The Parker Ridge hike has been on my to do list for a few years. I’d only heard good things but for one reason or another I’d never managed to hike Parker Ridge, despite driving past the trailhead numerous times. Finally on the way back from a paddle trip in Jasper, the stars aligned. The sun was shining, there was a spot in the parking lot and we hadn’t stretched our legs in a good few days. We threw on some shorts and hiking boots and hit the trail.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!
The Parker Ridge Hike
Length: 2.5km one way
Elevation gain: 250m
The Parker Ridge hike is a shorter hike but on the steep side, providing gorgeous views of the Saskatchewan Glacier once you get to the top.
From the parking area, you start gaining elevation immediately, mostly in the form of long switchbacks, you’ll soon be seeing gorgeous views of mountains, glaciers and down in Nigel Creek on the opposite side of the valley. You won’t have the popular Parker Ridge hike to yourself, so prepare to give way to other hikers and take your time.
As you get closer to the end of the trail, it gets somewhat steeper, with some loose rock covering the trail in areas which can be slippery on the way down. Parks Canada has tried to repair and prevent trail erosion along the Parker Ridge hike, follow the signage and stay on the main trail to prevent any further erosion to this popular trail.
When you get to the saddle at the top, you’ll get your first glimpse of the glacier and the valley below. From here there are a number of trails which cross the area, head right to continue along the ridgecrest trail, this will add a few hours to your day along with some more elevation. We went a little ways to get a different view before turning around.
From the saddle if you head left, this mostly flat trail provides access to numerous viewpoints looking up towards the Saskatchewan glacier, so you can hopefully find a spot to stop, sit and take in the view for a while. This is where the best views are in my opinion.
Where Is The Parker Ridge Trailhead
The Parker Ridge hike can be found along Highway 93N which runs between Lake Louise and Jasper. The trailhead is located 9km south of the Columbia Icefields Centre and 40km north of Saskatchewan River Crossing.
The trailhead is clearly signposted from the highway and is basically a large pull out on the side of the road. Be prepared to not find a spot though as there is limited parking and the Parker Ridge hike is very popular.
There are outhouses at the trailhead parking lot for anyone who needs them.
What You Might Need To Complete The Hike
This hike is somewhat exposed to the elements and with that in mind, I’d recommend packing sunscreen and water on a hot day. I also wore a sun hoody to cover up from the powerful rays since a lot of the hike is out of tree line.
It can also get windy up on the ridge, so a windbreaker or rain jacket will allow you to hang out in the wind and enjoy the views you’ve worked for, for a longer time.
We didn’t use poles for this hike, however lots of people were using them, so if you struggle, especially on the downhill, poles for the Parker Ridge hike may prove handy for tackling the switchbacks.
I’d also recommend wearing good shoes, whether they are trail runners or hiking boots, good grip will come in handy on the looser steeper sections. I wore my La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots and these were perfect, lightweight and comfortable.
Places To Stay Nearby
The closest spots to stay in a bit of luxury near the Parker Ridge hike would be the Glacier View Lodge at the Columbia Icefields centre or The Crossing Resort at Saskatchewan River Crossing. For those looking for a more rustic adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway, my favourites being the Icefields Tent Only site and Waterfowl Lakes.
If you are stopping to do the Parker Ridge hike on your travel along the Icefields Parkway, there are plenty of accommodation options in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise, reservations are required as these spots get really busy during the summer months.
