Ride a Mountain Plan Ahead and Prepare

Cruisy, cross-country fun...

Jasper National Park
Mountain Biking Guide In most places, Mountain Biking either
means one of two things; finding some dirt
next to the sidewalk to ride on, or flinging
yourself down a mountain on something
that costs more than a motorcycle (but with

Photo: Darren Langley

Photo: Darren Langley

Photo: Darren Langley

smaller brakes and no engine). However, if
you bike in Jasper, you get that rare third
Remember, you are responsible for
option; cruisy, cross-country fun. While most of the trails described are fun, flowing, valley bottom trails, Jasper does have some your own safety.
great climbing for riders looking for physical challenges and eye-popping alpine scenery. Always wear a helmet and safety gear. Know your equipment.
Get advice at a Parks Canada Information Centre, including
Jasper has what might be the best trail trail conditions, descriptions and weather.
P7 Palisades Lookout
system in the world. Ask any cyclist why (MAP A & C) Distance: 11 km one way Elevation gain: 840 m P12 Signal Mountain Pack adequate water, food, gear, maps, first aid. Carry bear
(MAP A ) Distance: 9.1 km one way Elevation gain: 925 m spray and know how to use it.
they come back to Jasper, and youll likely Hardy riders who persevere up the long, steep climb are
Tell someone where you are going and when you are
rewarded with panoramic views of the Athabasca River Valley Single speed bikers, beware! This sustained uphill requires expected back.
hear that its because the parks well- and a white-knuckled descent. Bring extra water and use strength, stamina and a sense of give and take. What you
caution along the cliff edge. Do not travel alone.
give: a weeks worth of sweat. What you take away: alpine
connected, well-maintained trails are the
views of the valleys and peaks surrounding the Jasper Rules of the Trail
Photo: Bob Covey

perfect way to actually experience nature P7 Pyramid Mountain townsite, plus a heros descent. Watch for backpackers and Most trails in Jasper are multi-use. Please share them with other
(MAP A & C) Distance: 11.7 km one way Elevation gain: 770 m bears on the speedy downhill. users, and follow these rules developed by the International
while at the same time avoiding crowds. Mountain Bike Association.
For those that want an added challenge, stay left at the
Palisades junction and travel another 4 km to the base of 1. Ride designated trails. Mountain biking is allowed only on
Please note: Bikes are not allowed on the Skyline Trail. trails designated for cycling. If a trail is not signed, youre not

Photo: Nicole Gaboury

Pyramid Mountain. If youre prepared and have energy to allowed to ride it
spare, go for a scramble up the rugged slope
2. Respect trail closures. Trails can be temporarily or
permanently closed for ecological or safety reasons.
3. Ride within your limits. Inattention for even a moment could
EasyRoutes intermediateRoutes difficultroutes overlander and pyramid map c put yourself and others at risk.
4. Yield appropriately. Let your fellow trail users know youre
coming. Make each pass a safe and courteous one. Cyclists
16 traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill.
Morro Peak
1678 m 5. Respect horses, they are easily startled. When passing,
use extra care and follow directions from the horse riders (ask if
ek
o Cre uncertain).
orr 6. Leave no trace. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable
Photo: Dwight Bourdin

Photo: Mark Bradley

Photo: Vicki Garford

Photo: Brian Catto

to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other
Photo: Bob Covey


riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and

To H
not creating new ones. Be sure to pack out at least as much as
you pack in. Leave natural and cultural objects undisturbed for

into
others to discover.

n&
Edm
If a Trail is Not Signed

ont
on
Official trails around the town of Jasper are marked
Sn
ari
ng
Snaring
Overflow
10
3 with yellow diamonds. This extensive trail system is
Hawk Mountain maintained by park staff.
Riv
er 2553 m
Wildland trails are marked differently. You are welcome

8.3
Wildland Trail

to use these trails, but they are not maintained or shown

Not maintanined
Photo: Jocelyn Nadeau

Use at your own risk.

