Description

This day is almost all uphill, but a gradual climb for the most part.

From Brazeau Lake, the trail leaves the shoreline and takes a wide berth around the lake’s southern end.

It’s all in the forest, but you’ll catch occasional, elevated views while hiking the ridge above the lake.

You’ll cross the ravine of John-John Creek on a footbridge, then begin the long walk up a valley.

It’s mellow for much of the way, but steepens in a climb above treeline.

Then you’ll cross a subalpine pass which is thick with berry bushes and soaked in views of surrounding peaks. There is a campground part-way up this valley, called John-John, but most trekkers choose to finish the day at Jonas Cutoff camp, which is over the pass and down, at the end of the route mapped here.

Located in a pocket beneath the pass and huge summits, this camp is beautiful, but bound to be cold at night.

Try to sleep warm and save energy for the next day’s hike over Jonas Shoulder. Sources: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/arrierepays-backcountry/sugg-sentiers_trip-ideas/Brazeau https://theridgelinereport.com/the-brazeau-loop/ https://simplestoke.com/2019/09/12/magical-days-on-the-brazeau-loop/