|
Jasper
National Park
Day Hiking in the Rocky Mountains
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Founded
in 1907, Jasper National Park is located in Alberta. It stretches
from Banff National Park to the BC border and is the largest of
the National Park in the Rocky Mountains. Jasper National Park
is 370 km (192 miles) west of Edmonton, Alberta. The terrain is
rugged and beautiful with the jagged mountains, icy glaciers and
mineral laden lakes. With over a thousand kilometers of trails
this is a suitable area for day hiking.
By the time
man became a part of Jasper there were already many trails worn
into the landscape by migrating mammals such as elk and caribou.
These trails were used by aboriginals and then later by the railway
surveyors. This park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The picturesque town of Jasper is located near the middle
of the park.
Because of
the number of trails it would be impossible for me to cover all
of them, but I have included the ones that I find most interesting.
Please be sure to carry drinking water because water in this area
can be unfit for drinking due to contamination by Giardia. It
would be a good idea to carry a water filter that is suitable
for blocking this organism. Taking some snacks, power bars or
a lunch is essential because most of these adventures will take
you a full day.
Old Fort Point to the Maligne Canyon and Maligne Canyon Trail
Combine the
Old Fort Point Trail with the Maligne Canyon Trail and hike along
the Athabasca River to make a spectacular 21.7 km loop. You must
be in good shape because of trail length and the amount of uphill
travel. You will visit a marsh, enjoy a view of Pyramid Mountain,
and visit the Maligne Canyon.The
Maligne Canyon Trail provides picturesque views of a canyon gouged
out of limestone by the glaciers. Although going in the opposite
direction is easier, the views are much nicer if you walk up the
canyon trail as opposed to down. It is well worth the extra effort.
This is an interpretative trail and the explanations along the
way make the hike all the more interesting. There is a small interpretive
side trail that takes you to a pretty waterfall.
The Whistler's Trail
This trail
is 7.9 kilometers each way. It will take you about 4 hours to
reach the top of the trail and 3 hours to return. You must have
a high level of fitness because your elevation will increase by
1200 meters. The trail takes you on a zigzag, known as a switchback,
through three different regions. At the beginning you see aspen
and in July there is an abundance of wildflowers here. When you
reach the top of the trail you will be above the tree line in
an alpine ecosystem. Even in the summer months you should be prepared
with an extra layer of clothing because the temperature will be
cooler at higher altitudes. Take plenty of water because there
isn't a source on the Whistler's Trail. If you don't feel like
making the arduous hike to the top you can take the Jasper Tramway
up and hike down. Whichever way you decide to go, you will see
amazing views of the Athabasca and Miette Valleys.
Opal
Hills Loop
The trail
head for the Maligne Lake area is 47 kilometers from the town
of Jasper and there are no places to fill up your gas tank along
the way. The Opal Hills Loop is 8.2 kilometers and will take you
about 6 hours to complete. This is a very demanding hike; in three
kilometers you will increase your elevation by about 460 meters.
Alpine wildflowers are most abundant in July and the meadows on
this trail are a perfect place to see them. You will also be treated
to breathtaking views of the Maligne Valley and of Opal Peak.
There are
many other incredible trails in Jasper National Park including
Pyramid Lake, Valley of the Five Lakes, Mt. Edith Cavell, and
the Columbia Icefields. If you would like more information please
visit the Jasper National Park website at http://www.worldweb.com/ParksCanada-Jasper/
and download the Day Hiker's Guide.
For more articles
please view the archives.
|
