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Hike to Wilcox Pass

Improvement District No. 12, Alberta

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

7.45 miles

Elevation Gain

1100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brenda Lin

Take in stunning views of the Columbia Icefield on this 7-mile roundtrip hike. The sweeping meadows often feature abundant wildlife.

Views of the Columbia Icefield from the Icefields Parkway pale in comparison with those achieved along this trail. Few trails anywhere are so instantly and extravagantly gratifying. That being said, be prepared to share the trail with a dozen other hikers as this premier scenery is no secret.

Beginning from the Wilcox Campground access road, the trail climbs through a stunted forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. You will soon attain views of the peaky, icy, western horizon. The ascent eases as the trail skirts a ravine. From here the trail enter a fragile environment of alpine meadows. Be on the lookout for herds of bighorn sheep as they are a common sight seen nibbling at the tundra. Reach the Wilcox Pass monument cairn at an elevation of 7790’. Continue on as the trail maintains an effortless grade through the pass. Tread lightly on this fragile land and step on rock wherever possible. The whole icy vastness of the Columbia Icefield now looms ahead of you on the horizon. The view is comprised of the Athabasca and Dome Glaciers between two prodigious peaks: Mt. Athabasca and Snow Dome. If time permits, spend some time exploring the surrounding meadows and small lakes. The scenery here is quite immense. After marveling at the astounding vistas, return along the same trail.

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Features

Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike to Wilcox Pass Reviews

This hike was recommended to us by our campground host near Lake Louise (little place called Mosquito Campground 30 mins away from the lake that I highly recommend). It was definitely one of our favorite hikes in the Icefield Parkway area because it gave us a birds eye view of Athabasca Glacier. We had the entire view to ourselves and it was absolutely breathtaking.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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