Brazeau Loop Backpacking Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-5 days
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
82.2 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
2,848 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

The rugged and wild Brazeau Loop travels along the border of Jasper National Park and White Goat Wilderness to create a lollipop route. This trail crosses three high mountain passes over roughly 80.0 km gaining and losing elevation consistently. This is reserved for those looking to step up their backpacking experience and try their best at a longer and rougher trail.

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Route Description for Brazeau Loop Backpacking Trail

The Brazeau Loop is best travelled counter-clockwise to avoid excessive elevation gain. The trail follows Nigel Creek as it gains Nigel Pass at 7.2 km. Descend the pass and travel 3.5 km to Boulder Creek campground and another 3.1 to Four Point. Four Point campground is 13.8 km and a great place to spend your first night. This campground is equipped with 8 tent pads and lies at the junction for the rest of the loop.

On day two, we recommend hiking counter-clockwise along the Brazeau River to Brazeau Lake. Hike the 17.6 km along the Brazeau River to Brazeau Lake campground. You will pass Wolverine campground and Brazeau River campground before reaching the lake. If the Brazeau Lake site is booked, reserve Brazeau River as it is only a short 2.0 km walk to the lake.

On day 3, travel past the stunning Brazeau Lake, past John-John campground and over Poboktan Pass before reaching the Jonas cut-off campground, where you will spend your third night. This campground sits at a higher elevation than the others.

On day 4, head over Jonas shoulder and Jonas pass back to Four Point campground. This is a long and arduous day that will bring you to the junction you stayed at for night one. If you wish to push further and shorten your final day, continue for 3.1 km to Boulder Creek campground.

On the final day, make your way over Nigel Pass one last time before descending to the parking lot to end your trip.

Getting to the Brazeau Loop Backpacking Trail Trailhead

To get to the Nigel Creek parking lot, which is the trailhead for the Brazeau Loop, travel 116.0 km south of the Town of Jasper or 114 north of the Town of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway. Find yourself at the Nigel Creek parking lot on the east side of the highway.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June-September

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Boulder Creek, Four Point, Jonas Cutoff, John-John Creek, Brazeau Lake, Brazeau River

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Brazeau Loop Backpacking Trail Elevation Graph

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