Skyline Trail Hike in Jasper National Park

One of the premier multi-day hikes in Canada

Do the multi-day hike on the Skyline Trail
Do the multi-day hike on the Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail hike in Jasper National Park rewards you with incomparable mountain views for 25 kilometres, almost two thirds of its 44.5 km length.

This is a world class hike that ranks in the top 10 hiking trips in Canada – at least in my experience. It rewards with fantastic mountain panoramas, beautiful valleys and a few lakes.

The Skyline Trail hike in Jasper shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the Alberta Rockies. But the season for hiking the Skyline Trail is short. Don’t even think of reserving campsites until late July after the snow has disappeared from The Notch. And by the end of September – in a good year – the season is over. Backcountry campsite reservations open February 1, 2024 at 8 AM MT.

Skyline Trail hike summary

Distance: 44.5 km (27.7 miles) one way to hike the full Skyline Trail. Plan to do the hike with a shuttle.

Elevation gain: Over the length of the Skyline trail, gain 1,205 metres (3,952 feet) and lose 1,735 m (5,690 feet), assuming a start at the trailhead across from the northern end of Maligne Lake.

Time needed: One –  but only if you’re a crazy runner, and up to four days. Most people hike the Skyline Trail in three days.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Best time to hike: Mid to late July until mid-late September depending on the year.

Dogs allowed: No, because of caribou

Map: I like Organic Maps as an offline hiking app and Gem Trek Jasper & Maligne Lake for a paper map.

Don’t forget: Carry bear spray and the 10 hiking essentials

Weather: Expect any type of weather on this hike from sunny, hot days to rain and snow. Warm clothes and rain gear are a must.

Peak bagging: Interested in climbing six summits along the trail, something most people don’t? Check out this Skyline six pack blog from Parry Loeffler documented with GPX’s and how to information.

Finish trailhead: Plan to finish the hike at the Signal Mountain Trailhead near Maligne Canyon. This is where you would leave a vehicle.

Roofed accommodation option: There is the option to stay at Shovel Pass Lodge.

Backcountry reservations: Reserve campsites on the trail the minute reservations open – and that day varies from year to year. In 2024, it’s Thursday, February 1 at 8 AM MT. If you’ve missed out, check Schnerp – a website designed by an Alberta man that scans for unreserved campsites on the Parks Canada website. It costs you nothing.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

Some of the best hiking ever on the Skyline Trail in Jasper
Some of the best hiking ever above tree line for kilometres

Campsites on the Skyline Trail

The following are all the campsites on the Skyline Trail, with distances starting from the trailhead near Maligne Lake. All have bear poles and toilets – so don’t forget a length of rope, and a carabiner or two to hang your food.

  1. Evelyn Creek campground – 5.2 km (good if you have a late start; small pretty campsite by a creek)
  2. Little Shovel campground – 8.5 km (offers excellent views of Maligne Lake and Bald Hills without the crowds of Snowbowl)
  3. Snowbowl campground – 12.2 km ( a popular campsite, close to some pretty meadows)
  4. Curator campground – 20.6 km via a 0.8 km side trail (good for those of you planning to hike the Skyline Trail in 2 days)
  5. Tekarra campground – 30.5 km (a pretty campsite with views beside a large creek)
  6. Signal campground – 36.1 km (one of the quieter campsites at the top of Signal Fire Road – offering excellent views of Jasper)

Reach your waiting car on Maligne Lake Road at the Signal Mountain trailhead at 44.5 km.

The start of the trail
The start of the trail

Location map of the Skyline Trail hike in Jasper National Park

                                                     

Our Skyline Trail hike experience

What this trail delivers that most don’t is expansive mountain scenery above tree line for almost 25 kilometres. And if you start at the Maligne Lake trailhead, then the total elevation gain over the length of the trip is 1205 m (3,953 feet), a tolerable amount of climbing over just two to three days.

If you want to make the hike tougher (and who wants to do that?) start at the Signal Mountain Trailhead closer to the Jasper townsite and add 530 m (1,738 feet) more to the elevation gain. Much of that is on an uninteresting fire road.

We did this hike over three days in early September. We were extremely lucky to get the campsites we wanted at the last minute. Most people book months ahead of time and it was only by pestering the staff in Jasper National Park every day that I snagged a cancellation.

