Maligne Pass Trail

Jasper National Park

Maligne Pass Backcountry Guide (PDF, 2.7 MB)

Maligne Pass is well known for its spectacular wildflowers and incredible alpine meadows. River crossings are necessary and may be challenging during times of high water. The trail can be faint, boggy and muddy and require route finding. Much of the trail is through forest and willow meadows. Late summer and fall are the best times to hike this trail.

Planning considerations

  • Maintained trail: low priority
  • 48 km one way
  • Trail #160: 2 - 3 days
  • No dogs
  • No bikes
  • No horses
The details Distance to campgrounds Elevation profile
Campground Information How to get there Are you prepared?
 

The details

Starting from the Poboktan trailhead, the trail to Avalanche Campground (#100) steadily climbs 6 km up Poboktan Creek trail to the junction with the Maligne Pass trail. At this junction you will head north (left) up the Poligne Valley. The trail crosses Poligne Creek numerous times on a series of small bridges. These bridges are prone to wash outs and may be damaged. The trail levels out shortly before Avalanche Campground (#100) on the west side of the valley. Approximately 4 km further along an often boggy trail brings you to incredible views of Maligne Pass and an alpine lake. Beyond the pass, the trail descends to the Maligne River, requiring fords to get to Mary Vaux Campground (#101). From here, the trail can be faint with significant deadfall. Further river fords will be required. Continue down-valley through forest and willows past Schäffer Campground (#102), Trapper Creek Campground (#103) and finally to the trailhead at the end of the Maligne Lake Road.

 
  • Maligne Pass is high elevation. Snow can remain until late in the season.
  • River fords are necessary, which can be challenging during high water.
  • This trail is maintained with low frequency; watch for bridge washouts and poor sightlines.
  • This area supports a high density of wildlife. Ensure safe practices while hiking and camping.
  • Dogs are not permitted. This trail travels through woodland caribou habitat.

Distance to campgrounds

From Poboktan trailhead (one way)
  • Avalanche: 11 km
  • Mary Vaux: 18 km
  • Schäffer: 29 km
  • Trapper Creek: 43 km

Campground information

Campground information
Campground Elevation Description # of sites Toilet type Food storage UTM
Avalanche
#100

Campfires		 2082 m A beautiful campsite with great views, next to a creek. 1 group (max 6 people) Throne Cable 11U 472219
5815430
Mary Vaux
#101

Campfires		 2002 m A basic camping area along the trail. 1 group (max 6 people) Throne Cable 11U 467374
5821347
Schäffer
#102

Campfires		 1804 m A basic camping area along the east side of the Maligne River. 1 group (max 6 people) Throne Cable 11U 461150
5828622
Trapper Creek
#103

Campfires		 1724 m A basic camping area along the trail. 1 group (max 6 people) Throne Pole 11U 457838
5837902

How to get there

 
From Jasper
  • Travel 75 km south on Highway 93.
  • Just after Sunwapta Station you will cross a small bridge across Poboktan Creek. Turn into the parking lot on the left.
  • The trail itself starts behind Sunwapta Station.

Are you prepared?

Safety is your responsibility

 Safety is your responsibility

Refer to the Jasper National Park Backcountry Planning Guide:

  • descriptions of trail types and campground facilities;
  • equipment checklists;
  • responsible camping practices;
  • safety information.

Before heading out, check trail, weather and road conditions at: parks.canada.ca/jaspertrails.

 Maps

Maps
NTS National Geographic Gem Trek
Sunwapta Peak 83 C/6 Jasper South Jasper and Maligne Lake

 Permits

A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for all overnight trips and can be obtained online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

Related links

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