
R. Gruys
Backcountry Guide
Saturday Night Lake Loop
Semi-primitive
This trail winds through the hills west of Jasper and visits several small lakes. It can be hiked as a long day or an easy overnight trip.
The details
- 24.6 km loop, 2-3 days
- Elevation gain/loss: 786 m
- Maximum elevation: 1640 m
- Fires permitted
- Dogs on leash permitted
The Saturday Night Lake Loop is a forested trail with many small lakes; it offers wonderful opportunities for spotting wildflowers and birds. The trail can be hiked or biked. You can expect muddy sections throughout the summer. No matter which direction you hike/bike, this trail starts at Cabin Creek and climbs steadily. The trail going up to Saturday Night Lake is steeper, while the trail up to Minnow Lake is still all uphill, but the grade is more gradual. Many hikers prefer going clockwise for a more gradual incline, while bikers go counter clockwise for a longer downhill section. That being said, this is a multi-use trail; be sure to make lots of noise to let other users and wildlife know you are on the trail. Both Minnow Lake and Saturday Night Lake campgrounds provide nice views and are situated right on the shores of small lakes. The trail between Minnow and Saturday Night lakes is typically muddy, but still makes for a nice valley hike.
What you need to know
The trail can be quite muddy, especially the section between Minnow and Saturday Night lakes. For bikers, this section is also rocky, rooty and steep in places. The campgrounds can have a lot of mosquitoes in summer.
Special considerations
The Saturday Night Lake Loop, also known as the 20 Mile Loop, is a multiuse trail. Be courteous to all users. Horse users travel back and forth from Saturday Night Lake; bikers should dismount and stand to the side of the trail if they encounter a horse party.
Suggested Itineraries
Two-Day Options
- Hike the 9.2 km to Minnow Lake and spend the night. The following day, continue along the trail 15.4 km back to the trailhead.
- Bike the 6.6 km to Saturday Night Lake and spend the night. The following day, continue along the trail 18.5 km back to the trailhead.
Three-Day Options
Hike 9.2 km to Minnow Lake and spend the night. The following day, hike 8.8 km to Saturday Night Lake and spend a second night. The following day, hike 6.6 km to the trailhead.
Trail distances (in km)
Elevation profile
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.
Campground information
Campground | Description | Number of sites |
Fire Pit | UTM |
Minnow lake | This campground is located in a pine forest next to the lake. | 8 | Yes | 11U 417672- 5860555 |
Saturday Night Lake |
This campground is located 500 m off trail and situated next to a small lake. | 4 | Yes | 11U 420720- 5860925 |
Directions to trailhead
From the traffic lights, drive west on Connaught Drive for two blocks. Turn right onto Pine Avenue. At the end of Pine Avenue, turn left onto Bonhomme Street. Follow this road for 650 metres before taking the gravel road on your right to the trailhead marked P2.
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 Information
780-852-6177
pc.gc.ca/JasperBackcountry
Reservations
1-877-737-3783
pc.gc.ca/BookJasperBackcountry
Emergency
call 780-852-3100 or 877-852-3100
Maps
NTS: Jasper 83 D/16
Gemtrek: Best of Jasper
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. The campground is equipped with a bear pole for food storage.
There are picnic tables on site.
Human waste
Use the pit toilet provided. 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. There is a pit toilet at all campgrounds.
Garbage
Please—Pack it in and pack it out! You are responsible for everything you take into the backcountry and this includes garbage. Do not dispose of garbage in pit toilets—it may attract animals.
Washing
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 70 m away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Strain out those last bits of food waste and pack them out. Disperse strained water on land.
Please camp only at the campsites indicated on your Backcountry Camping Permit and use the tent pads (where provided).
Campfires
If fires are allowed, use the metal fireboxes provided, keep your fire small and use only deadfall. Tend to your fire at all times and extinguish it completely before you move on. Gas stoves are cleaner and more efficient for cooking. We recommend you use one.
Shortcutting trails
Shortcutting between trail switchbacks damages both the soil and plant life. This not only ruins the look of an area, but makes it susceptible to further damage by erosion.
Collecting natural or cultural objects
Rocks, fossils, horns, antlers, wildflowers, nests and all other natural or historical objects in a national park are protected by law. Leave them as you found them for others to enjoy.
For more information on low impact travel in the backcountry contact: leavenotrace.ca
1-877-238-9343
Backcountry Equipment Checklist
Have you got it?
This is a list of suggested equipment for Jasper's backcountry trails.
Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for winter conditions at any time of the year. Snow may persist in high mountain regions into the summer and avalanche danger may occur in any season. This equipment list does not account for the special knowledge and equipment required to travel in avalanche terrain.
Clothing |
Shelter |
Other essentials |
Optional |
Long underwear Wool sweater, down vest, or fleece jacket Raingear - pants and jacket, gaiters Hat and gloves / support and good soles Sandals or runners for fording streams and at camp Life jacket Extra warm clothes in waterproof bag
|
Tent with waterproof fly Food should include enough for an extra day Water filter, purification tablets or extra fuel for boiling your water Waterproof bag to store food at campgrounds
|
Wilderness pass Bear spray and the knowledge to use it Topographic map Compass Waterproof matches &/or lighter Insect repellent Flashlight and extra batteries First Aid kit Signaling device (whistle or mirror) Toilet paper Rope - approx. 8m. A throw bag works well Waterproof bags for all gear |
Binoculars Altimeter Field guide(s) GPS SPOT™ Device or
|
Backcountry camping permits
A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for all overnight trips and can be obtained online at reservations.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1877-737-3783.
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