As soon as I had confirmed campsites I booked a one way shuttle for $35 pp + taxes (one way) with Maligne Shuttle. They pick you up at 9:15 AM SHARP at the finish point – Signal Mountain Trailhead – and deliver you to the start of the trail at Maligne Lake. You hike back to your car via the Skyline Trail. You could try hitching a ride at the end of the hike but to me it was worth the money to have our car waiting for us when we finished.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the shuttle service from downtown Jasper.

The hike to Snowbowl Campground

You won’t be huffing and puffing when you start up the trail. The ascent is gradual and in less than half an hour you reach Lorraine and Mona Lakes. The trail along the way is quite beautiful as it’s lined with an array of lichens, mosses, and mushrooms.

Within 90 minutes we arrived at the first campsite – Evelyn Creek at the 5.2 km mark. It’s a beautiful one and not very heavily used but our goal was Snowbowl Campground – 12.2 km in from the trailhead. 

If you’re going to backpack the trail over three days, then Snowbowl is a good choice for the first night from a distance perspective though it’s seen a lot of wear.

Just after you hike past Little Shovel Campground at 8.3 km, the trail heads onto the alpine tundra. In early fall the colours are already starting. From here through to the Snowbowl Campground the views are splendid.

All manner of mushrooms along the Skyline trail
All manner of mushrooms along the Skyline trail
Evelyn Creek adjacent to Evelyn Creek Campground
Evelyn Creek adjacent to Evelyn Creek Campground
Above the treeline in no time on the Skyline Trail hike
Above the treeline in no time on the Skyline Trail hike
Colour in the hills by the 2nd week of September on the Skyline Trail
Colour in the hills by the second week of September
Coming down off of Little Shovel Pass
Coming down off of Little Shovel Pass on the Skyline Trail hike
On the way to Snowbowl Campground on the Skyline Trail hike
On the way to Snowbowl Campground on the Skyline Trail hike
Sunset on the first night out camping
Sunset on the first night out camping

Day 2: Hike from Snowbowl Campground to Tekarra Campground

Today our plan was to hike from Snowbowl Campground to Tekarra Campground, a distance of 18.2 kilometres. It was definitely a longer and tougher day than the day before, but it was also one of the hiking highlights of my life. 

The morning entailed crossing expansive meadows before beginning an easy climb to Big Shovel Pass. There is a side trip possible from here to the Watchtower Co that we didn’t do. If you hike it, enjoy views north into Watchtower Basin.

This trail provides another route back to the Maligne Lake Road should the weather turn nasty or you run into problems. There is also the Watchtower campground located 3 km from Watchtower Col.

Leaving the Snowbowl Campground
Leaving the Snowbowl Campground
Beautiful open walking on day 2
Beautiful, open walking at the start of the day
Just shy of Big Shovel Pass
Just shy of Big Shovel Pass
It's about an hour to hike to the top of the snowfield in the distance
It’s about an hour to hike to the top of the snowfield in the distance

The Notch – the crux of the Skyline Trail hik

From Big Shovel Pass it’s an easy descent to reach the junction to Curator Campground and Shovel Pass Lodge. But then it’s a stiff climb – the hardest of the entire trail to the top of The Notch, the highest elevation on the trail at 2,511 metres (8,238 feet).

The Notch can hold the snow until into August. Be prepared for some kick stepping on snow if you’re on the trail in mid-July.

From The Notch the views are glorious and the hiking just gets better and better. For the next five kilometres follow the summit ridge of Amber Mountain. This area should not be attempted in bad weather where visibility is an issue or during an electrical storm. It is fully exposed.

From here you can see the Icefields Parkway, the Jasper townsite, and on a clear day – Mt. Robson.

