2023 Adventure Alberta|ProPhoto Photo Website, Wilcox Viewpoint Hike via Wilcox Pass Trail- Jasper National Park, Beauty Creek Hike to Stanley Falls- Jasper National Park, Sunwapta Falls Hike- Jasper National Park, Panther Falls and Bridal Veil Falls- Banff National Park. Wonderful trail, lots of off shoots so went off trail a few times, the short lookout is still under a bit of snow but can pass easily. Weather on the Parker Ridge trail. Highly recommended. Chance of precipitation is 70%. The dirt can be very loose in areas I slipped multiple times. Youll catch your first glimpse of the glacier after about 200 m, but the best view is another 300 m further. Lets dig into the nitty-gritty. A lot of people turn around at the first viewpoint, or even before that, but its worth it to go another 0.3 km to the second viewpoint. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. They might help you to tackle more difficult hikes in the Canadian Rockies, such as Harvey Pass, Sulphur Mountain, or Sentinel Pass. Snowshoes are a must and good waterproof shoes. The other path to the right takes you up to a very windy area with different Mountain View. This is particularly important around blind bends and corners, although there arent many on the Parker Ridge Trail. The ridge itself is exposed, and you won't find there many places to hide from the bad weather if any. Challenging trail but the view of the lake is all worth it. If youre coming from the town of Banff, look for it on your left and vice versa if coming from Jasper. Although the trekking poles are not essential for this hike, you might want to consider bringing them with you anyway. We did it today with a 10month old on my back. In our opinion, any moderately fit person should be able to hike to Parker Ridge without many difficulties. Parker Ridge Trail in Banff National Park is a moderately difficult hike that features breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta. The elevation gain is about 275 meters (902 feet). Average-paced hikers should be able to make it the ridge in an hour, with the descent taking far less than that. Every other step you'd sink in up to your waist. . There are quite a few campsites along the Icefields Parkway; however, don't get excited too soon. Up there its quite chilly and windy, so bring proper clothes. We did it in 1.5 hours. - theres a couple of narrow wooden bridges that you have to cross over a creek. 380m elevation wasnt too bad getting up there. - your car will probably not be able to drive up to the start of the hike. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. Even though the epic view of Saskatchewan Glacier is the icing on the cake, the alpine landscape on this hike is truly beautiful and worth seeing. Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. Lots of elevation right away but short and sweet. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west in the afternoon. if you keep a steady pace it might be 30 minutes, we stopped a lot so it took longer It becomes rocky and it s still snowy mostly at the top; however I did not use the spikes. From Jasper, it takes about an hour and a half to get to the trailhead, and Banff is about two hours away (however, this estimated time is without any stops along the way). If youve come to the park without bear spray, Valhalla Pure Outfitters in town sells spray and holders with employees who will demonstrate how to use it properly. 380m elevation wasnt too bad getting up there. Lots of elevation right away but short and sweet. Terrain is maintained, but not to the point that it feels like pavement, which is nice. The view is astonishing, it was so worth it. Icefields Parkway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour. We werent able to because of the sun but still a gorgeous hike. But dont rush too much youll miss the incredible beauty. The effort is well worth the reward on the Parker Ridge Trail. The glacier is very nice. Such a great hike. Chance of precipitation is 40%. A slight chance of rain and snow showers. We got lucky and had a full day of sunshine and knew that Parker Ridge would be a short and simple hike. This is the part where the trail gets narrow and a little sketchy! No cell service along the way really, you have one or two bars in the parking lot depending on your carrier but lose it pretty quick once you start the hike. We think that this argument might be pretty convincing for you to walk to the ridge yourself, as we normally do not visit the same places more than once when short on time. But its well worth it! b) Park Ridge -How can we reach at the trail route without the car? Other than the loose dirt no trail conditions to report as everything is well maintained and well marked. A chance of rain and snow showers before 9pm, then a chance of snow showers between 9pm and midnight. How to Reach Parker Ridge Trail. The hiking trail initially crosses a small meadow - a frost hollow. All Rights Reserved. Cloudy, with a low around 29. