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Rockies :: Jasper :: Bald Hills

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(waypoints only)

Panoramic view across Maligne Lake basin from ridge leading to Bald Hills highpoint

July 12, 2021

Bald Hills is fantastic viewpoint of Maligne Lake and best day-hike in the area.  Old forest road effortlessly brings you to expansive alpine where many hours can be spent wondering aimlessly and enjoying the scenery.  For shorter few hours outing one can visit first bump only, but it is far better if time allows to continue at least on main trail to "Bald Highpoint".  Afternoon lighting is preferred as sun will cast 45 degree angle over Maligne Basin.  On my visit in summer of '21 haze from BC Wildfires has already obscured the area resulting in mediocre photography.  On a crisp autumn day Bald Hills are easily landscape photographer paradise.

Trailhead is at end of Maligne Lake road, ~1km past main tourist parking lot above boat launch dock.  Fabled Skyline trail splits to the right, while Bald Hills trail starts up old forest road past official Parks Trail Kiosk.  (Note that dogs are NOT allowed, due to sensitive caribou habitat).  This road rises first gently then a bit more steeply through semi-open forest.  Roughly 40min in there is signed junction -- shortcut splits to the left, while road contours to the right.  On my trip I ascended via the road and used shortcut for descent, but although on trail entirely this shortcut is very rooty and rocky - it is better to stay on road.  Continuing past Skyline junction road contours to the left with first bump on the sight, then switchbacks to horse corral at the end;  trail continues and shortly reaches the upper shortcut junction.  You can now continue on main trail contouring below first bump across delightful alpine meadows reaching the highpoint in another 45min or so,  or take the highline route across all bumps - your choice.  Good trail exists for both alternatives.  Highpoint has large cairn (but no register) and offers fabulous views of Maligne basin and what seems like never ending lake.  With full day on disposal it is possible to wonder for many more hours across rolling alpine terrain and easy ridges.  When you are done exploring, return the same way -- although it might be possible to trash down wooded slopes and intercept Maligne Pass trail, then hike back that way.

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