Sulphur Skyline - The best Sunrise in Jasper
The stats
Time: 3 Hours Return (Depending on how long you want to enjoy the view)
Distance: 8 Km
Elevation Gain: 700 Metres
How To Get to The Sulphur Skyline Trailhead
Around an hour North of Jasper. Head up Highway 16 until you reach the Pocahontas Cabins where you'll need to take a right. Follow the road for 17 Km until you arrive at Miette Hotsprings. Here you'll find plentiful parking, the trail head is well signposted and starts in the upper corner of the parking area.
The Hike
Sulphur Skyline is an incredibly worth while hike with a fantastic effort to reward ratio. Now I love the feeling and achievement of conquering a huge ascent however it can be equally as satisfying not having to work too hard for incredible views. Sulphur Skyline is definitely the latter.
The trail starts off paved and then turns into a well trodden track as it winds up the mountain and through the trees. The majority of the hike is set between towering pines, this can be a little frustrating as there is no real view to enjoy, this does however make the final reveal at the summit even more impressive.
At first the trail is relatively straight with a steady ascent before hitting a series of switch backs. You'll find small wooden benches throughout your journey if you fancy a moment to catch your breath . Eventually you'll clear the tree line and come to an open area with a large white rock in the centre. There are some stunning vistas to enjoy from this point but the best is yet to come!
Tom makes the final ascent with the first clearing below.
Stunning pink light is cast across the mountain peaks as we take in the view from the first initial clearing.
The last section of this hike is a short steep climb to the true summit, from here you'll have 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys.
We completed this trail at sunrise starting out in the dark, not only does this mean the weather is cooler but the morning light adds an extra element to the layered peaks and ridge lines.
The views are endless from the summit of Sulphur Skyline.
Interested in Other Hikes in Jasper?
Boundary Peak offers some of the best glacial views anywhere in the park!
Parker Ridge is an easy going trail with views of Saskatchewan glacier
Things to know Before You Go
Parks and Conservation Passes: Whether you’re hiking in a national park in Canada or certain provincial parks you’ll most likely need some kind of conservation pass. A Discovery Pass will cover you for the year for all national parks in Canada whilst the Kananaskis Conservation Pass covers the provincial and wildland parks in the Kananaskis region.
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go: Trail conditions in the Rockies can change month to month and year to year. Trails close for wildlife, weather and avalanche hazards. Be sure to double check trail conditions before heading out to avoid any disappointment. You can do so here!
Leave No Trace: When hiking anywhere in the world it’s important that you practice a leave no trace philosophy. This means whatever you hike in to a trail or campground you have to be able to hike out too. There won’t be trash cans or waste disposal in the backcountry and you should never throw trash in any out houses or pit toilets. In recent years, as trails and parks become busier, litter is becoming more of a problem. Don’t add to that problem!
Bears and Wildlife! Wild life is everywhere in the Canadian Rockies, even on trails that are close to town. People and animals have been attacked by bears and other wild life on popular trails in the past so don’t take it for granted.
Most wildlife is looking to avoid human contact so no matter what type of wildlife you see be sure to keep your distance. 30 metres is the minimum recommendation for most species but under any circumstance don’t approach wildlife. Even the cuddliest of critters can be dangerous!
So as always be bear aware, make noise, hike in groups, carry bear spray and, if they’re allowed on trail, keep your dog on a leash!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost. I recommend All Trails Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies or maybe day hikes?
