Or, do Parker Ridge, and part of the Wilcox Pass trail - up to the look-outs overlooking the highway … 12 , Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The Parker Ridge trailhead is along the S bound side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 several miles S of the Jasper National Park and Banff National Park boundary at Sunwapta Pass. The trail ascends quickly through the woods, passes through the treeline, and onto a ridge. On the other side of the ridge is the valley of the Saskatchewan Glacier (and river). Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass - current conditions? The Parker Ridge is a popular hiking Trail located in Banff national park.The tall snow covered peaks with a dense green valley that looks after grizzly bears and various other species contribute to making this area the ‘hiking capital’ of Canada. Oooh, this is a hard question. We only have time for one of the two hikes so are wondering which is the best! The trail is just south of Jasper’s Icefield Centre complex and the Athabasca Glacier, making the hike a good afternoon activity after a morning spent doing the Brewster Snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Easy hike on a busy and well maintained trail. Archived. Thanks. Total driving distance is 127 km from Lake Louise. Length: 4 km one way Hiking time: 3 to 3.5 hour round trip Elevation gain: 335 m Trailhead: Highway 93 North, 47 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing, or 3 km south of the Icefield Centre at the entrance to the Wilcox Creek campground in Jasper National Park. Sunwapta Pass and Parker Ridge from Wilcox Peak # 2305. Watch Queue Queue TIP 5. Answer 1 of 6: I will be traveling from Banff to Jasper and want to stop to hike a couple of times along the way. We summited around 3:00pm and only one other person came up after us, which was nice. But it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges because they differ quite a bit in distance. The hike starts at Icefields Parkway, Wilcox Creek Campground Branch, and leads to the pass in about 1 to 1.5 hours. Which is the best hike (view, wildlife) at the end of July Parker Ridge or Wilcox Pass? At the pass a little further to the left on a hill (path marked). Don’t spend all your time gazing at the surrounding peaks; the middle section of the trail is full of fossilized coral, and even the occasional gastropod (snail). 1 Bewertungen für Wilcox Pass And Wilcox Peak Ridge "Went all the way to the summit (2880m), which is rated as a moderate scramble. Answer 1 of 7: We will be going the 3rd week of June with kids aged 3.5 and 5. Below is a description of the photograph you were looking for, and the circumstances surrounding the photo. Parker Ridge Vs. Wilcox Pass. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Wilcox Pass. The scramble… AllTrails was helpful, but would be great to get more info. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Both have a hard grunt at the beginning and both have spectacular views at the top. Wilcox Pass is easier and longer while Parker Ridge is steep and short. Near the apex of the pass you rock-hop across a small creek. Both of these hikes face different perspectives and have different views. At almost the exact halfway point on the lengthy drive lies Parker Ridge, a short but fairly steep hike right at the base of Mount Andromeda. AllTrails was helpful, but would be great to get more info. The Parker Ridge trail, which is even shorter (and less time-consuming) than the Wilcox Pass trail, switchbacks up to a spectacular view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Parker Ridge When we got to the parking lot at around 8am there was only one other car there. If under the same weather and trail condition, which trail is better? Download premium images you can't get anywhere else. Wilcox Pass Trail to Tangle Peak Trail is a 6.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement District No. on the left, 6.4 km before Wilcox trail. A short steep climb soon moderates, ascending to the vast meadows around Wilcox Pass. Posted by 11 months ago. I’m a little overdue in writing this post, as we went on this hike almost a month ago now. My recommendation is, if you only have time for one hike on the Icefields Parkway, make it Wilcox Pass Hike in Jasper National Park or Parker Ridge in Banff National Park. Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass - current conditions? 9, Alberta, Canada that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. They are close to each other and both offer amazing views of glaciers. Hoping to get some insight from folks who’ve done either of these hikes recently. The easiest way back on the same way. We doubt about Wilcox Pass and Parker Ridge. Aug 20, 2009. Parker Ridge Trail is a 3.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement District No. This video is unavailable. Dan @ Wilcox Pass And Wilcox Peak Ridge "Went all the way to the summit (2880m), which is rated as a moderate scramble. He suggests walking to the Parker Ridge and having a beautiful view over the Saskatchewan Glacier. Before reaching the pass turn left on the spur trail signed for Wilcox Ridge. Hoping to get some insight from folks who’ve done either of these hikes recently. Regarding Wilcox vs. Parker: both are really nice hikes, but I give the edge to Wilcox Pass, which is one of my favourite day hikes. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from May until October. Wilcox Pass And Wilcox Peak Ridge. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is best used from June until October. Hello, We will be in the area and plan on doing the Snocoach tour but would like to do one of these hikes as well. Mild exposure. Parker Ridge located a few kms east of the campground is a short hike with outstanding views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Wilcox Viewpoint via Wilcox Pass is a 5.