Heading for The Notch, the crux on the Skyline Trail hike
Heading for The Notch, the crux on the Skyline Trail hike
Getting a work-out on the way up to The Notch
Getting a work-out on the way up to The Notch
Long hike above tree line
Long hike above tree line on the Skyline Trail
Extensive 360 degree views in the mountains on the Skyline Trail hike
Extensive 360 degree views in the mountains on the Skyline Trail
Stupendous hiking above tree line
Stupendous hiking above tree line
Looking down in the direction of the Tekarra Campground
Looking down in the direction of the Tekarra Campground
On the descent towards the Tekarra Campground
On the descent towards the Tekarra Campground

Next stop on our second day of hiking – Tekarra Campground

From The Notch to Tekarra Campground it’s a distance of 8.8 kilometres. Switchback down the slope towards the lake with Mt. Tekarra on your left and Excelsior on your right. Keep an eye out for hoary marmots, bighorn sheep, mountain caribou, and white-tailed ptarmigan. The only animal we saw was a hoary marmot. 

It’s easy and scenic sub-alpine walking for the final two kilometres to the Tekarra Campground.

The only marmot we saw on the hike
The only marmot we saw on the hike
This river goes right past the Tekarra Campground
This river goes right past the Tekarra Campground
Lovely hiking until you drop down into the trees
Lovely hiking until you drop down into the trees
Hanging our food with the help of bear proof poles
Bear proofing our food with the help of poles
Our campsite at the Tekarra Campground
Our campsite at the Tekarra Campground

Day 3: Tekarra Campground to Signal Mountain Trailhead via the Skyline Trail

I hadn’t expected the third day of the Skyline Trail hike to deliver the first class scenery it did. The trail from the Tekarra campground starts with a rock-hop across the creek.

Then it’s an hour of gradual climbing around Tekarra Mountain onto the slopes of Signal Mountain. The views from Signal Mountain of the Maligne River Valley are superb.

Tekarra Mountain is beautiful first thing in the morning
Beautiful Tekarra Mountain first thing in the morning
It's easy rock-hopping across the creek in September
It’s easy rock-hopping across the creek in September
Distant mountain views across the Maligne River Valley
Distant mountain views across the Maligne River Valley
Contouring around Tekarra Mountain on the last day of the Skyline Trail hike
Contouring around Tekarra Mountain on the last day of the Skyline Trail hike
Looking back to where we'd been the day before - on the far ridge
Looking back to where we’d been the day before – on the far ridge
Looking across the Maligne River Valley from the Skyline Trail hike
Looking across the Maligne River Valley from the Skyline Trail hike
Hiking in this landscape is phenomenal
Hiking in this landscape is phenomenal
We're on the lookout for caribou - but see only one lone deer on the Skyline Trail hike
We’re on the lookout for caribou – but see only one lone deer on the Skyline Trail hike

The final stretch the Skyline Trail hike

The last 7.5 kilometres of the trail are on an old fire road with some views early on and then nothing but dense woods.

Still, between mushrooms and bird sightings, there was enough to hold our attention to the very end. We knocked off the 13.5 kilometres in four hours, with lots of stops for photos.

Avoid starting the Skyline Trail at the Signal Hill parking lot – our finish point. You end up adding 530 m (1,738 feet) to your total elevation gain. 

The Spruce Grouse have got to be one of the dumbest birds out there!
The Spruce Grouse have got to be one of the dumbest birds out there!

A few helpful notes for hiking the Skyline Trail

All campsites have bear-proof food storage. I find it helpful to bring a few waterproof bags to store the food in. And an extra carabiner or two always comes in handy.

If you would prefer not to backpack, then strong hikers can head for the night at Shovel Pass Lodge – at the half way point, about 21 kilometres in. They provide all your meals and even a packed lunch for the next day. You can complete the Skyline Trail on the second day.

Dogs are not permitted on the trail because of the caribou.

This is grizzly bear country though we only saw scat in the first five kilometres. Take bear spray that is no more than three years old and know how to use it. The bear spray should be easily accessible and not be hanging off the top of your pack.

Read: Tips for Staying Safe in Bear Country

Skyline Trail bookings need to be done the minute reservations open

This trail is exceedingly popular. There is a very short window in which to hike it – mid-late July until late September. In 2023 they have changed the way reservations are handled and you need a new Parks Canada account. Book reservations by calling 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783) beginning at 8 AM MST on March, 2023 or online here. Be flexible in your planning and avoid weekends.

I can’t say enough good things about this hike. The Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park delivers first class scenery as well but for a lot more effort.

Hiking in the Skoki area is also beautiful as is the Tonquin Valley Trail, but the Skyline Trail is by far my favourite backpacking trail in the Rockies.