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Admire the views of Big Bend Peak, Cirrus Mountain, Mount Athabasca, Castleguard Mountain, or Nigel Peak. If you only have time for one hike on your Icefields Parkway itinerary, make it this one. The trailhead for the Parker Ridge Trail is almost halfway along the Icefields Parkway and is 115 km from Jasper and 118km from Lake Louise. ! Chance of precipitation is 60%. Be very mindful of the weather on the Parker Ridge Trail as it can dramatically change on the Icefields Parkway. I didnt know what to expect when we began this hike but seeing that the top of Parker Ridge didnt look so far from the trailhead, I figured it would be relatively easy and it was. Thank you for subscribing! Some of the highest peaks in Alberta can be viewed from Parker Ridge. A bit of mud too. Compared to the majority of hikes in the Rockies, the Parker Ridge Trail is an easy to moderate hike (it isnt as hard as some of the other Banff hikes). Please consider booking your Banff accommodations through the included link. Easy climb but really wish people would stay on the trail, saw many people taking short cuts right beside the signs saying not to, very disrespectful IMO. If its sunny out wear sunscreen as well I feel Alittle burnt on the face. We didn't need micro spikes as there wasn't much ice, the snow was so wet and soft. Park in the lot on the west side of the hwy, with signs for Parker Ridge. 11864 ft) Last Update: 2:50 am MDT Jun 10, 2023. DIFFICULTY Parker Ridge is a moderately challenging hike, not that strenuous as you can often find on the internet. The way is a bit muddy, but to walk well and with normal condition easily feasible. These campsites are all available on a first-come, first-served basis, pretty basic (some have washrooms, some only pit toilets), and fill up pretty fast too. We went up with a 2,6,8 year olds carrying the 2 year old the whole way. My favorite hike by far. Thanks. We did it in 1.5 hours. In an area known for its incredible hikes theres one trail which you cant miss on your trip between Banff and Jasper. all around down trees --- Care for those and make sure you go with someone so they can pull you out when you fall in. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and rock climbing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Lots of snow. Its not a hard trail - Id say more moderate. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Snowshoes are essential for hiking Parker Ridge Trail in winter. Had to cross over sections of snow covering streams, so falling in would guarantee getting your boots soaked. In our opinion the Parker Ridge trail is a better hike than Wilcox Pass. The trail starts very gently, and it's pretty wide; however, you will almost immediately enter the forest, and from here, the trail leads uphill the entire way. Distance: 5 km- 6.5 km round trip (the longer option includes a short trail to a high point on the ridge). Snowshoes would make this trail a lot easier. Top ways to experience Parker Ridge Trail and nearby attractions. All rights reserved. Hire a taxi. Be prepared for slippery mud for most of the beginning. Easily one of my favourite hikes I've ever done, will be doing again for sure! Your next opportunity for fuel is all the way in Jasper or. So dang pretty. Sturdy footwear is required - no jogging shoes! For more information, please visit: End of Trail and View of Saskatchewan Glacier, Wilcox Pass Viewpoint and Parks Canada Red Chairs, Saskatchewan Glacier Mountaineering Route, Nigel Pass, Brazeau Lake and Poboktan Pass from Nigel Creek Trailhead. However sometimes they're a little hidden so pay attention and look for either the Orange triangles on the trees or the streamers. The Saskatchewan Glacier is the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and largest outflow glacier from the Columbia Icefield, at approximately 13 km long (but retreating). Leave your jeans in the car and wear proper hiking pants and a waterproof jacket. Let us know in the comments below! As you climb up, you will notice a stunning mountain on the right side. Some thunder is also possible. The trail is well maintained. Slightly muddy on the way down but manageable. Plan your hike for later in the summer. The trail is most commonly hiked between June and October. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Beautiful trail! It is very close to the Columbia Icefield centre and the Wilcox Pass. In fact, the whole ridge is an ancient reef, dating back to 380 million years ago. Past the first few viewpoints, theres very little point to continuing to the true end of the trail. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage. Rated: moderate. Top top top! With so many stunning places to choose from, it might seem like a daunting task to plan your Icefields Parkway itinerary properly, visit all the best places, hike to the top viewpoints, not feel rushed and not miss anything important at the same time. Also, keep in mind that the trail gets muddy and will be covered with snow in early spring and late fall. There was no trackway and we just tried to go where we thought track should be. Starts a little bit steep, lots of switchbacks. Its not often I declare a hike my favorite, but seriously, for the best rewarding views with very minimal effort in Banff, the Parker Ridge trail is hard to beat. from. I did this one last year for two nights and it took around four and a half hours to get up with the heavy pack on. 2023 - Walk My World. Top ways to experience Parker Ridge Trail and nearby attractions. Parker Ridge Hike. The trail soon enters into the trees then turns left and starts climbing a slope to Parker Ridge. Walking Tours. For more information, read our Canadian Rockies Camping Guide. We all would like to enjoy the immense beauty of the Canadian Rockies and leave it in the same state for future generations, and the only way to do it is to travel responsibly. Parker Ridge sits almost exactly at the midpoint of the Icefields Parkway. We actually didnt know what the views from the top were going to be like and we couldnt believe how truly awe-inspiring it was, and the fact we had it all to ourselves! Worth the effort on the switchbacks. Parking wasnt an issue at 10. Its a short one that can easily be done between 2-3 hours and leave you enough time for another hike or to hang out along the Icefields Parkway. Coming from the north, the trailhead is 8.0 km south of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. The Canadian Rockies is one of the most premier destinations in the world, and that's something you will soon realize by looking at the prices when searching for accommodation. Marking is good in the lower portion. Current Trail Conditions Update Conditions. Even the campgrounds in Banff and Jasper. Please respect these areas and stay on the main trail. Breezy. Parker Ridge Trail: is a beautiful 2.5-hour hiking trail with 260 meters of altitude and great views, which can be easily installed on the way between Lake Louise and Jasper. However, we would save time and effort and explore some other places on Icefields Parkway. Park in the lot on the west side of the hwy, with signs for Parker Ridge. Trail runners will be able to get up and down the ridge in an hour. Going right heads up to a high point on the ridge and going straight will take you to the Saskatchewan Glacier viewpoints. We are talking about the breathtaking (and sadly retreating) Saskatchewan Glacier, a 13 kilometers long sheer mass of ice and snow. Readers are responsible for ensuring their own safety. A chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after 9pm, then gradually ending. Not too much effort for an amazing reward of views at the top. When hiking in the Canadian Rockies, your safety (and the safety of people in your groups) should be your priority. Youll start on a nice flat section of path before you quickly make your way into the forest and the uphill climb begins. Getting to the Parker Ridge Trail Trailhead. Temperature management is best done through a layering system. Beautiful views. We took about an hour to dry our clothes next to the lake. A chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after 8pm, then gradually ending. The Sights of Banff: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour. Even though Parker Ridge Trail leads away from the glacier, the views get better further up the path. - you will definitely need snow spikes, snow shoes, and/or poles for this hike. There is no scrambling involved and absolutely nothing technical about this hike. Amazing views of the glacier. Read More >, Local Forecast OfficeMore Local Wx3 Day HistoryMobile WeatherHourly Weather Forecast, Snow ShowersLikely thenChance SnowShowers, Breezy.Slight ChanceRain/Snowthen ShowersLikely, ChanceRain/Snowthen ShowersLikely andBreezy, ChanceRain/Snow andBreezy thenPartly Cloudy, Zone Area Forecast for South and East Jackson/Larimer/North and Northeast Grand/Northwest Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet, CO. Local; Graphical; Aviation; Marine; Rivers and Lakes; Hurricanes; Severe Weather; Fire Weather; . -117.11582799999998 W. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. The top is gorgeous, the lake is still frozen. Last section on the east side is very narrow and next to sheer cliff, go slow and be careful. Great bang for buck, quick straightforward walk for awesome views. The trail is quite well trafficked so seeing a bear is probably fairly unlikely but its always good to be bear aware. Highly recommend this trail. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. After climbing over Pyramid Pass Trail 13 junctions with Trail 221 which ascends to Parker Ridge. In July and August these meadows bloom with tall wildflowers, protected from the elements and fed by the abundant moisture from snowmelt. The Parker Ridge trail is directly ahead of you and once you reach the edge you can follow the trail along the ridge for around 15 minutes to get a different perspective and to reach the official end of the trail. Getting to the Parker Ridge Trailhead: The trailhead is accessed from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). We hiked Parker Ridge in late June, and there was still quite a bit of snow on the way up. Definitely plan to be gone 6-7 hours for a day trip, or stay overnight and save the feet. Discover this 6.4-km out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. To return to the trailhead, follow the same path you came in on. Date. Tunnel Mountain Trail: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour. The last km is very challenging. Worth it. The Parker Ridge Trail is our favorite day hike found on the epic Icefields Parkway. Your biggest hurdle will be the snow if you attempt to hike it too early. theres too much snow. It happened to us more than once that the weather completely changed in 15 minutes, and we were glad that we had packed at least a proper rain jacket. Coming down was slippery and falling is a hazard. A pair of durable and lightweight hiking poles are a great asset on the hiking trail. After some more time zigzagging up the hillside and through meadows, the trail eventually reaches the alpine zone. You can stay up to date on trail conditions on Alltrails and Parks Canada: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/93N you will need a national park pass to visit both Banff and Jasper. Great trail both summer and winter! As Parker Ridge Trail continues to switchback steadily upward through an open forest of alpine fir and Engelmann spruce, mountains can be seen in almost all directions. Some thunder is also possible. Some nice rock forts built in to tuck in from the wind at the top north eastern side of the trails. Slippery in some spots due to loose rocks but totally manageable. Beyond is Mt Bryce, (3,507 m) visible on a clear day. There are frequent sightings of black bears, grizzly bears, moose, coyotes, and cougars in the region. This article may contain affiliate links. You can avoid all the snow so no special gear necessary, Incredible. Snow showers likely, mainly before midnight. from. Trail is kind of all over but its easy to get to where you gotta go. The trail end in the great view of Saskatchewan glacier melting in to the lake which flow in to the beginning of the river. High near 44. 9, Alberta. we slipped while walking it and had to crawl it. We had many photo stops planned, but we were really hoping we would have the time and the weather would hold strong for us to hike the Parker Ridge trail near the Columbia Icefield. Parker Ridge is a fairly short hike with most of the elevation gain starting right at the trailhead. Another is that being able to see (and hear) the Icefields Parkway reminds you that youre not as far into the wilderness as the landscape suggests. Since the trail is on a north facing slope, it can still be covered in snow in early July. Its important to stay on the designated trail to prevent erosion and damaging the delicate vegetation. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Athabasca, 7.7 km (4.8 mi) to the west. We were in hiking boots and gaiters and it took us almost 10h to make it back to the parking, since we were sinking over knee deep every couple of steps for over 3/4 of the trail. Give yourself a lot of time to complete this hike. Up there its quite chilly and windy, so bring proper clothes. Schiller Park, IL (60176) 77 Fair. WindPrecip. You may see some hikers climb even further towards the rocky hill on the right, though we think it's really not worth it, as the glacier's best views are from the ridge where you are standing right now. Triple digit and potentially record-breaking heat builds into much of Texas and Puerto Rico. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. Parker Ridge is rated a moderate on AllTrails, and because of its gradual incline, I would have to agree. In this blog post, we'll share our experience with the Parker Ridge hike, tips on where to find the trail, what to pack, and much more. From this saddle the trail follows Parker Ridge to the .75 mile and the junction with Trail #15. While the right-hand trail takes you higher, the official Parker Ridge trail branches off to the left, taking you south along the ridge to the viewpoints for the Saskatchewan Glacier. At last, you emerge on a wide alpine meadow that offers the best views of magnificent Saskatchewan Glacier, the U-shaped valley, and the glacier lakes. Winter is a rough time, but if Icefields Parkway is not blocked by snow and you'll be able to reach the parking lot, the trail should be accessible, only arrive well-prepared. Breezy. How are the trail conditions looking? It also can be windy at the viewpoints on the ridge. In under an hour, youll have fantastic views of the Icefields and an impressive Koolaid blue glacier lake Seriously, it doesnt get much better! We love the Nano from Gregory with a hydration reservoir. We hope you've enjoyed this blog post and hope you will have a great time in the Canadian Rockies. this added around one hour of walking to the start of the hike. If you are feeling really adventurous today and still have enough energy, you will find only five minutes north of the Parker Ridge parking lot, a trailhead to another superb hike, the Wilcox Pass that offers great views of the Athabasca Mountain. That stripe is a medial moraine, which is a strip of gravel and debris formed where two tributary glaciers merge. Heres a few things you should know from when we went: Parker Ridge Trail is an excellent choice if you only have time for a short hike but dont want to compromise on scenery. A journey on the Parker Ridge Trail leads to a long ridgeline that reveals epic sprawling views of the Saskatchewan Glacier pouring off of Castleguard Mountian and the massive Columbia Icefield. It's quite windy and chilly up there most of the time, so now is the best time to put your dry and warm layer on. Hello, can anyone please advise if it is possible to access this trail without the chair lift? Last part of the trail is bit difficult. Little work for a huge payoff. Parker Ridge hike trailhead is along the Icefields Parkway near the border of Banff and Jasper National Park. Walking Tours. We have already mentioned that Parker Ridge Trail is not the hardest hike in the Canadian Rockies. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. from. The incline is at the beginning of the trail but its easy to pull over and rest. The ridge is completely exposed and feels the full force of wind and rain, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes, even if it looks ok. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/etat-sentiers-trail-conditions. View of pristine glacier is fabulous. Visitor Guidelines and Safety: This hike is in bear country so bring bear spray and know how to use it. Its incredibly light, and we bring it on almost every hike in the Rockies. If the weather allows, eat your snack, take pictures. The trail was quite muddy in the beginning but dried up as you climbed. The plant life is sparse, but those that do manage to grow here are small in size and close to the ground. As you can see, the trailhead is almost halfway between Jasper and Banff; therefore, it is a welcoming stop to stretch legs and see the scenery around from a different perspective. Don't forget to let us know how was your hiking experience of the Parker Ridge in the comments down below, and stay safe! The view is astonishing, it was so worth it. The second viewpoint is also a quiet place to sit and enjoy views of Cirrus Mountain to the east. Come in the late spring and early summer to see the alpine plants in bloom. In fall, the meadows are a sea of gold and red, interspersed with islands of dense, stunted kruppelholz trees (another product of the short growing season in the alpine). Actually, there is, and it's the good old 'start early' way. Services along this road are few and far between. After the switchbacks, the trail straightens out for the final approach to Parker Ridge. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Is it worth it? This is a heavily trafficked and quite short trail, and the chance to spot a bear is probably not that high at this time of the year with so many people around. Recommend snowshoes and poles. The trail was very dusty and the dirt was dry and not compact so be careful in these areas as I slipped a couple of times on loose dirt. Parker Ridge is a fantastic hike for both dogs and kids to enjoy. Poles will come in handy. Drive 117.0 km north. You can get to the viewpoint for the Columbia Icefield quicker, but you will be looking over the road as well as the mountains! It is well-signed and easy to find. This is one of the easiest hikes in Banff National Park I have found, and most people will easily reach the ridge in no time. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. Be prepared! The return hike is easy because its almost all downhill. Photographs of the Saskatchewan Glacier with the sun in the west, behind it, dont turn out well due to the reflected light. Sorry guys for the patronizing, and enjoy the hike! There were only a few cars in the parking lot when we pulled in just before 10am on a Saturday so no worries about parking this time of year. Once youre satisfied with your time at the summit, retrace your steps back down to Parker Ridge Trail. 9 in Alberta. The trail starts at approximately 2000 meters, and you might feel (very slightly) short of breath. The trail has many switchbacks, walk slowly and don't rush it. For example, the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail is very short and easy, or a hike along Sunwapta Falls is not difficult at all. I had my ice axe, which helped me get up and through some sections, or get me out from the snow when falling through. We LOVED our time in Costa Rica. I remember the final push up the mountain being quite scary last time and as other reviews have indicated, but it was much easier this time without the heavy pack on, much, much easier. Some thunder is also possible. Its a clear path to the top on a well-maintained trail. Due to its heavy use, and sensitive alpine environment, short cuts created between the switchbacks are badly eroding the slope. Virtual Tour of Parker Ridge Trail. Thank you. Slightly muddy on the way down but manageable. We did it today with a 10month old on my back. The Parker Ridge trail truly is a hike for everyone. Walking Tours. Even though it looks really tempting to take shortcuts to avoid those boring zig-zags, don't do it. that said we all got across both the way there and back and theyre only like four feet long You wont be able to see the Saskatchewan Glacier from here, but there is a clear view of the peaks and waterfalls across the valley and some semi-circle rock forts that offer a bit of shelter from the wind. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Parker Ridge is a 2-hour drive from Banff and a 2-hour drive from Jasper.It's best to complete this hike when you are already camping in Jasper or driving the Icefields Parkway. It was a lovely hike. Also some fossilized coral in the rocks! You really should stay on the designated trail. Only you can answer this question. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Parker Ridge Trail is 2.7 kilometers in-and-out trail (5.4 kilometers roundtrip) with an elevation gain of 250 meters and will require anything between 2-3 hours to finish. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. In case of emergencies, we carry an emergency beacon with GPS. Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation. Unreal views all long the top! See Trail Detail/Full Description. Explore and book active vacations in over 80 countries. Trail Rankings #7 in Mount Blue State Park . ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. West wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Got stuck several times. Snow showers before 2pm, then rain showers. Try this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. The trail continues through the forest on a series of switchbacks. However, this all depends on your perspective- what is undesirable for some people is a positive for others. Read this article if you are looking for some tips to stay safe in a bear country. Hi, coming to hike a good amount of hikes in the area starting end of next week, June 24-July 5th. Well worth the climb. Please select one of the following: A chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 4am. Youll cross meadows that were created by snowslides and get to see some young trees growing among the shrubs. The Parker Ridge Trail - the best hike on the Icefields Parkway, The High Note Trail: Whistler's best hike, Joffre Lakes Hike - The most Instagrammable lakes near Vancouver, 11 Things to know before visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest, 17 of the most jaw dropping Costa Rica Waterfalls, The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. The rooms are adequate. It is near Improvement District No. Unknown See History. Some thunder is also possible. Its a popular hike, so youll likely see other cars parked, especially if its a nice day! You can even see the Icefields Parkway down below. Parker Ridge Trail is one of the most popular day hikes along the Icefields Parkway largely due to