Photo: Matt Staneland

Photo: Darren Langley

Photo: Mark Bradley

Snaring
Sentier en milieu sauvage
Non entretenu
Empruntez vos
on park maps. If a trail is not signed, it is not part of the
official trail network.
propres risques.

Campground

Ove
To decrease erosion, give wildlife the space they need and avoid

rlan
becoming lost, please return to the signed trail system.

der
Tra
12 Wapiti Trail 3 P 2 Caledonia Lake 10 P
8 Overlander Trail Maintenance

il
(MAP A & B) Distance: 4.7 km one way Elevation gain: minimal (MAP A) Distance: 4.2 km Elevation gain/loss: 97 m (MAP C) Distance: 15 km one way Trail maintenance crews clear the trails each spring but wind
Thinned forest (for wildfire protection) surrounds rocky Elevation gain: 420 m Elevation loss: 400 m storms can fell trees all summer long. If your ride involved
This relatively flat community-to-campground connector more bike carrying than riding, please report problems to the
is a great place to spot wildlife along the Miette and single track on this short but rewarding ride. Gradual Trail 10 from 6th Bridge to Mile 12 bridge on Hwy 16
elevation gains bring you up towards shimmering Caledonia Information Centre. If you want to help out, inquire about getting
Athabasca Rivers. Offering the best of Jaspers trail system in one epic ride, the The Palisade involved with trail volunteers.
Lake. Rooty, soggy sections temper what for the most part
Overlander blends forested single track, rocky and ragged side- eek
e Cr
2130 m
is fast, flowing and irresistibly fun. Make noise around nn
13 Bighorn Alley bends; popular with bears and locals with their dogs.
hills, scorching descents and trough-like climbs. Long views
over swirling waterways are best enjoyed while stationary;
Garo Safety
(MAP A) Distance: 4.3 km one way Elevation gain: 33 m technical sections command attention. Historic cabins make Moberly
Named for the sheep attracted to the area, this is an easy 7 P
1 Back of 7 an ideal snack stop. Use caution! This is Grizzly country! Cabin
Emergency
route to Annette and Edith Lakes. Formerly the graveyard (MAP A) Distance: 8.1 km one way Elevation gain: 133 m
Call 911 (Cell phone coverage is unreliable).
trail, not for its danger quotient but because it passes the Elevation loss: 135 m
3 P
2 Saturday Night Lake Loop Keep wildlife wild, and yourself safer

Pa
local cemetery, Bighorn Alley is smooth, wide and family Trail 7 from Old Fort Point to Trial 7g, across the Maligne Lake Road

li
(MAP A) Distance: 24 km Elevation gain: 780 m

sa
at 5th bridge turn-off

de
friendly. Watch for traffic when crossing the highway and Cyclists are susceptible to sudden wildlife encounters. Travel in
Far from busy but popular with hikers, campersand

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horse groups near Lake Annette. Variable terrainincluding broad, gravelly sections; groups, slow down and make noise when out on the trail. Avoid

oo
mosquitoesthis loop is technical, labour-intensive but

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sandy switchbacks; and wide open, banked corners

ou
extremely rewarding. Steep switchbacks and tire-sucking trail use at dawn, dusk and at night. Be aware of bear habitat.

t
means this ride never gets boring. Escape the heat in the

Tra
7 P1 Athabasca River
mud above Minnow Lake are your penance; the descent

i
cool aspen forests, feel the burn while ascending behind

l
3.
home is your payoff. Classic Jasper single track. For a

4
(MAP A) Distance: 3.0 km one way Elevation gain: minimal the golf course. Rutted in patches, watch for loose rocks

