Jasper National Park

Backcountry Guide

Brazeau

The "grand tour" of the southern ranges, this circuit includes one of the park's largest backcountry lakes, two passes and an extraordinary alpine traverse with glaciated peaks, lush wildflowers and a variety of wildlife.

• Option one: Brazeau Loop
• Option two: Nigel to Poboktan Creek
• Directions to Trailhead
• Side Trips
• Safety in the backcountry
• Leave No Trace
• Backcountry equipment checklist

Fires permitted except at Jonas Cutoff Campground

No bikes permitted

No horses permitted on Jonas Pass Trail

Dogs not permitted on the Jonas Creek and Poboktan Creek trails: this includes the Poboktan Creek trail, from Sunwapta Station up to but not including Brazeau Lake Campground, and the Jonas Creek Trail, from the junction with the Poboktan Creek Trail, up to but not including the Four Point Campground.

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Option one: Brazeau Loop

• 81 km loop, 4-5 day hike
• Elevation gain/loss: 1878 m
• Maximum elevation: 2470 m

The details

Starting at the Nigel Pass trailhead in northern Banff National Park, the trail follows Nigel Creek, gradually climbing to Nigel Pass and the boundary with Jasper National Park (7 km). Along the way, the trail passes historic Camp Parker, marked by historic tree carvings. Please leave natural and cultural objects and sites as you find them. After the pass, ford the upper reaches of the Brazeau River, and turn left towards Boulder Creek campground. The unmaintained trail to the right leads to the White Goat Wilderness Area.

Past Boulder Creek you arrive at Four Point and the Jonas Shoulder junction. Turn left to head up to Jonas Shoulder or go straight to continue to Brazeau Lake. Both are very rewarding but make for quite long days. Heading to the lake first is more popular because there is less elevation gain. Both Jonas Cutoff and Brazeau Lake Campgrounds are good base camps for day trips. If you want to spend an extra day somewhere, either of these sites would be a good choice.

What you need to know

The Brazeau Loop is a demanding, high elevation trail that crosses three mountain passes. Sudden weather changes can occur.You can hike the entire Brazeau Loop in five days. If you choose to go clockwise you will gain more elevation up the Jonas Shoulder, so most people will hike counter-clockwise. The typical trip would be to spend the first night at Four Point (13.9 km), then to Brazeau Lake Camp (18.1 km), over Poboktan Pass to the Jonas Cutoff (16.2 km), and then over Jonas Shoulder back to Four Point (18.9 km). On the last day, return to the Nigel Pass trailhead (13.9 km).

Elevation profile

Campground information

Campground	Description	# of sites	Fire pit	UTM
Boulder Creek    Elevation: 2036 m	This campground has pretty views and is located close to the Brazeau River.	4	yes	11U 492962-5790100
Four Point Elevation: 1935 m	A forested campground close to the Brazeau River with nice views. The junction for Jonas Shoulder is just after this campground. From here you will either head up the steep approach to Jonas Shoulder or continue along the river to Brazeau Lake.	8	yes	494770-5792240
Jonas Cutoff Elevation: 2094 m	This campground sits next to a creek and offers beautiful views. Note this high-elevation campground is somewhat exposed; it does not provide much shelter in inclement weather.	8		11U 485891-5805050
John-John Creek Elevation: 2012 m	This campground is located right next to John-John Creek and has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.	4	yes	11U 491965-5803508
Brazeau Lake Elevation: 1816 m	A beautiful campground on the shore of Brazeau Lake, 900 m from the main trail.	8	yes	11U 497590- 5805604
Brazeau River Elevation: 1737 m	A forested campground close to the Brazeau River.	4	yes	11U 499608-5804813

Maps, GPS data and elevations are provided for reference purposes only. Maps are not meant for navigation. Parks Canada Agency (PCA) makes no guarantees, representations or warranties respecting these data, either expressed or implied. PCA assumes no responsibility for damages or other liabilities due to the accuracy, availability, use or misuse of the information herein provided.

Trail distances (in km)

There is a new reroute between Four Point and Brazeau River campgrounds along the west side of the river. Permanent signage was installed in late summer 2014. Do not cross the bridge over the river to the east side. That trail and Wolverine campground are for horse use only. Cline Creek camp has been decommissioned.

Option two: Nigel to Poboktan Creek

This is an impressive hike with over 13 km of travel above treeline. Good views and prime habitat for park wildlife.

Maximum elevation: 2470 m

The details

Hike from Nigel Pass to Four Point Campground (13.9 km). The next day is a strenuous day over Jonas Shoulder to Jonas Cutoff Camp (18.9 km). The third day, continue north along Poboktan Creek to Waterfalls Camp (9.3 km). This section of trail is also used by horses; you can expect some boggy terrain and a few muddy sections. Continue to hike out along Poboktan Creek to the Sunwapta Station on the Icefields Parkway (12 km).

Elevation profile

Campground information

Campground	Description	# of sites	Fire pit	UTM
Waterfalls            (Elevation: 1916 m)	This campground is situated on a bench above a beautiful waterfall, with wonderful mountain views.	4	yes	476187-5813156
Poboktan (Elevation: 1773 m)	A forested campsite next to Poboktan Creek.	4	yes	479517-5810723

Directions to trailhead for both options

From Jasper
116 km south on Highway 93 (the Icefields Parkway). Turn left at the Nigel Creek parking lot. The parking lot is 13 km south of the Icefields Centre.

From Lake Louise
Take Highway 93 (the Icefields Parkway) towards Jasper for 114 km. Turn right into the Nigel Creek parking lot. The parking lot is 2 km past the Big Bend, a large, steep climb out of the river valley.

Side trips for both options

More experienced hikers may use the Nigel Pass Trail as a starting point to explore the White Goat Wilderness Area. There is an unmarked, unmaintained route through Cataract Pass, which will take you into this wilderness area. Although permits are not required to camp in the White Goat Wilderness Area, some hikers will choose to camp at Boulder Creek (permit required) before heading into the White Goat. Since the White Goat is an unmaintained area, good topographical maps, good route finding skills, and the ability to navigate water crossings are a must when travelling here.

Safety in the backcountry

You are responsible for your own safety. Be prepared for extreme weather and mountainous terrain. Cell phone coverage is unavailable in most areas.

Trail report
Before leaving, check the Jasper National Park trail report for up-to-date conditions at www.pc.gc.ca/jaspertrails

Trail office
Trail Information, 780-852-6177

General information
Jasper Information Centre, 780-852-6176
EMERGENCY: call 780-852-3100
877-852-3100

Carry a topo map
NTS Columbia Icefield 83C/3, Sunwapta Peak 83C/6 National Geographic Jasper South.

Leave no Trace

Food storage
To reduce your campsite’s attractiveness to bears, all food, garbage, toiletries and cooking equipment must be hung from the food storage cables provided at designated campsites. In wildland camping areas, bear-resistant containers are strongly recommended to store food. All campgrounds are equipped with a bear pole for food storage. There are picnic tables present.

Human waste
There are barrel toilets at all campgrounds. When there are no facilities nearby, select a spot away from trails, campsites and at least 70 m from water sources. Dig a hole 12 to 16 cm into the dark-coloured, biologically active soil layer. Loosely fill the hole with soil afterward. Use as little toilet paper as possible.