Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, spanning an incredible 11,000 square kilometres (4,200 sq miles). It boasts some of the most awe-inspiring hikes for every skill level. With its shimmering glacial lakes, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife, Jasper is a hiker’s paradise.

But you don’t have to venture deep into the backcountry to experience it. Many of the best trails and walking routes are just minutes from the town of Jasper, making it perfect for memorable day hikes. After many trips to this part of Alberta, we’ve learned that while Banff gets a lot of the attention, Jasper offers a wilder, more rugged beauty that we keep coming back to.

This guide is designed to help you find the perfect trail for your trip. We’ve broken down our favourite hikes by difficulty and included all the practical details you need to hit the trail with confidence.

Map of the Best Jasper Hikes

Best Jasper Hikes at a Glance (Top 5 Picks)

If you’re short on time, this quick guide will point you to the can’t-miss trails in the park.

Planning Your Jasper Hiking Trip

Before you lace up your boots, here are a few essential tips for planning your adventure.

Jasper National Park Pass Info

To enter Jasper National Park, you must have a valid Park Pass. You can buy it at the park gates upon entry or online in advance.

• Daily Pass (2025 rates): $10.50 CAD per adult or $21.00 per vehicle/group.
• Discovery Pass (Annual): $72.25 CAD per adult or $145.25 for a family/group. This gives you unlimited access to all of Canada’s national parks for 12 months. If you plan to visit for more than a few days or see other parks like Banff, this is the best value.

You can purchase your pass online from the Parks Canada website. Please verify all prices on the official site, as they can change.

Getting to the Trailheads

Jasper is best explored by car. The park is located approximately 4 hours (365 km / 226 miles) from Edmonton and about 3.5 – 4 hours (288 km / 179 miles) from Banff via the incredibly scenic Icefields Parkway.

• Check car rental rates here.

Bear Safety & What to Pack

Jasper is home to both grizzly and black bears. It is essential to be bear-aware on all trails.

• Carry Bear Spray: Know how to use it and keep it accessible on your hip, not in your pack.
• Make Noise: Talk, sing, or call out periodically to avoid surprising a bear.
• Pack in Layers: Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, a warm mid-layer, and a hat, even on a sunny day.
• Bring Water and Snacks: There are no shops at the trailheads. Pack more than you think you’ll need.

Where to Stay in Jasper

We stayed at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which makes for a great luxury base. For other options, you can check out vacation rentals and hotels in the town of Jasper. There are also numerous front-country and backcountry campsites managed by Parks Canada, which should be booked well in advance.

Easy & Accessible Jasper Hikes

These trails are perfect for families, casual walkers, or for a day when you want maximum scenic reward with minimal effort. They showcase some of Jasper’s most iconic features without requiring a strenuous, all-day commitment.

1. Maligne Canyon

• Length: 3.4 km (2.1 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 118 m (387 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Trailhead

Maligne Canyon is one of the most spectacular hikes in Jasper National Park. Located just 10 minutes from town, the trail is easily accessible. The well-maintained path crosses several bridges, offering incredible views down into the deep, narrow gorge carved by the Maligne River. You’ll see waterfalls and unique rock formations as you wind your way along the canyon rim.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The canyon is stunning in summer, but it’s a completely different world in winter. If you’re visiting then, a guided ice walk with cleats through the frozen canyon floor is one of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have in the Rockies.

2. Valley of the Five Lakes

• Length: 4.7 km (2.9 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 162 m (531 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Trailhead: Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead on the Icefields Parkway.

This hike is a local favourite for good reason. The trail takes you through a lush forest before arriving at a series of five pristine lakes, each glowing with its own distinct shade of jade and blue. The trail has some gentle rolling hills but is a rewarding hike for the whole family.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The colour of the lakes is truly unbelievable on a sunny day. The Third Lake is the most vibrant and the best for photos. It’s also the most popular spot for a very chilly swim if you’re feeling brave!

3. Athabasca Falls

• Length: 1.0 km (0.6 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 26 m (85 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 30 – 45 minutes
• Trailhead: Athabasca Falls Parking Lot on the Icefields Parkway.

