Long Day Hikes to Ditch the Crowds in Jasper NP

The best way to avoid a crowd is to hike farther than most people will.

Jesse Weber

Images

whistlers-peak-2_Robert-Hurdman.jpg
On Whistlers Peak, on the way to Indian Ridge

by Robert Hurdman

Creative Commons: Attribution
Geraldine-Lakes.jpg
Looking back over first Geraldine Lake and a lesser lake above it

by Erik Lizee

Creative Commons: Attribution
Nigel-Creek-1_Erik-Lizee.JPG
Hiking to Nigel Pass

by Erik Lizee, edited from original

Creative Commons: Attribution
Nigel-Creek-2_Erik-Lizee.jpeg
Nigel Creek

by Erik Lizee

Creative Commons: Attribution
Nigel-Creek-3_Erik-Lizee.jpeg
Nearing Nigel Pass

by Erik Lizee

Creative Commons: Attribution
Brazeau-River-1_Erik-Lizee.jpeg
The headwaters of the Brazeau River

by Erik Lizee

Creative Commons: Attribution
48118333937_2167bee2c8_k.jpg
Opal Hills

by Wayne Hsieh

Creative Commons: Attribution

Description

Jasper is one of Canada’s most popular national parks, so you may think the trails would be crowded. While it’s true that many trailheads swell with people during peak times, there are ways to avoid the crowds and find a peaceful time in nature. For most trails, arriving early in the morning is a good strategy. The other strategy is to simply hike beyond the crowds, farther than most people will go. Here are some of Jasper’s best long hikes, which can still be completed within a day. With proper fitness, you can leave the crowds behind and experience the lesser-visited highlights of Jasper National Park.

Adventures

Indian Ridge

An airy ridgeline with some steep scrambling to a wild summit, reached by extending the hike from Whistlers Peak.

Verdant Pass

High meadows beneath twin cirques on Mount Edith Cavell’s lesser-seen backside.

Geraldine Lakes

Long day hike or backpacking trip in one of Jasper's lesser-visited valleys.

Opal Hills Loop

A hike into a colorful subalpine valley beginning from Maligne Lake.