10 Amazing Trails for Backpacking in Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is a vast wilderness area in western Alberta, Canada. It’s an iconic destination for hikers, offering up breathtaking mountain vistas, turquoise glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. In this article, we’ll highlight ten amazing trails for backpacking in Jasper National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Tonquin Valley
The Tonquin Valley is a remote backcountry gem. The trails in this area offer spectacular views of the Ramparts – towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 3000 meters. Visitors can set up camp at one of the many campsites around the valley and explore the surrounding area by day. The highlight of the Tonquin Valley trail is Amethyst Lake, a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by rugged mountains.
Ghost Glacier
The Ghost Glacier is a unique and challenging hike that takes you across scree fields, up moraines, and over glaciers. The trail offers panoramic views of the Columbia Icefields, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. The highlight of the Ghost Glacier trail is the Ghost Glacier itself, a massive sheet of ice that is slowly melting away.
Valley of the Five Lakes
The Valley of the Five Lakes is a beautiful hike that takes you through a series of five turquoise lakes nestled in a lush forest. The trail offers easy terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely day exploring the lakes and surrounding area.
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is a classic hike that takes you above the treeline and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is challenging, with steep climbs and tricky footing, but the views are worth it. The highlight of the Skyline Trail is the summit of the Notch, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks.
Bald Hills
The Bald Hills trail takes you up a steep climb to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Maligne Lake. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can set up camp at the nearby Maligne Lake campground and spend a few days exploring the area.
Opal Hills
The Opal Hills trail is a challenging hike that takes you up a steep climb to a viewpoint overlooking the entire Maligne Valley. The trail offers stunning views of the towering mountains and glaciers that surround the area. The highlight of the Opal Hills trail is the view from the summit, which offers unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.
Tekarra Loop
The Tekarra Loop is a moderate hike that takes you through a forested valley and up a ridge for stunning panoramic views. The trail offers easy terrain and is perfect for novice hikers. The highlight of the Tekarra Loop trail is the view of the Athabasca River valley from the summit.
Wilcox Pass
The Wilcox Pass trail is a moderate hike that takes you up a steep climb to a viewpoint overlooking the Columbia Icefields. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The highlight of the Wilcox Pass trail is the view from the summit, which offers unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks.
Mount Edith Cavell
The Mount Edith Cavell trail takes you up a steep climb to a viewpoint overlooking the Angel Glacier. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can set up camp at the nearby campground and explore the area for a few days.
Tonquin Valley North
The Tonquin Valley North trail is a remote backcountry hike that takes you across rugged terrain and over glaciers. The trail offers stunning views of the Ramparts and the Athabasca River valley. The highlight of the Tonquin Valley North trail is the view of the Tonquin Valley from the summit.
In conclusion, Jasper National Park is a hiker’s paradise. The trails on this list offer something for everyone, from novice hikers to seasoned backpackers. Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain vistas, turquoise glacial lakes, or abundant wildlife, Jasper National Park has it all. We hope this article has inspired you to hit the trails and experience the beauty of this incredible park.
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