Jasper National Park Skyline Trail

Take a three day trip through Jasper National Park

Trekking is the only way to find pure solitude in the Rockies.

By Nicholas J Parkinson

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

JASPER, Alberta (Rockies.com) – The Canadian Rockies have become very popular amongst travelers over the past 20 years. Much of this popularity is due to Jasper and Banff National Parks. In fact, just getting a campsite along some of the more popular trails takes careful research and dedication.

Because of this, when hiking in the Rockies, it is highly recommended to take a guided tour into the backcountry, where certified guides will keep you aware of grizzly bears, provide historical insight and get you the best campsites in the park.

“Sometimes the backpacking element is just a small part of the entire vacation, and people don’t want to bring all the camping equipment on a three-week trip,” says Trevor Lescard, guide for Overlander Trekking & Tours on another benefit of booking a tour.

Between May and September, adventurous souls can wander into the rarely seen regions of Jasper National Park for three nights with Overlander.

“For some people it’s their first trip, we teach them how to pack properly, set-up equipment and pacing. We don’t rush to campgrounds, rather we take time and give interpretive value and historical elements,” he explains.

The most popular trek for this summer is the Skyline trail, a three-day trip, that takes hikers 44 kilometers into Jasper National Park. More than half of the trail is above the tree line, leading hikers through alpine meadows. Wildlife can be expected on the trail, meaning caribou, big horn sheep and the ominous grizzly bear.

There's always a possibility of seeing the majestic grizzly bear.

“We don’t usually see grizzlies, but there is a strong possibility,” Lescard adds.

To prepare non-grizzly people for the experience, guides give visitors a crash course in how to safely share the Rockies with these amazing animals.

“On backpacking trips, we try as much as possible to not see bears,” he assures.

Overlander runs three day backpacking trips every week of the summer, departing Thursdays and returning Sundays.

The first day, the trail follows the wide ridges of the Maligne Range, taking hikers from the lake up a gentle grade through a spruce and fir forest towards Little Shovel Pass. The first campsite lies in the alpine meadow Snowbowl.

The second day is easily the most scenic as the trail heads over the notch at the 2,510 meters. From the pass, hikers enjoy the majestic views over the Athabasca Valley. Following the Maligne Ridge, the trails descends to the spectacular campground just below Tekarra Mountain.

See the rugged beauty of Jasper National Park

The hike out is roughly 14 kilometers but is mainly downhill. Wildlife becomes more abundant and the trail finishes at the trailhead near Maligne Canyon.

For intrepid hikers who want to go it alone, campsites must first be reserved in the national parks through Parks Canada.