A wildfire consumed portions of the Athabasca Valley and Jasper townsite in late July. Parks Canada reopened many sections of the park on October 11, including the Maligne Lake Road and most of the trails that weren’t affected by the fire. Just in time for some of the best late-season hiking in the park.

For this interactive map on open hiking trails in Jasper Park, go to Parks Canada’s website What’s Open in Jasper National Park. Also, check out the Jasper Trails-Facebook website for post-wildfire photos and reports.

Favourite late season Jasper trails

Following are some of my favourite late-season hikes in Jasper National Park with round-trip distances and page references for descriptions in the 10th edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide:

Overlander Trail (15.5 km)—You don’t have to hike the entire trail, unless you have two vehicles and arrange transportation between the south and north trailheads (6th Bridge on the Maligne River and Sulphur Hot Spring on Highway 16). If you don’t have two vehicles, I would only hike from 6th Bridge trailhead to the John Moberly homestead at km 6.5 and return. The best part of the hike is open views across the valley and golden aspen leaves at this time of year, as opposed to the mosquitoes that are common in midsummer. The trail is as popular with mountain bikers as hikers—page 225

Dorothy, Christine and Virl Lakes (9.6 km)—An undemanding, forested trail just west of Jasper townsite. The biggest attraction to the hike is the three low-elevation lakes, the relatively flat terrain to reach them, and the trail’s proximity to Jasper townsite—page 188

Wilcox Pass (6.8 to 9.4 km)—When I was guiding hikes on Parker Ridge, the northernmost trail in Banff National Park, I was alway jealous of my fellow interpreter in Jasper on nearby Wilcox Pass. (I considered it a much better designed trail with superior alpine experience with exceptional views.) But at this time of year, you can expect a bit of snow. And if the hiking isn’t too difficult, take the extra time to visit the spectacular Wilcox Ridge viewpoint overlooking the Athabasca Glacier and the peaks surrounding it—page 218

Sulphur Skyline (8.0 km)—Starting from the Miette Hot Springs, this is another lofty hike where you will likely encounter snow. But you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Fiddle River valley from the 2070m summit—page 242

Chaba Trail (15,6 km)—Parks Canada opened most of the backcountry campgrounds as part of its reopening. One of the most attractive for a late-season campout is the totally refurbished Big Bend Campground at km 7.6 on the old Fortress Lake trail (renamed the Chaba Trail). This beautiful campsite on the shores of the Athabasca River is at a low elevation and one of the most scenic locations in the park—page 212

I was surprised that Parks Canada opened so many backcountry campgrounds at this time of year. But there is a wide variety of sites available if you’re experienced and prepared for an overnight with the possibility (probability) of snow. Check in at the Park Information Centre, which recently reopened in downtown Jasper.

Late-season considerations

The joys of late-season hiking are obvious—a lot fewer people, beautiful light (on sunny days), and no mosquitoes. However, there are a few cautions that anyone hiking in the Mountain Parks should consider:

• Hiking in shorts and t-shirts is verboten. Make sure you have a variety of clothing in your pack (fleece, down, rain jacket, toque, gloves) so you can layer when the temperature dips down to freezing and below.
• Daylight doesn’t last as long in the autumn, so make sure you have at least one light for everyone in your party (preferably headlights with fresh batteries).
• Ground is usually frozen in the autumn, so if you are prone to shinsplints, you may have concerns.
• Trails often freeze overnight. But if they thaw during the day, it creates a slippery surface for hiking. Though I usually hike in running shoes, I switch to more substantial hiking boots at this time of year.
• Always expect ice and snow at this time of year. In addition to hiking poles, I always pack hiking crampons by Katoola or Hillsound.

And if you do go hiking in Jasper this autumn, slip into the townsite for a bite to eat or a visit to one of the outdoor suppliers who have remained open following the fire. They need your support.