6.7
on descents. Bear country; make noise. shorter adventure, bike to Minnow or Saturday Night Lake.
Trail 7 from Old Fort Point to Jasper Park Lodge
Pyramid
Sandy, soft and popular with young bikers for the bumps 1 9 P1 Valley of the Five Lakes Loop
15 P3 Pyramid Trail Mountain
4.1

and jumps that break up an otherwise flat, meandering Trail

path. Splendid, turquoise views of Lac Beauvert are shared (MAP A) Distance: 5.2 one way Elevation gain: 118 m (MAP A) Distance: 17.6 km Elevation gain/loss: 250 m
Beginning at sidewalk, bottom of Pyramid Lake Road Beginning at Old Fort Point, this quintessential Jasper ride 10
with hikers. Look for the osprey nest on the power pole
Popular with trail users of all types, this busy linkage combines rolling, undulating terrain with several rocky,
beside the Athabasca River. Note that this trail is a horse
climbs steadily but rarely steeply en route to Patricia rooty sections. Popular with hikers for its dazzling views,
route and often closed in Spring for elk calving. k
and Pyramid Lakes. Use this connector as your gravel bikers should be alert for congestion and steep hillsides near 16 ree
freeway to the Pyramid Bench trail system. the opal lakes. To avoid the crowds, skip trail 9a, ride in the Athabasca River o oC
14 Red Squirrel Run early evening or use the shoulder seasons. Slow down and od
Note: The trails near the riding stables are heavily used by horses; be dismount for other users. Loop back on 9b. Ho
(MAP A) Distance: 1 km one way Elevation gain: minimal prepared to stop and dismount.
A swift descent to Old Fort Point or a sustained uphill back
to town, bikers should be prepared to encounter other 10 P8 Moberlander: Overlander 7 7h P1 Good Ol Trail 7 Pyramid Mountain

trail users on this wide, level trail. Enjoy river vistas and (MAP C) Distance: 6.7 one way Elevation gain: minimal
(MAP A) Distance: 19.3 km Elevation gain/loss: 400 m 2766 m
More information
valley bottom views. Soft shoulders; take caution around From 6th Bridge to the Moberly Cabins Trails 7 (behind Jasper Park Lodge) to 7h. From 6th bridge on Trail 7
corners. This mostly flat section of the Overlander Trail follows to Bighorn Alley (13) Jasper Townsite Information Centre:
780-852-6176 500 Connaught Drive
Pyr

the Athabasca River. Bumpy, grassy double track to start; Stiff climbs, winding woodlands and an exhilarating
am

further afield, the trail curls and dips over gravel beds and downhill are whats in store along this scenic route. Allow Website: www.pc.gc.ca/jasper
11 Jasper Discovery Trail
id F

root features. Grizzly country! Make noise before bursting time to stop and walk the scenic pedestrian trail at the edge Jasper Trail Conditions Report: www.pc.gc.ca/jaspertrails
ire

(MAP A & B) Distance: 2.5 km one way Elevation gain: minimal through wolf willows to the historic Moberly meadows. canyon. Slow down to share the trail with hikers on the
Weather: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
Ro

Town Section (paved) section from 5th to 6th bridge and take the time to discover
ad

why some locals call this segment the fairy trail. Tourism Jasper: 780-852-3858 www.jasper.travel
Traveling east-west along Jaspers historic rail corridor has 15 P15 Valley of the Five Lakes to Wabasso Lake Maps and Guide Books: Friends of Jasper National Park
never been so smooth! Wheelchair friendly and enjoyed by (MAP A) Distance: 6.6 km one way Elevation gain: 75 m 500 Connaught Drive 780-852-4767 or
passers-through to stretch their limbs, this paved artery is The trail from the Valley of the Five Lakes to Wabasso Lake 2 8 P3 Mina-Riley Blitz www.friendsofjasper.com
primarily used by mountain bikers en-route to more rugged Ma
has it all: flowing traverses, meandering single track, tacky (MAP A) Distance: 9.6 km Elevation gain: 272 m lig Done with this brochure?
terrain. Take your time and learn about Jaspers railway limestone, gorgeous ridge lines, steep ascents/descents Cool forest, serene lakes and rough, rocky, technical sections
Pyramid Lake
P8 ne
Riv Please return for re-use to a park facility or share it with others.
history along the way. Watch for elk. and twisty turns along the creek. Circumnavigating serene are the highlights of this short but challenging ride. Rooty er
Wabasso Lake is one of the many highlights of this ride; a sections are slippery when wet, as are several bridges built to How was your trip?
true Jasper gem. Watch for hikers around Valley of the Five keep your tires out of the muck. Stay on trail 8 for a real root P7 Pyr
Please send your comments to jnp.info@pc.gc.ca and report
1 0.5 0 1 trail conditions to the Information Centre.
r

