Hike Alberta
Southesk PassCairn River CampgroundCairn Pass CampgroundLa Grace Campground 10 km N
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South Boundary

Jasper National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 33 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

Southesk PassCairn River Campground 10 km Open the map

About this trail

South Boundary is a 101.8 km out and back trail in Jasper National Park. It runs 50.9 km each way. The route gains 2,139 m in total and tops out at 2,250 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 31 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It meets Cardinal Pass route at 50.7 km, and passes five other mapped junctions. Three side branches with the same name split off the route, at 11.8 km, 28.5 km and 29.6 km. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a campground and a backcountry campground. Also used for backpacking.

Length
101.8km
50.9 km each way
Elevation gain
2,139m
Estimated time
31h15min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,250m
Lowest point
1,563m

Elevation profile

1,563 m to 2,250 m
2,2491,563 0 km51.0 km

Highest point 2,250 m, lowest 1,563 m, 2,139 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 26% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 20% of route

20% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
17.4 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. 20.1 kmCairn River CampgroundCampground · 1,673 m
  2. 20.1 kmCairn RiverBackcountry campground
  3. 32.5 kmCairn Pass CampgroundCampground · 2,074 m
  4. 32.5 kmCairn PassBackcountry campground
  5. 35.6 kmSouthesk PassPass or saddle · 2,583 m
  6. 42.0 kmLa Grace CampgroundCampground · 1,940 m
  7. 42.0 kmLa GraceBackcountry campground
  8. 50.8 kmMedicine Tent · Hiker CampgroundCampground · 1,721 m
  9. 50.8 kmMedicine TentBackcountry campground

Good for

  • Hiking, Backpacking
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Views, Camping, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.5650° N, 116.9072° 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

Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30