Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge
From the top of the gondola, take the only trail that goes up 1.2 km to Whistlers Peak. You may get confused and find yourself at the false peak, but note that the real peak has dozens of Cairns and a large compass at the top. Here is where the official trail ends.
You can see Indian Ridge from the summit of Whistlers, as well as beautiful views down past the town of Jasper to Pyramid Mountain. Cross over the large marsh to the left side of the semicircular ridge. You will not be doing to entire traverse, as it turns into a technical scramble right before Indian Peak.
The path is visible from the summit of Whistlers. Descend to your right to the far shoulder of Whistlers peak then head straight down towards the visible trail ascending the left-hand side of Indian Ridge. Upon arriving at the base of Indian Ridge, the path becomes extremely steep. It progresses up a scree slope – so watch your step!
As you climb the ridge you will pass over four humps, each progressively getting steeper. Upon arriving at the fifth (Indian Summit) you will find the technical difficulty of the scramble increasing. We stopped before the summit, as the route was simply too dangerous due to the loose rock. If you are using your hands you have gone too far, unless you have the experience and equipment to safely complete the fifth hump. But don't worry, many of the most stunning views are found along the first part of the hike.
As you climb along the ridge you can look around the edge to the orange Terminal Mountain, and left to see the top lift of the Marmot Ski hill peeking out above a pass. Looking the other way into the valley within Indian Ridge grants a stunning view of lush greenery, and a serene dry riverbed.
Take extreme care when descending, as the rock is loose and can be very slippery when wet. Return towards Whistler Peak and continue along the path. There is a cafe at the gondola terminal. Remember your ticket for the way down.
Insider Hints for Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge
- Even if you don’t want to do Indian Ridge, definitely take the Jasper Skytram and hike up to the top of Whistlers Mountain. The views are wonderful. There are often discounts if you book in advance.
- The HI Jasper Hostel is located on the road up to the Jasper Skytram. This is a well-run Hostel that is clean with good staff.
- We prefer to get the tram up early in the morning. This means we also get to stop in at The Other Paw Café and pick up a snack and a coffee for our morning trip up the Skytram.
Getting to the Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge Trailhead
From Jasper take Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) for 1.8 km, turning left onto the signed roadway for the Jasper SkyTram, parking at the base of the tram. We recommend taking the tram ride to the trailhead, though you could walk the steep 6.3 km trail.Route Information for Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge
When to do:
June through October
Backcountry Campsites:
N/A
Toilets:
Tram
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge
The altitude changes which makes the hike challenging and interesting.
- Trip Length
- 05:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
I conquered this early in the morning. So nice starting your day exploring!
- Trip Length
- 03:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The 30-45 minute walk while exposed in cold winds is definitely worth it. At the top, your eyes will be filled with what seems like an endlessly beautiful mountain ranges.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It's hard to say much more as words can't describe this wonderful place.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
A natural gem to unravel! Such a lovely place!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Exciting hike with challenging traverse! Would definitely go again in a heartbeat.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Wehad a wonderful time here. I highly recommend trying the SkyTram!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
not too hard and so pretty! holy crap bring a jacket through, gets chilly in the wind.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
There are few challenging parts, but I still highly recommend this hike.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
I admire the pile of stone at one point and the beautiful mountain views!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.