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Rockies :: Icefields :: Nigel Pass

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Trail approaching Nigel Pass.  Brazeau loop / South Boundary continues left,  Cataract Pass / White Goat right

July 26, 2020

Nigel Pass is premier Icefields summertime alpine area.  Trail is more frequently used as approach to classic Brazeau loop or Jasper South Boundary multi-day backpack trips, but it is also acceptable day-hike destination.  Vast alpine environments at the Pass are spectacular and well-worth spending couple of hours walking around and soaking up the views.  Trail is gentle and there are no difficulties;  only -unavoidable- drag is initial 1.7 road walk to Parks Canada Camp Parker.  Options for further exploration include venturing up Brazeau canyon towards White Goat Wilderness.

Parking is at east side (right, if coming from south) of Icefields Parkway, few minutes up from Big Bend.  In prime summer season sometimes it fills completely.  Trail kiosk is left of the gate at lower end.   Walk 1.7km access road to signed Brazeau Valley trailhead (2nd photo in gallery) passing horse corrals along the way  This part is quite boring, but mercifully short.   Past the junction trail descends through pretty stretch of forest next to Ranger cabin and crosses Hilda and Nigel creeks in short succession.  These bridges sometimes get washed out during runoffs but are usually quickly repaired by Parks Canada.   Rest is undemanding wondering through mix of semi-open forest and meadows with constantly improving views.  There are couple of side creek crossings that do not present problem, but trail can be occasionally muddy.  Final rise to the Pass, seen more like a long ridge, is bit steeper but short lived. On the other side trail crosses Brazeau river but if only day-hiking do not descend;   explore Nigel Pass environs instead.  Worthy extension is wondering up Brazeau River on unmaintained Cataract Pass trail;  very scenic section is reached within 10-15 minutes only.   Cataract Pass itself can be reached as a long day hike from Icefields Parkway, but area is better suited for overnight trip.   Return is the same way

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