While not a long hike, Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and picturesque waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. The easy, paved pathways lead to various viewpoints overlooking the falls as they roar through a narrow gorge. It’s a busy trail, but well worth the stop for the incredible views of the falls and the Athabasca River.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The power of the water here is the main event. While the upper viewpoints are great, be sure to take the stairs down to the lower platform. You can feel the mist and hear the roar of the canyon, which really puts the force of the river into perspective.

4. Toe of the Athabasca Glacier

• Length: 1.4 km (0.8 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 60 m (196 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
• Trailhead: Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead at the Columbia Icefield.

This is a brilliant, family-friendly hike that offers a free alternative to the guided tours on the glacier. The trail leads you over the rocky moraine left behind by the retreating glacier. Along the route, signs mark the glacier’s location in different years, providing a sobering look at how much it has shrunk.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: It is extremely important to stay behind the ropes and on the marked trail. The terrain near the glacier can be unstable and there are unobservable crevasses that are very dangerous. This hike is about witnessing the glacier’s scale from a safe distance.

5. Jasper Discovery Trail

• Length: 8.5 km (5.2 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 264 m (866 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 2 – 3 hours
• Trailhead: Multiple access points from parking lots in the town of Jasper.

If you want to explore close to town, the Jasper Discovery Trail is a great choice. This easy trail takes you on a stroll around the town’s perimeter, offering lovely views of the surrounding mountains and the Athabasca and Miette rivers. It’s easy to navigate; just follow the bear signs.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This is the perfect thing to do on your arrival day. It helps you get your bearings, stretch your legs after a long drive, and you can scout out some dinner spots in town along the way.

6. Wapiti Trail

• Length: 4.8 km (3 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 113 m (370 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Trailhead: Wapiti Campground

The Wapiti Trail is a lovely, gentle walk that follows the path between the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca River. Starting from the Wapiti Campground, it heads northbound towards the town of Jasper. It’s a relatively flat and quiet trail, perfect for a morning stroll or for families looking to enjoy the riverside scenery without a major climb.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: While it’s a great short hike on its own, you can also use this trail to walk all the way from the campground into town for dinner, which is a great way to earn your meal and enjoy the evening light on the mountains.

7. Wabasso Lake Trail

• Length: 7.7 km (4.7 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 276 m (905 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Approx. Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
• Trailhead: Wabasso Lake Trailhead

The Wabasso Lake Trail is a popular but peaceful hike that takes you through a dense forest to a secluded, marshy lake. The trail has some rolling terrain but isn’t overly strenuous, making it another great option for families. The real reward is reaching the quiet shores of Wabasso Lake and enjoying the solitude and mountain reflections before heading back.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This trail is known for being muddy in sections, especially after it rains, so waterproof hiking shoes are a good idea. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching if you take your time by the lake.

Moderate Hikes in Jasper (5km – 10km)

Ready for more of a challenge? These moderate trails involve more elevation gain but reward you with spectacular, high-country views that you have to work for.

8. Edith Cavell Meadows

• Length: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 582 m (1909 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Approx. Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Trailhead: End of Cavell Road

The Edith Cavell Meadows hike is a beautiful and rewarding trail in Jasper National Park. It begins on a paved path along the Glacier Trail, leading to a stunning viewpoint of Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. The trail then climbs steadily through a rocky moraine and subalpine forest before opening up into a beautiful meadow that is filled with wildflowers in July and August. You are treated to incredible glacier views for the entire journey.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The drive to the trailhead is an adventure in itself, with tight switchbacks. The real star here is Angel Glacier. You get great views from the lower lookout, but push on to the upper meadows. The sight of the glacier framed by wildflowers is absolutely worth the climb.

9. Sulphur Skyline Trail

• Length: 7.9 km (4.8 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 653 m (2142 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Approx. Time: 3.5 – 5 hours
• Trailhead: Miette Hot Springs parking lot

The Sulphur Skyline Trail is one of Jasper’s signature hikes, known for its unrelenting uphill climb that pays off with some of the best panoramic views in the park. The trail starts at a steady incline and just keeps going. Once you break through the treeline, the path continues to a ridge offering a breathtaking 360-degree scene of the surrounding peaks and the Fiddle Valley below.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t forget your swimsuit! The ultimate reward for this tough hike is a long soak in the Miette Hot Springs, located right at the trailhead. Trust us, your tired muscles will thank you. It’s the perfect end to a challenging day on the trail.