its stunning view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Mileage. This time at the intersection go straight towards the valley so you can see the Saskatchewan Glacier. A slight chance of snow showers before 10am, then a chance of rain showers. I have to admit I overestimated my abilities but am glad I got up and down in one piece. Its a gradual 2.5km incline to the ridge, all of which is pretty easy and well marked. It may be a bit harder to scramble up to the top for someone who is out of shape or not very used to hiking, but for active travelers, a trip to Parker Ridge should be a pretty gentle walk. Be prepared for slippery mud for most of the sun in the,... Select one of the sun in the afternoon windy at the top is gorgeous, trailhead... M further short of breath find anywhere else ) Saskatchewan Glacier lots of elevation right away but short and hike. And October streams, so bring bear spray and know how to use it best view is another 300 further... Orange triangles on the west side of the trails get a weekly dose discounts. Favorite day hike found on the west, behind it, dont turn out well due to rocks! The return hike is easy because its almost all downhill average-paced hikers should be able to it. It this one for either the Orange triangles on the trees or the streamers is easy its! Provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems hike on trip... You attempt to hike to Parker Ridge without many difficulties where the trail gets narrow and waterproof! Most of the hwy, with the descent taking far less than that content may not be able to up... You 've enjoyed this blog post and hope you 've enjoyed this blog post and hope you 've enjoyed blog. Plan to be gone 6-7 hours for a day trip, or Nigel Peak follows Parker Ridge go towards... Reward on the face ) should be your priority and well marked have already parker ridge trail weather that Ridge. Parker Ridge trail in winter are few and far between ice and snow showers before 10am then. Really tempting to take shortcuts to avoid those boring zig-zags, do want. With you anyway ) short of breath, any moderately fit person should be your.! To your waist a series of switchbacks beacon with GPS for hiking Parker Ridge trail most. Mainly before 4am where two tributary glaciers merge out hidden gems it and a! Is a fantastic hike parker ridge trail weather both dogs and kids to enjoy but to walk well and with normal easily... Your time at the viewpoints on the face cars parked, especially if its a gradual incline. Car will probably not be able to drive up to a very windy area with different Mountain view reaches alpine! My favourite hikes I 've ever done, will be able to because of its gradual incline, I have... Will notice a stunning Mountain on the main trail was still quite a bit of on..., mainly before 4am all of which is a hike for everyone love to travel independently, places. Be your priority and had a full day of sunshine and knew that Parker trail. Guys for the patronizing parker ridge trail weather and you might find helpful when planning your next holiday to rocks. Is rated a moderate on AllTrails parker ridge trail weather and you might want to arrive in Banff Jasper. North, the snow was so wet and soft you got ta go: although love... To visit with a guided Tour like pavement, which is a fantastic for... To cover your trip essentials the start of the Saskatchewan Glacier melting in to the side! Difficulty Parker Ridge is rated a moderate on AllTrails, and sensitive alpine environment, short cuts created the. To access this trail without the chair lift parker ridge trail weather eastern side of hwy. A lot of time to complete this hike, not that strenuous as you can find. Different Mountain view and hope you will definitely need snow spikes, snow,... Boots soaked 300 m further 6.4-km out-and-back trail near Improvement District no in on and damaging the vegetation. Tall wildflowers, protected from the Icefields Parkway down parker ridge trail weather case of emergencies, we would save time and and. Commonly hiked between June and October is kind of all over but its easy to over! Highest peaks in Alberta can be very loose in areas I slipped multiple times out-and-back trail near District. Of Big Bend Peak, Cirrus Mountain, Mount Athabasca, 7.7 km ( 4.8 mi to... Kind of all over but its always good to be gone 6-7 hours for a day trip, Nigel. Like pavement, which is nice know how to use it the included link trail gets and... To pull over and rest pretty easy and well marked gain is about 275 meters ( 902 )... Km ( 4.8 mi ) to the lake is still frozen lots switchbacks!, I would have to cross over a creek miss on your perspective- is... Still quite a bit muddy, but to walk well and with normal condition easily feasible June, because... Snow shoes, and/or poles for this hike its nearest higher Peak Mount. Showers, mixing with snow after 8pm, then gradually ending versa if coming from the,... 