Wilcox Pass Trail Guide: The Best Athabasca Glacier Viewpoint Hike

What to Expect on the Wilcox Pass Trail

• Timing: Plan to start the hike early in the day to avoid crowds and to allow plenty of time to complete the trek at a leisurely pace.
• Trail Length: The Wilcox Pass Hike is approximately 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) round-trip, with moderate elevation gain. Expect to spend around 3-4 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and time at the viewpoint.
• Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather, including sudden temperature drops and afternoon thunderstorms. Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear.
• Altitude Considerations: Factor in the trail’s higher elevation and allow time to acclimatize, if needed, especially if arriving from lower elevations.

Wilcox Pass Trail Highlights

• Scenic Beauty: From lush forests to vast alpine meadows, the Wilcox Pass Hike offers unparalleled natural beauty at every turn.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep your camera ready for potential wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even elusive grizzly bears.
• Athabasca Glacier: The highlight of the hike is the viewpoint overlooking the glacier, offering a rare opportunity to witness its sheer vastness up close.

*A daily admission pass from Jasper National Park is required to enjoy this hiking trail in the park.

Getting to the Trailhead

The Wilcox Pass Trailhead is located along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) in Jasper National Park. 

The town of Jasper is approximately 100 km north on the Icefields Parkway. 

From Banff, it is a 2-hour drive South on the Icefields Parkway.

Look for the well-marked trailhead parking lot between the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and the Wilcox Creek Campground.

Trail Description

Beginning of the Trail

The hike commences with a constant ascent through a subalpine forest, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountain peaks. The trail is well-marked, and the dirt-packed path is covered in tree roots and bordered by tall white spruce and balsam fir.

As you quickly gain altitude, you might easily feel out of breath. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and its surroundings are the highest elevation point in Jasper National Park. 

You will encounter a footbridge and wooden stairs to help you on your way. As you come out of the trees, the views open up and let you admire the surrounding mountains, including Athabasca Glacier and Dome Glacier, in the distance. 

This first part of the hike is the hardest, as you gain over 150 meters in altitude under 2 kilometres. At the 1.6-kilometre mark, you will come to the famous Parks Canada red chairs. Take a well-deserved break and admire the stunning scenery from the red chairs.

From here on, while still gaining a bit of altitude, the trail levels mostly wander on the ridge with minimal gain. The trees are much smaller and sparse, making it ideal for admiring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. 

Alpine Meadow

Transitioning into an alpine meadow, the trail opens to expansive views of the rugged terrain and towering peaks.

Watch for wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats grazing in the meadows. Bighorn sheep are known to wander the meadow along the Wilcox Pass.

Bring your binoculars to spot wildlife better along the hike in the meadow. I was lucky enough to encounter a herd of bighorn sheep on my hike, but they were far away, and I regretted not having my binoculars to watch them. 

The trail is still apparent on the ground in the meadow. It turns from packed dirt to rocks. The views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. Mount Wilcox stands high above in front of you as you head towards it. Nigel Peak stands to your right. 

After 3.5 kilometres, you will come to an intersection. The Wilcox Pass Trail continues straight, heading to Tangle Ridge and Tangle Creek Falls. You want to turn left on the Wilcox Ridge Trail toward the Athabasca Glacier Viewpoint. There is a sign indicating the way. You can not miss it. 

This trail continues for approximately 1.4 kilometres to the much-anticipated lookout. Inukshuk and yellow markers mark the way. Keep an eye out for them. 

Athabasca Glacier Viewpoint

The hike’s climax is reached at the Wilcox Viewpoint, where you are rewarded with an awe-inspiring panorama of the Athabasca Glacier cascading down from the Columbia Icefield. 

You will notice the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and its parking lot below. A little further up is Sunwapta Lake, fed by the melting glacier and the immense Athabasca Glacier. You can also glimpse other glaciers from Mount Snow Dome and Mount Andromeda. 

Safety Tips for the Wilcox Pass Hike

• Trail Conditions: Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before hiking. Conditions can change rapidly, especially in alpine environments.
• Dress in layers: Although you will be warm as you hike up and gain altitude, the temperature changes once you are above the treeline. You can expect wind and colder air as you get closer to the viewpoint. Ensure you are dressed appropriately for the hike.
• Wildlife Awareness: Practice wildlife safety by making noise while hiking, carrying bear spray, and being alert for signs of wildlife activity.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Bring an ample supply of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the hike.
• Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the fragile ecosystem.

What to Pack for the Wilcox Pass Hike

Even during summer, mountain weather near the Columbia Icefield can change quickly. Temperatures at higher elevations are often much cooler and windier than at the trailhead.

Here are a few essentials I recommend bringing for the Wilcox Pass hike:

• Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes
• Warm layers and a windproof jacket
• Hat and gloves during shoulder season
• Bear spray
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• At least 2 litres of water
• Snacks or lunch
• Trekking poles for the steep sections
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing

If hiking early or late in the season, microspikes may also be useful if snow or ice remains on the trail.

Wildlife on the Wilcox Pass Trail

Wilcox Pass is one of the best hikes along the Icefields Parkway for spotting wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep grazing in the alpine meadows, marmots sunning themselves on rocks and pikas darting between boulders.

Bears also live in this area, including both black bears and grizzlies. Always carry bear spray, know how to use it and make noise while hiking.

If you encounter wildlife:

• Stay a safe distance away
• Never feed animals
• Keep dogs leashed at all times
• Avoid blocking animal travel routes
• Give wildlife plenty of space to move away naturally

Early morning and evening are often the best times for wildlife sightings.

Best Time to hike Wilcox Pass

The best time to hike Wilcox Pass is from June to September when the trail is snow-free, and the alpine meadows are fully blooming.

Starting early in the day helps you avoid crowds and gives you a peaceful hike with a more serene view of the Athabasca Glacier.