An expansive 4,200-square-mile park deep in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is a contender in any contest for the most beautiful place in the world –– particularly in the snowy winter months. Moose, bears, elk, deer, wolves, and bighorn sheep are all likely sights in this mountainous wonderland, and the rocky landscape itself provides its own set of visual thrills.

If you would like to explore such a place, you’re in luck — you don’t have to forge a new path. That’s because the park is home to an enormous network of trails, some of which are among the best hikes in North America.

In this post, we’re going to explore some of the best hikes in Jasper National Park. Read on to learn more, and if you’re ready to head there, get an RV rental from Cruise America to get there in comfort and style.

5 Best Hiking Trails in Jasper National Park

Jasper trails can look a lot of different ways. From mountain passes to gushing waterfalls, you’ll find just about any natural sight you’re looking for in these five Jasper day hikes.

1. Hit a Few Connector Trails

We hesitate to call any of these Jasper hikes easy — you’re in the mountains, after all — but experienced hikers will find the connector trails to be fairly easy to handle. For novice hikers or families with children, however, these may be some of the best hiking trails in Jasper:

• Wapiti Trail. This 2.9-mile trail should take somewhere between one and two hours. You won’t have to gain too much elevation, and you can use the trail to access the Wapiti and Whistlers campgrounds.
• Bighorn Alley. If you’re trying to reach Lake Annette or Lake Edith, you may want to make this easy trail one of your planned Jasper day hikes. It’s 2.7 miles one way and should take most hikers less than two hours.
• Red Squirrel Trail. One part of the 0.6-mile (one way) Red Squirrel Trail runs along the Athabasca River, while you can use the other end to gain access to the Jasper Park Lodge and Old Fort Point. This hike requires no elevation gain and is rated as easy.
• Woodpecker Trail. This is one of the best hikes in Jasper National Park for those who are looking for a leisurely stroll through the Canadian Rockies. One way, the trail stretches 1.7 miles between Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Annette and gains almost no elevation.

2. Search for the Red Chairs

You can find red chairs tucked away at some of the most scenic places in national parks all over Canada. If you’re in the market for some fun Jasper day hikes, why not make it a red chair scavenger hunt? 

There are several sets of the red plastic chairs in Jasper National Park, including some on two of the best hiking trails in Jasper. You’ll find red chairs on the moderate-difficulty, 3.4-mile Pyramid Overlook Trail and the moderate-difficulty, 5.9-mile Wilcox Pass Trail.

3. Hike Out for a Picnic on Pyramid Lake

Several of the best hikes in Jasper National Park will take you close to Pyramid Lake. Near the lake, you’ll find plenty of scenic and peaceful spots that are perfect for a picnic.

You can get to your picnic destination via the Pyramid Trail, which is a moderate 3.2-mile trail that takes you up nearly 400 feet. Alternatively, you can take the somewhat less difficult Cottonwood Creek Loop, which is roughly the same length but only covers half of the elevation.

4. Make a Day of It on the Overlander Trail

At nearly 20 miles round-trip, the Overlander Trail is both one of the best hiking trails in Jasper and one of the longest. If you’re a relatively experienced hiker, you should have no problem handling this moderate-difficulty trail. In any case, make sure you clear between 10 and 12 hours to get this Jasper day hike done.

5. See the Sunwapta Falls

Waterfall fanatics won’t be disappointed if they visit Jasper National Park. Several trails will take you by some of the gorgeous waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies. One of the more memorable Jasper trails that takes you near a waterfall is the Lower Sunwapta Falls trail.

It’s a relatively short 1.6-mile trail, but it’s still rated as moderate difficulty. Those who choose this adventure will find a pair of waterfalls formed by the Sunwapta River. The falls send water roaring down a 61-foot drop — sure to dazzle any seeker of gorgeous natural sights.

Get To the Jasper Trails in Style: Rent an RV

If you want to try the best hikes in Jasper, you’ve got to find your way to the park. You can get there however you like, but we would like to recommend picking up an RV rental from Cruise America to ensure you get there in the utmost comfort and style. 

Once you arrive, you won’t have to pay for lodging, find a bathroom, or seek out a kitchen. You’ll have everything you need for the perfect Canadian Rockies getaway right there in your RV. All you have to do is find a place to camp.

Ready to rent an RV? Contact Cruise America today!