Before you start the Skyline Trail hike

I think it’s always a good idea to have a paper map in case the batteries in your GPS or cell phone dies. This Jasper map covers much more than just the Skyline Trail.

A few items that might come in handy on your trip include Tenacious Tape – for gear repairs, Compeed for blisters (I swear by it) and a camp pillow so you get a good night’s sleep.

Where to stay in Jasper before or after the Skyline Trail hike 

For a beautiful hotel in a stellar location choose the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

For an affordable option book in at the Maligne Canyon Hostel.

The Crimson Jasper has great rooms.

A an out of town option on a lake check out the Pyramid Lake Resort.

Whistler’s Inn offers a convenient location with nice rooms, despite appearance when you first enter the hotel.

Serene setting in front of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Serene setting in front of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Camping gear for those traveling a large distance

It’s easy if you live in Alberta to throw all your gear in the car and go on a multi-day hiking trip like the Skyline Trail. But if you’re coming from afar it can be a hassle especially if you only need a tent and camping gear for part of your trip. I have a friend in Canmore who has a son with a company that rents tents and gear in Banff and Canmore (and also Vancouver). Check them out at Rent a Tent Canada.

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The amazing Skyline Trail hike in Jasper National Park

 

  1. Thank you so much for such a helpful and amazing site. Have found this to be extremely helpful. Question if you can – I am going to be hiking this in another week (Sept 8th) for 3 nights similar to your trip (only with a stay at Signal instead of Tekkara). Can you let me know what the bugs were like that time of year? I was in Glacier last week and they were non-existant, but I have heard very mixed reports for this time of year on skyline. Were mosquitos severe at this time of year when you did the hike, or not bad? Thanks!

    1. @Jake They really weren’t a problem and if it stays on the cool side you should be just fine. You could always take a small bottle of bug dope but don’t remember them being even a small problem.

  2. Hello, I am wondering how manageable this trail is in the spring? I was looking to hike from May 17-20, 2019 this year. The park rangers say the trail is open year round so I’m wondering if this is doable on these dates?

    1. @Maggie Chances are there will be too much snow. Most people don’t start hiking it until early July and even then there’s one place where the snow really builds up. I wouldn’t recommend it. Mid-June is the earliest any of the trails are recommended but most not even that.

  3. Just wondering what you think about tackling this at the end of September? I am booked over 3 nights from the 23rd September. Just a little concerned about freezing (I’m an aussie)

    1. @Lauren You may freeze and may even have a bit of snow but still doable if you’re experienced – and pack plenty of warm clothes – particularly for the evening.

  4. Hi! This was a GREAT post and was exactly what we needed to plan our hike on the Skyline trail! Really useful info about what to bring, the shuttle, and elevation.

  5. I am looking to hike/backpack this trail in early August. I have only done relatively easy hikes in terms of the terrain. I am in physical shape to hike this trail, but I am worried about the slopes, switch backs, and the parts that in general aren’t too safe. How much of the trail is like that? Also, could someone do the Skyline trail as their first backpacking trip? We would do it in 3 days.

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Tyler,
      You can definitely do it in three days but I highly recommend training as much as possible, making sure your hiking boots are broken in and your equipment is good. Pack as light as possible but safely as that makes a world of difference.
      No need to worry about the slopes or switch backs. The crux of the hike is on the second day ascending up to the Notch which will likely remain snow covered. This is a popular trail so it will be well trampled down. It’s more a matter of pacing yourself. Once above the notch you’re into grand country but you’re above treeline for some time. If a storm blows up this section could get nasty. You need to be prepared for that – and the possibility of retreat should there be thunder/lightning. There is a route out via Watchtower Creek as a backup.

  6. Great article! I’m booked in on July 15th for a couple nights to do the hike over three days. Reading this, I’m wondering if I’ve booked in a bit too early! So, with that in mind, what kind of conditions could I expect up top? If you can’t do the Notch or any other of the high parts, is it easy to go around and pickup the trail? Is the trail well marked?

    As a novice backcountry hiker, am I biting off more than I can chew with this one?

    Thanks all!

    Dan

    1. @Daniel It was a low snow year so I think you’ll be absolutely fine. I was just in Jasper and saw very little snow in the mountains. The trail is VERY well marked. Just keep your pack weight light – the essentials but pack weight is the biggest drag on a trip.

