Whirlpool Valley Fire Road Trail
Table of contents
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 358 m 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 15.0 km. Turn right onto Moab Lake Road with signs for Whirlpool. Follow this unpaved road for 6.8 km 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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