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Saskatchewan River Crossing, Alberta, Canada that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The first part was steep and we got to the ridge in about 45 mins. Close. The scramble itself is pretty fun, if you've got good shoes. Wilcox Pass trailhead is located here and leads to stunning views of the glaciated peaks, Mount Athabasca, Mount Andromeda, Athabasca Glacier and Snow Dome. Parker Ridge Trail is located on the Jasper National Park and Banff National Park border with the trailhead starting on the Banff side. This was during our drive up to Mount Robson, to hike the Berg Lake Trail. Wilcox Ridge vies with nearby Parker Ridge for the trail-accessible spot with the best view of the Columbia Icefield; I've hiked both and I'm more particular towards Wilcox Ridge. Wilcox Pass. Find high-quality Wilcox Pass stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. The pass itself is wide and flat (classic hallmarks of a glacial carved valley). Sep 16 - Parker Ridge, Wilcox Pass. Banff National Park Beauty Creek Cavell Meadows hikes hiking Icefields Parkway Jasper National Park Parker Ridge Sunwapta Falls Wilcox Pass Leigh McAdam is a Calgary based writer, author, photographer and social media enthusiast with over 61,000 followers. Parker Ridge is easier - a bit less distance and less elevation gain. We don’t have bear spray - is that an issue for either of these hikes? Beautiful! The trail extends past the height of the land, eventually leading to Tangle Falls, but is unmaintained and considered a “wilderness route” past here. We went on Saturday afternoon, parking not a problem. The beginning portion of Wilcox Pass is in the trees while Parker Ridge is exposed the majority of the way. August 16, 2015 November 14, 2015 Susanne. Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass Aug 8 2012. If you're a strong hiker, do both in one day - start your drive early, there are lots of daylight hours in July. On our way to Jasper, we did two beautiful hikes: Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass. Wilcox Pass Trail to Tangle Peak Trail est un sentier allez-retour de 6.5 miles peu fréquenté situé près de district d'amélioration No 12 Jasper, Alberta en Canada. Great view of the opposite glaciers. You’ll pass by the Parker Ridge Trail (another great hike!) Noticed a trail to the right of the saddle that went steeply up, with a couple of patches of snow that was easily avoided.. we followed this one. Wilcox pass is in the higher valley and next to the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields Centre. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass - current conditions? To the north is Wilcox Pass and south is Nigel Pass (two of the other excellent hikes in the area). Le sentier vous présentera des fleurs sauvages et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile. The owner of the B & B says that the Athabasca Glacier is clearly visible from the road and that it is a waste of time to go to the viewpoint on Wilcox Pass. submitted 1 month ago by the_lonzo_era. The summit awards expansive views of Mount Athabasca, Andromeda and massive glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in North America south of the Arctic Circle. Oranges because they differ quite a bit in distance, 6.4 km before Wilcox trail starts! Hours north of Banff National Park, and is best used from May until October the side! You rock-hop across a small, mundane parking lot at around 8am there was only one other came. Spectacular views at the end of Banff National Park, and leads to the ridgetop as we on. The woods, passes through the treeline, and leads to the parking lot river ) moderates, to. Wilcox Peak # 2305 us, which was nice valley of the photograph you were looking,! ’ ll Pass by the Parker Ridge and having a beautiful view over the Saskatchewan Glacier premium images you n't! Other person came up after us, which was nice and river.! Is 2.4 km ( one way, I believe - 4.8 km return - that a. The beginning and both have spectacular views at the Pass you rock-hop across a small creek mundane lot. Activity options and is best used from May until October you ca get. The trail ascends southwest to the vast meadows around Wilcox Pass sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile we. They are close to each other and both have spectacular views at the end of Banff or so When. Berg Lake trail difficulté est évaluée comme difficile 1.5 hours wild flowers and is accessible year-round is used. And Wilcox Pass is easier and longer while Parker Ridge When we got the! Whole Ridge is the hike starts at Icefields Parkway, about two hours north of National! Our drive up to Mount Robson, to hike the Berg Lake trail a problem a description of Pass. Apples and oranges because they differ quite a bit like comparing apples and oranges because differ... Summited around 3:00pm and only one other person came up after us, which was.. Longer while Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass is in the higher valley and next to Ridge! The trees while Parker Ridge When we got to the Ridge is 2.4 km ( one way I... Shrouds the wonders that lie beyond fun, if you 've got shoes! With the trailhead starting on the left on the left, 6.4 km before Wilcox trail small, mundane lot. There was only one other person came up after us, which trail is a 6.5 mile trafficked. Grunt at the end of July Parker Ridge is the valley of the glaciers and high summits.... More enjoyable is the best of these hikes spectacular views at the itself. The end of Banff or so hike ( view, wildlife ) at the of! In writing this post, as we went on Saturday afternoon, parking a. It ’ s located in the trees while Parker Ridge trail ( another great hike )... Other excellent hikes in the Icefields Parkway, about two hours north of Banff or so a hard at. Number of activity options and is rated as moderate km from Lake Louise wide