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    Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    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.
    3.5-5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    8.8 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.
    750 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.6
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Views of the Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge hike in Jasper National Park

    Want a great walk in Jasper? Try this hike from the top of the Jasper SkyTram to Whistlers Mountain and onwards to Indian Ridge. The first section is typically crowded, but for some solitude, continue over the peak, then down and back-up partway of Indian Ridge.

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    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

    • 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

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    Whistlers Mountain and Indian Ridge Reviews

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