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Skyline Trail

Jasper’s high country - the Maligne Range skyline, Curator and Amber Mountain, endless alpine

Difficulty 4/5 · HardMultidayPoint-to-pointMulti-day trek
Distance
~44 km point-to-point
Max elevation
~2,510 m
Elevation gain
~1,400 m
Duration
2-3 days
iconicabove treelinemultidayalpineridge
Plan this hike
Explore the rugged beauty and vast landscapes of Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.

The route

The line through Jasper NP, Alberta, Canada - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile~2,510 m (The Notch)
0 km44 km

Waypoints

  1. 1
    Maligne LakeTrailhead
    ~1,690 m0 km

    South start

  2. 2
    SnowbowlCamp
    ~2,100 m12 km~4 h

    Above treeline

  3. 3
    CuratorCamp
    ~2,270 m20 km~5 h

    Below the Notch

  4. 4
    The NotchPass
    ~2,510 m24 km~6 h

    High point; wind/snow

  5. 5
    Signal Mountain (exit)Trailhead
    ~1,450 m44 km~6 h

    North finish; fire road

Season & conditions

Best season

Jul-Sep

Weather risks

Exposed alpine weather - wind, cold, storms with little shelter

Best Jul-Sep once the Notch melts out; snow lingers early. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Mostly above-treeline alpine ridge, tundra, the exposed Notch

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Wildlife

Black and grizzly bear country - carry bear spray, travel in groups, store food properly; caribou, marmots, ptarmigan

Crowds & solitude

Popular; campsite-gated

Variants & turnaround

Hike either direction; the Skyline is often done north-to-south (net descent)

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Maligne Lake (south) to Signal Mtn/Maligne Rd (north)

Shuttle & transport

Point-to-point; arrange a shuttle between the trailheads

Huts, camping & refuges

Backcountry campgrounds (reservation); no huts

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Jasper; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

Parks Canada Wilderness Pass + reserved backcountry campsites (competitive). Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Black and grizzly bear country - carry bear spray, travel in groups, store food properly; exposure with few bail-outs, the Notch snow/wind, weather

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Skyline Trail with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike