Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail is a hiking trail in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It is known for its views, with much of the hike being located above the tree line. It is also known for challenging weather conditions above the tree line, which can be a problem for hikers, who can lose sight of trails. The trail is recognized as one of the best backpacking trails in Jasper National Park, and it is the one of the busiest in the Rockies. With 25 km of the total 44.1 km being at or above the tree line, it has views of the surrounding mountains and valley. It is normally hiked in two days from Maligne Lake to the bottom of Signal Mountain, but it may be completed at a more moderate pace, over three or four days. It is recommended to hike the trail south to north from Maligne Lake, as the fire road descending to Signal Mountain on the northern end is an 800 m elevation loss. There are three challenging passes, including the highest section of trail in Jasper National Park. There are six campgrounds, located at 5 km, 8 km, 12 km, 19 km, 30 km, and 35 km (Evelyn Creek, Little Shovel, Snowbowl, Curator, Tekarra, and Signal, respectively). The campgrounds provide tent pads, picnic tables, bear poles with metal cables, connectors, and toilets. Skyline Trail is a no-fire zone. Camping is only permitted with reservations at the designated campgrounds. Route There are two main ways to enter the Skyline Trail. The more popular main trail; from the parking lot at Maligne Lake, the hike begins with a gentle walk through the forest past Lorraine and Mona Lakes, before crossing the Evelyn Creek bridge to the campground. The second option, adding 4 km and 500 m of elevation gain, is to climb the Bald Hills by using a well-established short cut for a view of Maligne Lake before heading down the fire road and joining the trail to the Evelyn Creek bridge.