10. Pyramid Lake Loop

• Length: 5.6 km (3.4 miles) loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 203 m (666 ft)
• Trailhead: Multiple access points near Pyramid Lake.

The Pyramid Lake Loop is a great choice for an afternoon hike with beautiful views, located just a few minutes from the town of Jasper. The trail climbs through the forest to viewpoints overlooking the iconic Pyramid Mountain and Pyramid Lake. There are many different intersecting routes in the area, but most lead back to the main trail. It’s also a dog-friendly trail, as long as your canine companion is on a leash.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: For the best photos of Pyramid Mountain reflected in the water, make sure you take the short walk over the bridge to Pyramid Island either before or after your hike. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Jasper for a reason.

Difficult Hikes in Jasper (10km+)

For experienced hikers looking for a serious challenge, these trails offer some of the most expansive and rewarding views in the entire park. Be prepared with sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and bear spray.

11. Bald Hills

• Length: 15 km (9.3 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 780 m (2559 ft)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking area (furthest lot).

For views high above the treeline, nowhere is better than the summit of the Bald Hills. The trail follows a wide fire road for most of the climb, with a steep shortcut option available for those who want it. As you gain elevation, the trees thin out and the views of Maligne Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges become increasingly spectacular. The final push to the summit ridge opens up to a stunning 360-degree panorama.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The final push to the true summit beyond the main viewpoint is a bit of a scramble, but it’s where you’ll leave 90% of the other hikers behind. The 360-degree panorama from the very top is one of the best in the Canadian Rockies.

12. Opal Hills Loop

• Length: 8.0 km (5 miles) loop
• Elevation Gain: 517 m (1696 ft)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Approx. Time: 3 – 5 hours
• Trailhead: Maligne Lake parking area (near the boat house).

Don’t let the shorter distance fool you; the Opal Hills Loop is a steep and strenuous workout that takes you straight up. The trail climbs relentlessly through the forest before opening into a beautiful alpine meadow that is often filled with wildflowers. This hike is a great choice if you’re looking for a challenging climb with rewarding views and fewer crowds than the nearby Bald Hills trail.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This is a steep one, so hiking poles are your best friend, especially for the descent. The real reward is the alpine meadow at the top, which is a great place to spot marmots and pikas in the summer.

13. Whistlers Mountain Summit

• Length: 12.7 km (7.9 miles) out & back
• Elevation Gain: 968 m (3175 ft)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Approx. Time: 5 – 7 hours
• Trailhead: Upper station of the Jasper Skytram.

While the Jasper Skytram whisks you most of the way up the mountain, the hike to the true summit is a challenging adventure at high elevation. From the upper tram station, the trail continues to climb across a rocky, exposed ridge. The path can be slippery with snow even in summer. The reward is an unparalleled view over the town of Jasper, the Athabasca Valley, and countless mountain ranges stretching to the horizon.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t be fooled by the tram ride; this is a proper mountain hike. Be prepared for wind and cold temperatures at the top, even in August. The view from the summit makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.

FAQ: Jasper National Park Hikes

So, Which Trail Will You Hike First?

And those are our favourite hikes in Jasper National Park! There are dozens more to explore, but these 13 trails offer an incredible taste of what makes this corner of the Canadian Rockies so special. Whether you’re taking an easy stroll to a waterfall or tackling a challenging summit, the views are guaranteed to be worth it.

Let us know in the comments which hike you’re adding to your list!

If you’re heading to Moab, Utah, and not planning to hike, you’re doing it wrong. This desert town is a mecca for outdoor adventure, home to some of the most incredible landscapes in the American Southwest. Whether you’re chasing iconic arches, hidden canyons, or epic rim views, the best hikes in Moab deliver it all.

We’ve hiked them. We’ve sweated through them. And now we’re sharing the 12 best Moab hikes, from beginner-friendly trails to backcountry routes that’ll blow your hiking boots off. This is your go-to trail guide for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point, and secret local favorites that don’t make every list.

Let’s dive in.

Compare the Best Moab Hikes

1. Fisher Towers Trail: Best Short Scenic Hike in Moab

Fisher Towers looks like Mars decided to build a skyline. This short trail winds around towering red spires that have been carved by centuries of wind and water, and they’re as bizarre as they are beautiful.

