Skyline Trail
~3 days · 28 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Skyline Trail is known for
The Skyline Trail is Jasper National Park's best-known alpine backpacking route, a roughly 45 km point-to-point traverse in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, much of it above the tree line. It crosses high ridges and passes including The Notch and Big Shovel Pass, with views over the Athabasca Valley and Maligne Lake. It is typically walked over two to three days between the Maligne Lake and Signal Mountain trailheads.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,072 ft to 8,196 ft over 28 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 10.2 mi · 38%
- Downhill 12.5 mi · 46%
- Flat 4.4 mi · 16%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Skyline Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Skyline Trail scores 22/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from mid-July through mid-September, once snow clears from the exposed high ridges around The Notch; snow can linger and return early at that elevation.
Permits: A Parks Canada wilderness pass and advance campsite reservations for the designated Skyline campgrounds are required.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Skyline Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Skyline Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 28 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Skyline Trail?
The Skyline Trail climbs roughly 4,803 ft total — about 172 ft per mile, topping out near 8,261 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Skyline Trail?
Best hiked from mid-July through mid-September, once snow clears from the exposed high ridges around The Notch; snow can linger and return early at that elevation.
Do you need a permit for the Skyline Trail?
A Parks Canada wilderness pass and advance campsite reservations for the designated Skyline campgrounds are required.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.