Hike from Maligne Lake to a panoramic ridge high above the treeline.

Statistics

4 - 5

hrs

783

m

783

m

13

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Moderate

Description

This is a popular hike that starts from Maligne Lake and gets way above the trees for some epic views.

Beginning on a fire road in thick forest, it isn’t very interesting at first, but keep going and eventually you’ll get to a huge panorama The fire road goes all the way to the ridgeline before turning to a trail, but there’s an opportunity to shorten the uneventful walk on this dirt road by taking a steep trail that goes directly to the ridgeline.

This shortcut option is the route mapped here.

If you come to the junction and the trail looks too steep, simply stay on the road.

It will lengthen your hike by about 1 km each direction but the gradient remains moderate. The upper reaches of the hike are through sparse conifers on a carpet of vibrant moss, with views between the trees to Maligne Lake behind you.

Soon the trees disappear altogether, and a footpath leads across the rocky, bald ridgeline.

Be prepared to encounter snow up here unless it's midsummer.

This section is the real reward of the hike, with views over the lake, surrounding peaks, and another valley on the other side.

The trail continues all along the ridge, but one distinct summit makes a good turnaround point, where large rocks make good benches and windbreaks.

Relax here and take in the view, then return the way you came. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail in order to protect caribou habitat. Sources: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/activ-experience/sentiers-trails http://www.albertawow.com/hikes/Bald_Hills_Hike/Bald_Hills_Hike.htm