We tackled this one mid-morning and regretted not going earlier—it gets hot. But the payoff? Incredible views all the way through. The final overlook gives you a panoramic shot of the entire formation, and it’s a photographer’s dream. There’s even a picnic area back at the trailhead for a well-earned break.

Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 448 feet
Trailhead: Fisher Towers Picnic Area

2. Hidden Valley Trail: Moab’s Most Underrated Viewpoint

This one’s for the hikers who like earning their solitude. Hidden Valley isn’t on most Moab bucket lists, but it should be. You’ll start with a steep, no-nonsense climb that’ll get your heart pounding, and then suddenly… it opens up into a wide, quiet basin ringed by cliffs.

It’s called “Hidden Valley” for a reason. We saw deer, heard nothing but the wind, and had the whole place to ourselves. Follow the right fork near the end to see ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock.

Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1469 feet (448 m)
Trailhead: Hidden Valley Trailhead

3. Delicate Arch (Arches NP)

If you only do one hike in Moab, make it this one. Delicate Arch is the superstar of Arches National Park—and easily one of the best hikes in Moab. The 3-mile trail climbs slick rock and hugs the edge of a rock face before revealing the 52-foot freestanding arch in all its glory.

We hit the trail at 6 AM, half-asleep but determined to beat the crowds. By the time the sun broke over the horizon, the arch was glowing orange, and we had it almost entirely to ourselves. Worth every pre-dawn grumble.

Pro tip: Bring a headlamp if you go early or late. There’s no shade, no water, and no forgiveness for unprepared hikers.

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 629 feet (192 m)
Trailhead: Delicate Arch Trailhead

4. Windows Loop: Easy Family Hike

This is the Moab hike you take when you’re tired, hungry, or traveling with kids who just need to see an arch already. It’s a quick loop that serves up some of the biggest, most accessible arches in Arches National Park, no sweat required.

We hit it just before sunset, and the whole area lit up like it was on fire. The gravel path is smooth, and you can get great views without much effort. It’s a great “rest day” hike or the perfect first stop if you’re short on time.

Distance: 0.7 miles (1 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 98 feet (30 m)
Trailhead: The Windows Loop Trailhead

5. Devils Garden Primitive Loop: Epic Full-Day Adventure

This is the big one. If you’re up for a full-day adventure with jaw-dropping scenery and fewer crowds, Devils Garden is one of the best hikes in Moab. You’ll hit multiple arches—including Landscape Arch (longer than a football field), Double O Arch, and the secluded Private Arch. There is a primitive trail and the main trail, so the choice is yours.

The trail isn’t technically hard, but it demands stamina and confidence. Some parts are unmarked and require a little scrambling. We got turned around once, stood on a ledge wondering if we were mountain goats, and then high-fived when we found our way.

Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
Trailhead: Devils Garden Trailhead

6. Grand View Point Trail: Top Sunset Hike in Canyonlands

Grand View Point lives up to the name. This trail, located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, is short, easy, and ridiculously scenic. You’ll walk along the edge of a cliffside mesa with panoramic views that stretch all the way to the La Sal Mountains and beyond.

We brought snacks, parked ourselves at the final overlook, and watched the entire desert floor turn gold. If you’re choosing one easy hike for an unforgettable sunset, this is it.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 160 feet (49 m)
Trailhead: Grand View Point Trailhead

For an even better view of this area, you might want to jump on this super popular Helicopter flight which gives you a great look at this landscape from the sky.

7. Morning Glory Bridge Hike via Grandstaff Canyon

If you want to mix things up, this is the hike. Morning Glory Bridge sits hidden in Grandstaff Canyon, a lush slice of green in the middle of red rock country. The trail winds through willows and cottonwoods, and you’ll hop across a stream more than once. (Bring water shoes—you’ll thank us later.)

At the end, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 243-foot natural bridge. We stayed there for nearly an hour, just watching the light shift and echoing our voices through the canyon.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Trailhead: Grandstaff Canyon Parking Lot

8. Dead Horse Point Rim Loop: Canyon Views Without Crowds

Imagine standing on a cliff 2,000 feet above the Colorado River with no one else around. That’s Dead Horse Point. While the overlook pulls in the crowds, the Rim Loop Trail stays surprisingly quiet, despite offering nonstop views that rival the Grand Canyon.

