481
5843006
Little Shovel
#28

No campfires   No horses
2233 m A campground with beautiful views over Maligne Lake and the Bald Hills, situated below Little Shovel Pass. This campground is great for campers who want to avoid the busier Snowbowl Campground. 8 Barrel Lockers 11U 450945
5842879
Snowbowl
#29

No campfires   No horses
2094 m Popular campground located in a spectacular meadow, sheltered by trees, with easy access to water. 8 Barrel Lockers 11U 447486
5844389
Curator
#30

No campfires   No horses
2070 m Popular with hikers taking 2 days to hike the Skyline Trail. This campground is situated 0.8 km off trail and 1.2 km from spectacular Curator Lake. 8 Barrel Lockers 11U 442160
5848882
Tekarra
#31

No campfires   No horses
2062 m A beautiful campground with great views, located next to a fast moving creek. 8 Barrel Lockers 11U 437972
5855684
Signal
#32

No campfires   No horses
2014 m A quiet campground at the top of the Signal Fire Road. There are great views over Jasper and surroundings from the hills above the campground. 8 Barrel Lockers 11U 433941
5858434

How to get there

map 

Maligne Trailhead (south)

  • Take Highway 16 east towards Edmonton. Turn right 2 km from Jasper and cross the bridge onto Maligne Road.
  • Continue for 46 km south on the Maligne Road to Maligne Lake.
  • Continue on the road past the chalet and across the bridge to the parking lot on the west side of the lake.
  • The trailhead is on the right-hand side of the road, just before you reach the parking lot.

Signal trailhead (north)

  • Drive 8 km south on the Maligne Lake Road (as above). The parking area is on the right. Overflow parking can be found in the Maligne Overlook parking lot, 500 m beyond.

Are you prepared?

Safety is your responsibility

 Safety is your responsibility

Refer to the Jasper National Park Backcountry Planning Guide:

  • descriptions of trail types and campground facilities;
  • equipment checklists;
  • responsible camping practices;
  • safety information.

Before heading out, check trail, weather and road conditions at: parks.canada.ca/jaspertrails.

 Maps

Maps
NTS National Geographic Gem Trek
Medicine Lake 83 C /13
Athabasca Falls 83C/12
Jasper South Jasper and Maligne Lake

 Permits

A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for all overnight trips and can be obtained online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

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