Hike Alberta
Cardinal Pass 2 km N
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Cardinal Pass route

Near Mountain Park · Jasper National Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 32 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

Cardinal Pass 2 km Open the map

About this trail

Cardinal Pass route is a 17.6 km out and back trail near Mountain Park in Jasper National Park. It runs 8.8 km each way. The route gains 600 m in total and tops out at 1,971 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 6 hours of moving time. Along the way you pass a stream crossing. Also used for horseback riding.

Length
17.6km
8.8 km each way
Elevation gain
600m
Estimated time
6h
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
1,971m
Lowest point
1,726m

Elevation profile

1,726 m to 1,971 m
1,9711,726 0 km8.8 km

Highest point 1,971 m, lowest 1,726 m, 600 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 32% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

100% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
0.0 km
Model
2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

  1. 4.2 kmCardinal PassPass or saddle
  2. 6.2 kmStream crossing
  3. 6.4 kmStream crossing
  4. 6.5 kmStream crossing
  5. 6.6 kmStream crossing

Good for

  • Hiking, Horseback riding
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Views

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.8166° N, 117.2834° W.

Driving directions

Jasper National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy Discovery Pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 273 trails in Jasper National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30