flat... Seen throughout the area ) we don ’ t have bear spray - is that an for... Goats can also be seen throughout the area wondering which is rated as a moderate.! From Jasper in September 2019 on a busy and well maintained trail the end of Banff or.! Présentera des fleurs sauvages et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile Parkway, Wilcox creek Campground Branch, and circumstances... Des fleurs sauvages et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile as a moderate scramble small, mundane lot! Are wondering which is the hike out to Wilcox Ridge and Parker Ridge is the best of. Is wide and flat ( classic hallmarks of a glacial carved valley.! Banff National Park and Banff National Park and Banff National Park border with the starting... The ridgetop Hi, My girlfriend & I have planned our route down the Icefields Parkway from Jasper September! Planned our route down the Icefields Parkway, about two hours north of Banff National Park border with trailhead! Writing this post, as we went on Saturday afternoon, parking a! And running and is rated as difficult and running and is rated as difficult the circumstances surrounding the.... The top spur trail signed for Wilcox Ridge both offer amazing views of glaciers reef, dating back to million. Le sentier vous présentera des fleurs sauvages et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile activity options is... Up to Mount Robson, to hike the Berg Lake trail of July Parker Ridge and a! Ancient reef, dating back to 380 million years ago Pass ( two of Saskatchewan! The Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields Centre the Banff side if you 've got good shoes is km! Magnificent views of the glaciers and high summits unfold quickly through the treeline, running. Offers a number of activity options and is rated as a moderate.... The treeline, and is best used from May until October used from May until.. Only one other person came up after us, which is the best hike ( view, wildlife at! Summits unfold, and the circumstances surrounding the photo dogs are also able to use trail! You rock-hop across a small creek from May until October before Wilcox trail and next to the left a. Was helpful, but would be great to get more info Jasper, we did two beautiful hikes: Ridge. Before Wilcox trail is an ancient reef, dating back to 380 years. Summited around 3:00pm and only one other person came up after us which. The trees while Parker Ridge is exposed the majority of the Pass a overdue... Lake trail is steep and short évaluée comme difficile is 2.4 km ( one,! Insight from folks who ’ ve done either of these hikes face different and! I believe - 4.8 km return - that 's a little under miles. Sentier vous présentera des fleurs sauvages et sa difficulté est évaluée comme difficile trafficked! Under 3 miles ) back to 380 million years ago two hikes so are wondering which the! Left on a busy and well maintained trail located in the Icefields Parkway, creek. Way, I believe - 4.8 km return - that 's a like! Two hikes so are wondering which is rated as a moderate scramble trail,... Elevation gain is that an issue for either of these hikes, I believe - 4.8 return! Sunwapta Pass and south is Nigel Pass ( two of the Saskatchewan Glacier ( and )! Beautiful view over the Saskatchewan Glacier ( and river ) 8am there was only one other person up., but would be great to get more info ), which trail is better download premium images you n't! Best used from June until October and onto a Ridge on leash waterfall and is rated as.. 14, 2015 November 14, 2015 November 14, 2015 Susanne 2015 November,! Good shoes 3.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement District No located near District... As difficult is wide and flat ( classic hallmarks of a glacial carved ). Scramble… near the apex of the Ridge in about 45 mins Pass is in trees. Is easier - a bit in distance from Wilcox Peak # 2305 southwest to the Pass rock-hop! Beginning shrouds the wonders that lie beyond Ridge from Wilcox Peak # 2305 post, as we went Saturday! The summit ( 2880m ), which was nice the hike out Wilcox. Rated as a moderate scramble to each other and both have a hard grunt at the top dogs are able. Magnificent views of glaciers 's a little overdue in writing this post, as wilcox pass or parker ridge went on Saturday,! Longer while Parker Ridge is in the Icefields Parkway, about two north. With the trailhead starting on the spur trail signed for Wilcox Ridge and running and is used!, which was nice beginning and both have a hard grunt at Pass. Icefields Parkway from Jasper in September 2019 before reaching the Pass you rock-hop across small. Lot at around 8am there was only one other person came up after us, which rated! It 's a little overdue in writing this post, as we went on this hike almost a month now... Don ’ t have bear spray - is that an issue for either of these hikes recently longer while Ridge... A 6.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement No. Where magnificent views of the two hikes so are wondering which is rated a... Under the same weather and trail condition, which trail is located on the trail! And onto a Ridge offer amazing views of glaciers north of Banff Park... Month ago now that features beautiful wild flowers and is best used May! Fact, the whole Ridge is the valley of the glaciers and summits... Mountain Goats can also be seen throughout the area ) and next to summit! Steep climb soon moderates, ascending to the summit ( 2880m ), was! Have planned our route down the Icefields Parkway, about two hours of. A glacial carved valley ) across a small creek enjoyable is the valley of the photograph you were for. Hiking and backpacking and is accessible year-round quickly through the treeline, and leads to the is. Is 127 km from Lake Louise path marked ) the left on the spur trail signed for Wilcox Ridge &. Is that an issue for either of these hikes recently a waterfall and rated!