Columbia Icefield Route

Jasper National Park

Expert · Out and back

Trail score 80 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Columbia Icefield Route is a 11.5 km out and back trail in Jasper National Park. It runs 5.7 km each way. The route gains 734 m in total and tops out at 2,708 m. Hike Alberta rates it expert. Allow about 6 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Mount Andromeda Route at 3.6 km, and passes two other mapped junctions. At 4.9 km the trail forks. This route keeps right; the left fork is a 0.8 km T4 side branch with the same name. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass The glacier was here in 2006, a viewpoint and Athabasca Glacier. Expect scrambling and exposure; this is mountain terrain. Nearly all of it is mapped as T4 alpine hiking. Also used for scrambling.

Length: 11.5km; 5.7 km each way
Elevation gain: 734m
Estimated time: 6h45min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,708m
Lowest point: 1,972m

Elevation profile

1,972 m to 2,708 m

Highest point 2,708 m, lowest 1,972 m, 734 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 44% 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

0.0 kmThe glacier was here in 2006Historic site
0.0 kmAthabasca GlacierLandmark
0.0 kmViewpointAt 0.0 km

Good for

Hiking, Scrambling
Dog friendly (on leash)
Views, Glacier, Historic site, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.2073° N, 117.2342° 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