  7. Your photos are spectacular and you trail description is excellent. Seven of us are planning to hike the Skyline Trail in early August. Day One is from Maligne Lake to Shovel Pass Lodge where we will stay for two nights, and then on Day Three we plan to hike up through the notch and on to the end of the trail. Is it realistic to cover the 44 kms in just two hiking days? Or might it make sense on Day Three to just return the same way we came? Is the second half tougher than the first half?

    1. @Jim There are a lot of people who do the trail in 2 days. It would be a very long day to get from Shovel Pass Lodge to the Maligne Canyon trailhead but if you’re fit, I’d do it. Otherwise you shortchange yourself on the trail & don’t get the chance to see some of the best scenery on the trip. From the Tekarra Campground the first 2 hours are interesting. Once you hit the road it’s just a trudge – especially at the end of a long day – BUT if the weather is cooperative then I think the hike from the Notch onwards is memorable.

  8. Hi Leigh, we wanted to do the Skyline Trail mid-august this year, but the camping grounds are already pretty packed. The only reasonable combination of available campsides suggested an alternative route with start from Lake Medicine and hike to Watchtower camp side to spend the first night, second day hike to Snowbowl campside (maybe including side trip to The Notch) and third day walk out to the trailhead at Maligne Lake. Does that sound like a good plan to you? Do you know anything regarding the difficulty level of the Watchtower section?

    1. Hi Carl,

      I’m looking at a map and a description. I have a few concerns.I have never done the Watchtower Basin but it sounds buggy and wet at lower elevations. It’s an option granted but not a great one. If you still do it – any chance you could go out the other way. I think the most scenic part of the trip – if the weather Gods cooperate is up to the notch and then the vast stretch above treeline and down to the Tekarra Campground. Another option – a 2 day one is to hike into Shovel Pass Lodge – spend the night – and hike all the way out the next day. It’s doable because you don’t need to carry a tent or food – just snacks. Option #3 – go during the week so you can do the whole hike. It’s such a great one!

      1. Hi Leigh, thank you very much for your reply and advise. I have the same concerns, especially since I read that there might be issues crossing Maligne River depending on its water level because the bridge has been destroyed by a flood a couple of years ago. I was thinking about Shovel Pass Lodge as well and will give that a second look. Unfortunately, there are literately no camping grounds available beyond Snowbowl during the time we’re in Canada (which is four weeks starting end of July). If nothing works, we will choose another trail, maybe Tonquin Valley. Any thoughts on that one?

      2. @Carl I haven’t done it but it’s supposed to be very beautiful – though muddy early in the season with some flies. I don’t know when you’re coming but I would also recommend the hike to Mt Assibniboine (you really need 4 days), the Rockwall Trail – 4 days too min and the Egypt Lake backpacking trip if its in July for the wildflowers. Closer to Jasper the Jonas Pass – Poboktan Pass- Brazeau Lake combo over 3-5 days would be excellent. The same with North Molar Pass – Fish Lakes.

  9. Leigh I am visiting Jasper for three days this coming September. What would be a comparable day hike in that area? Is there anything at all that is a challenge and would be a moderate 8 hour day?

  10. Great write up and photos! Do you think July 10th would be too early for this trek? And any option to extend it to 3 nights, 4 days? Thanks!

  11. What amazing pictures, thank you so much for posting this! I live in Calgary and my family enjoys a lot of dayhikes in the Kananaskis/Banff area. I’m already planning on stepping it up next year and doing some bigger overnight hikes with my husband and two boys (will be 8 and 11), and this has easily just made it’s way to the top of my list!

      1. My wife and I are hiking the Skyline during early Sept! Just a few weeks left, we’re very excited! Thanks for all of the helpful info.

  12. My Husband and I are doing this hike (only to curator and back) end of July! I’m extraordinary excited. Last year we did the tonquin valley, it was beautiful yet I’m much more excited about this one! I ready this blog post over and over amping myself up!

      1. Great & helpful post! my daughter & I are coming to the Rockies next month, and your suggestions look perfect! I am in a moderate shape, and willing to challenge myself (60 yo :-)) but was concerned about the trails being marked, especially to the Notch. Would you kindly advise? thanks!

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