We looped this trail in just over two hours and barely passed another soul. The dramatic drop-offs and sweeping bends in the river below made it one of our favorite hikes in Moab for photography. Just don’t forget your water, shade is scarce.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 908 feet (277 m)
Trailhead: Basin Overlook Parking Area (Dead Horse Point State Park)

9. Double Arch Trail: Easiest Hike in Arches National Park

Double Arch might be the easiest hike in Arches National Park—but it’s far from boring. This short trail leads you to a massive twin arch that’s as tall as a four-story building and perfect for scrambling under.

We did this one at high noon (not recommended!) and still loved it. There’s something humbling about standing beneath two giant stone arcs that have stood there for millennia. If you’re short on time or traveling with kids, this is the perfect “wow” hike.

Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 95 feet (29 m)
Trailhead: Balanced Rock Parking Area

10. Mesa Arch Sunrise Trail in Canyonlands

If you’re chasing that perfect Instagram shot, Mesa Arch delivers. This short, well-marked trail leads to one of the most famous sunrise views in Utah. As the sun rises, it shines through the arch, lighting up the red canyon below like it’s been set on fire.

We arrived at Canyonlands National Park in the dark with headlamps and joined a quiet line of sleepy hikers waiting for the show. And when it hit? Absolute magic. Even if you’re not an early riser, Mesa Arch is worth the effort.

Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 88 feet (27 m)
Trailhead: Mesa Arch Parking Lot (Island in the Sky, Canyonlands)

11. Mill Creek Trail: Swim and Hike Just Minutes from Moab

Need a break from red rock and dry heat? Mill Creek is your oasis. This easy trail follows a shallow creek past small waterfalls, shady groves, and secret swimming spots just minutes from downtown Moab. Yes—real water in the desert.

We did this one in flip-flops and bathing suits, and it felt like we’d stumbled into a local secret. It’s a short hike but super rewarding, especially if you’re traveling in summer and need a quick cooldown.

Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 66 feet (20 m)
Trailhead: Mill Creek Trailhead (East of Moab)

12. Fiery Furnace Trail: The Most Confusing Hike in Moab

This one’s not really a trail, it’s a labyrinth. Fiery Furnace is a sandstone maze of tight slot canyons, tunnels, and arches that will test your navigation skills. It’s short in distance, but don’t let that fool you. You will get lost, and that’s half the fun.

We joined a ranger-guided hike (highly recommended), and still found ourselves doing the old “wait, have we been here already?” routine. But between the echoing canyons and otherworldly formations, this is one of the most unforgettable hikes in Moab.

Note: You need a permit or to book a ranger-led tour to hike here legally.

Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (Navigation-heavy)
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Trailhead (Arches NP)

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Moab

So, now you’ve got some hiking trail inspiration, what else should you know? We’ve prepared some important answers to common questions about Moab hikes.

What is it like hiking in Moab?

Hiking in Moab is adventurous, dry, and full of dramatic red rock scenery. With canyons, arches, and slick rock trails, it’s one of the best hiking destinations in the U.S. Be prepared for extreme weather, limited shade, and occasional flash floods—especially in slot canyons.

What should I pack for hiking in Moab?

Essentials for hiking in Moab include a hydration pack or water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), layered clothing, insect repellent, first aid kit, sturdy hiking boots, and water shoes for creek trails. Flashlights or headlamps are also useful for sunrise and sunset hikes.

What is the easiest hike in Moab?

Double Arch Trail is the easiest hike in Moab. It’s just 0.6 miles (1 km) round-trip with 95 feet of elevation gain and leads to one of the park’s most impressive arches. Windows Loop is another beginner-friendly option with great views and easy access.

When is the best time to hike in Moab?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to hike in Moab. These seasons offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and safer trail conditions compared to the extreme heat of summer or snow in winter.

Where should I stay when hiking in Moab?

Stay near Arches or Canyonlands for early trail access. Budget options include campgrounds and RV sites. Red Cliffs Lodge is a great mid-range hotel with tours and great views, while Hoodoo Moab offers a luxury stay with a pool, spa, and easy access to town.

And if you’ve got more than a few days to spare, don’t stop at Moab. Utah is packed with jaw-dropping parks just waiting to blow your hiking boots off—Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley… and probably a few hidden gems we haven’t even stumbled across yet. So lace up, hit the road, and happy hiking.