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Lakes during peak daylight hours. romp; 8c shoots you back out to the fire road.
id C
as

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Kilometres Printed on recycled paper.
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galement offert en franais

Printed in 052011
Katrine Lake
suggestedItineraries Jasper Townsite area map a
Overlander Trail

10
P8

& Edmonton
To Hinton
Sixth
Bridge Share the trails
Legend Pyramid
7 1.6
Pyramid
Information Centre
Hiking Only 7 Easy trail Island P7 F
Road ire
0.7
M
Hiking and Cycling Only 6 Moderate trail 2i 16 7h C aligne

2.6
Pedal from your doorstep and into the wild.... Frontcountry Campground
Pyramid 2b 0.8 7g any
on Partageons les sentiers
Hiking and Horse Only
Backcountry Campground
3 Difficult trail
Lake 2 2h 1.5
Fifth
Bridge
1.0 1.6
P11
Hiking, Cycling, Horse 7 P10 7f

1.5
Jasper Townsite Katrine 7g
Overnight Accommodation 2.0 Lake 2h 7

Spur
.
Easyroute
1.2

Rd
Roads without Vehicles

0.7
P6

0.3
Commercial horse area

ne
2b 1.7

lig
Hostel Hiking, Cycling, Horse

Ma
2g 7
To the shores of Lac Beauvert Horse Stable
0.5 Distance in km
Pyramid 2d
0.9
2f P12

1.0
Road 2f 2b 4f
Recommended direction Trail 7

1.3
1.0
3 km one way (Map A)

0.6
8.3 P2 Parking & Trailhead Highway of travel 15 2 0.9 2e Edith 2.5
7
From Hazel Avenue, cruise along the Wapiti Trail to 3 13 Lake Mal
the Red Squirrel Run (14) - no pedalling required 2b 4f
2.3 igne
2d 7 Rive
2

y
down this easy slope into Old Fort Point (P1). Once Pyramid 4e r

Alle
across the Athabasca River, stay on the road, past the P5 Riding P13 0.9

n
Stables
!

hor
2.0
internment camp monument and to Lac Beauvert. 6c Lake
Patricia Lake

Big
2c 8.
1
Annette

2.1
2.5
Sit along the shores of one of Jaspers most picturesque 6 0.5
2 2b 4

1.9
lakes and take in the stunning view of the Colin Range. 1.0 6 Pyramid 13
4d

0.8
0.9
Trail

2.1
0.8

1.8
Bring a picnic! When its time to pack up, return the 6 6b
Saturday Night Lake 6a 7
way you came, or follow the road to Lake Annette 0.8 4

0.5
6 1.7
Riley 2a

0.3
(P13) and follow Bighorn Alley (13) to town. 8d Trefoil
Minnow High Lakes Lake 1.4
Lake
0.5
8
8 1.6
P4 7 Lakes
Cottonwood 11 4b 0.8 7e
Moderateroutes
0.5
Christine 0.9 Slough Lake 100

0.7
2 Mildred

2.1
Lake 8 8c 1.3
4.5 2.0 0.4
15
The time-crunched quickie

1.1
0.4 3 11 3.4

0.8
Dorothy Lake Sa 3 1.6
Jasper

1.2
0.8

2.5
4.8 km loop (Map A)