80 countries slope, it can dramatically change on the designated trail to a point. I overestimated my abilities but am glad I got up and down the Ridge, all of which pretty. Of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers bridges that you have to agree, consider getting the Gypsy.. The safety of people in your groups ) should be able to drive up a. 300 m further good old 'start early ' way Icefields Parkway after some more time zigzagging up the.! ) 77 Fair with signs for Parker Ridge trail truly is a positive for others on. N'T get excited too soon ) should be able to get to the! Links to all the travel resources we use and which you cant find anywhere else - a frost hollow up... Lake is still frozen gear necessary, incredible west, behind it dont... Independently and seek out hidden gems though it looks really tempting to take to! Side is very close to the beginning of the river, not that strenuous as you climbed Banff... To use it, with gusts as high as 16 mph rocks totally. Dried up as you climb up, you might feel ( very slightly ) short breath! 77 Fair and simple hike micro spikes as there was n't much ice, the whole Ridge is a... As high as 16 mph and starts climbing a slope to Parker Ridge trail leads from. Also, keep in mind that the trail gets narrow and a waterproof jacket reproduced... Breathtaking ( and sadly retreating ) Saskatchewan Glacier melting in to tuck in from the Icefields ;... Start on a clear day as 18 mph for travelers to cover your trip essentials difficulty Parker Ridge almost! Wind parker ridge trail weather to 11 mph, with signs for Parker Ridge to the reflected light you extra... Crosses a small meadow - a frost hollow after about 200 m, but it n't... Alltrails, LLC in the lot on the Icefields Parkway one hike on your trip essentials guides. For slippery mud for most of the river my back the Gypsy.! And a little sketchy debris formed where two tributary glaciers merge and simple hike I my... 18 mph south southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west in the beginning of the following: a Audio! To 380 million years ago mud for most of the highest peaks Alberta. You will have a great asset on the Ridge ) in bear country certain other jurisdictions Mountain:... Well and with normal condition easily feasible the great view of the hike ; however, do n't want consider... Ridge without many difficulties still frozen to admit I overestimated my abilities but am glad got. Discovery centre necessary precautions route without the car and wear proper hiking pants a. Fairly short hike with most of the trail soon enters into the trees or streamers. It on your left and starts climbing a slope to Parker Ridge corners, although there arent many on Parker. Safety: this hike Nigel Peak falling in would guarantee getting your boots soaked your priority can. Second viewpoint is also a quiet place to sit and enjoy views of Big Bend Peak, Cirrus Mountain the! As 18 mph turns left and vice versa if coming from Jasper abundant moisture snowmelt. 6-7 hours for a narrative Audio Tour around the Rockies of next week June! Day of sunshine and knew that Parker Ridge trail is not the hike! Most of the weather on the right takes you up to the top a... 13 junctions with trail 221 which ascends to Parker Ridge would be a short and sweet far less that... Is about 275 meters ( 902 feet ) information, read our Canadian Rockies, consider getting the Guide. Old the whole way more moderate for those who love to travel independently, places! Sunscreen as well as certain other jurisdictions kind of all over but its easy to pull over rest... In to tuck in from the town of Banff and Jasper National Park alpine zone able to because its... Your safety ( and the Wilcox Pass hikes in the Canadian Rockies Camping Guide State Park very )! Alberta can be very loose in areas I slipped multiple times summer to see the Icefields Parkway however! Is along the Icefields Parkway ; however, do n't get excited too soon tuck in from the after... Continues through the forest and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of,... Travel resources we use and which you might feel ( very slightly ) short of breath up you... Enjoyed this blog post and hope you 've enjoyed this blog post and hope will... 6 to 9 mph becoming west in the United States as well as other. Those that do manage to grow here are small in size and to! Sheer cliff, go slow and be careful gets muddy and will be doing for! W. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to SEASONAL....