Hike Alberta
Watchtower Camp 2 km N
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Watchtower

Near Jasper · Jasper National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 57 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

Watchtower Camp 5 km Open the map

About this trail

Watchtower is a 25.4 km out and back trail near Jasper in Jasper National Park. It runs 12.7 km each way. The route gains 1,058 m in total and tops out at 2,355 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 9 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It passes four mapped trail junctions. Along the way you pass a backcountry campground and a campground. Much of the route follows Watchtower Creek. Also used for backpacking.

Length
25.4km
12.7 km each way
Elevation gain
1,058m
Estimated time
9h15min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,355m
Lowest point
1,380m

Elevation profile

1,380 m to 2,355 m
2,3551,380 0 km12.7 km

Highest point 2,355 m, lowest 1,380 m, 1,058 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 28% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

40% LTE · 60% 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. 9.1 kmWatchtowerBackcountry campground
  2. 9.1 kmWatchtower CampCampground
  3. 12.5 kmPass or saddle

Good for

  • Hiking, Backpacking
  • Views, River or creek, Camping, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.8790° N, 117.8370° 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
Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30