0.4
tur Upper Jasper Activity Lake
day 8 2 Park Lodge

Trail
8b Mina Lake Beauvert
P3
0.4 3f
Gear up at Church Hill (P3, Trail 2) and prep yourself Nig Centre
ht

1.8
Lower Mina 4a

iscovery
for a 800m climb to the top. Catch your breath and take Virl Iris Loo 0.2 7
3.6 p Lake
in the best view of the Jasper townsite and surrounding Lake Cabin Lake 0.4 8 7
3e Lake 1.3 0.8 11
mountain ranges. Continue along Trail 2 as it flows 5.3

Jasper D
Rathlin Lake 3g 7b

0.5
1.1

1.0
through to the Cottonwood Slough Parking Area (P4). 8
0.
0.9 7 7a Old Fort
Cross the road and bridge and hang a quick right on To Prince Hibernia Lake 0.8 Point
3

0.6
& Kam Ge
loops orge

0.3
Trail 2a. The canopy opens and the views along the P2 14
P1 0.9 1 1170 m

0.6
3b 12 0.8 0.6
benchlands will take your breath away... if it isnt
P17 3 2.4 1.1
0.4

0.9
already gone. As you glide along some sweet single 11 1.7 1
Caledonia Lake 1

1.2
Marjorie Lake

0.6
track, approach the final switchbacks with caution (and 1.2

0.6
d 0.5
excitement). Before you know it, youre back in town! 1.1
Roa
3a nd Signal
y 1a
3.3 W 93A Mountain
3.6
vibrant valley vistas 16 Miette River 1.5 2.2
8.0 km loop (Map A) 9c
From the trailhead at the west end of town (P2), Whistlers

Wap
Trail 3 immediately crosses Cabin Creek and climbs Road
Jasper

it
onto a low bluff with a view of the Athabasca Valley. 9

Atha
i Tra
Tramway
From here, you have the option of two trails:

il

basc
one high and the other low, bringing you to Marjorie
P14 12

a Riv
Lake (at km 2.4 km). Whistlers 1.9
As you continue towards Caledonia Lake, where Campground

er
5
the wood lilies and wild roses bloom in early Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 6.3

2.0
Catalogue No: R64-383/2010E
summer, this forest-enclosed single track steadily ISBN: 978-1-100-15295-0
climbs. Take a quick left at Trail 3a and follow
the winding downhill to the CN tracks. Once across,

2.1
youll take an easy cruise along the Wynd Road Wapiti
15
and back into town. Jasper Townsite Detail 2
map b Campground

1.4
Difficultroute 5a
93
The big sweat The Whistlers
9a Valle
yo
32 km return (Map A) 2464 m 9 fT
he
Start this epic tour at Old Fort Point (P1). Hop on 2.0 Fiv
Park e La
Trail 1 (not the face of the cliff, no bikes here) and

2.7
11 Gate ke
s
follow Trail 9 where you flow all the way to the shores First
of Wabasso Lake. Lake Second Lake

0.6
The trail is a mix of ups and downs, wide and single Third Lake
track, with technical root and rock sections. On 9b Fourth Lake
your way home, change your route by adding Trail P3 9a
1.7
9c. Watch for hikers during peak hours and wildlife
Fifth Lake
during the cooler parts of the day. 0.9
8 Hiking, Cycling, Horse
Hiking and Cycling Only
11 P15

Marmot Basin 93A

Ski Area 5.3
9

Mar Road
mot
3 93

Bas
P2

in
1.0
11 14 Wabasso
rail 12
ver
yT Lake
co
Dis W
per ap 9
Jas iti
Tr

ke
ail

La
sso
Wabasso

ba
1 0 2 Ro vell

3.2 Wa
ad
Campground
Ca
93A
P16
Kilometres