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Hikes/Canada/Alberta/Jasper National Park
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
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.
358 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.8 km
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.
3.5-5h
User Ratings
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Whirlpool Valley Fire Road Trail

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Taking the Whirlpool Valley Fire Road up towards the Whirlpool backcountry campground is a great day out that can be a combined bike and hike effort. Join backpackers as they begin their journey to Athabasca Pass for your day trip. You will wind up the Whirlpool River, gaining 1175ft in elevation.

Route Description for Whirlpool Valley Fire Road Trail

The Whirlpool Valley Fire Road is a straightforward trail that will take you to the Whirlpool Campground and back. This is the entry point for backpackers heading to Athabasca Pass which is a 98.0 km route. Athabasca Pass is a National Historic Site reserved for expert hikers.

Starting from the trailhead at the end of the unpaved road, you will merge onto the clearly marked and obvious trail. Follow this trail up the Whirlpool River Valley until you reach the Whirlpool Campground at 6.6 km. This is a great place for families and beginner backpackers to reserve as it is relatively easy to get to and only has two sites. Continue on for about 600.0 km where you will reach Simon Creek. This is your turnaround point.

Those who choose to bike this trail can bike all the way to Simon Creek, cutting their time in half while still enjoying the historic trail.

Getting to the Whirlpool Valley Fire Road Trail Trailhead

To get to the Whirlpool Valley Fire Road trail, merge onto the Icefields Parkway (93N) from the town of Jasper and head south. After the park gates, turn right onto Wabassa Road and continue along the road for 9.3mi. Turn right onto Moab Lake Road with signs for Whirlpool. Follow this unpaved road for 4.2mi until you reach the parking area at the end.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    June-September

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Whirlpool Campground

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Whirlpool Valley Fire Road Trail Elevation Graph

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