Saskatchewan Glacier
Parker Ridge, south of the Icefields Centre in Jasper National Park is an excellent hike. It doesn’t take too long to reach the top of the ridge and there’s an fascinating view of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
Icefields Parkway
The trail starts at the edge of the parking lot, just off the side of the Icefields Parkway. It switchbacks through subalpine forest until you get into the alpine. When I did this hike it was pretty early in the morning and there was frost on the ground which made satisfying crunching sounds underfoot.
Hiking out of the tree line
The views from the hike are excellent. Even early on the views are pretty good as the trees are shorter than on other hikes as you’re already in the subalpine.
When you’re out of the forest there are still a couple more swtichbacks before you get to the crest of the ridge. Be sure to follow the marked trail and don’t cut of switchbacks – the alpine ecosystem is fragile.
Once at the top of the trail, there is a fork which allows you to continue in either direction. Either way the views are beautiful and you get a real appreciation for the size of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
Glacial Outwash Plain
The Saskatchewan Glacier
To return back to the trail head you follow the same route as on the way up. It’s a really great hike if you want to get out of your car and stretch your legs travelling Banff/Lake Louise and Jasper. I think it’s a great way to get a different perspective on the glaciers, as you’re a way back from the glacier and can appreciate it’s sense of scale in the landscape.
Overall the hike is approximately 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) in total, with an elevation gain of 250 metres (820 feet).
Ā© RockiesOutdoors 2014
rockiesoutdoors 
I did this a couple of years ago with my two daughters. While enjoying the views from the top we noticed hundreds of tiny fossils. They were corral I think. If you ever get back up there have a look for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like great stop, thank you. Your photos are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Five Shortish Hikes in the Canadian Rockies | rockiesoutdoors·
Reblogged this on rockiesoutdoors and commented:
Something for the weekend…
LikeLike
The sky in your shots is outstanding, Rob! I’ll bet that air was as crisp and clear as it ever gets. š
Jim
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading Jim! Yes it was so nice to get out of the car and head up there – it was so quiet and such a good break driving back to Banff! š
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful photos. You had fabulous conditions that day. š
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! š
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spectacular photos! Will have to try this hike soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! It’s a great hike to do! š
LikeLike
Great photos. Lovely area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! š
LikeLike
Incredible views ! The sky looks so blue and the scenery is amazing! It must be so nice to hike there. I can’t wait to visit somedays….. *sighs*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! You should definitely visit the Rockies, it is such an incredibly beautiful place! š
LikeLike
I’ve seen amazing pictures from Inger (Girl gone expat) and drooling in front of my computer for such a long time now… We should make the move. But it’s difficult for us to plan for long holiday this year, because I’m moving abroad in June. But next year, for sure !
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve yet to visit Jasper…and today, after reading and viewing your photos it feels as if I am there (instead of sitting in the middle of the business district in Hong Kong!). Cheers and enjoy ~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! š
LikeLike