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Rockies :: Jasper :: The Watchtower

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Lovely tarn in upper Watchtower basin looking back the length of the valley. Watchtower upper left

September 5,  2014

All along the Watchtower!  This rather classic Jasper trail was in the pipeline for a long time. In summer 2006 I day-hiked celebrated Skyline trail. Starting at 11am from Maligne Lake, it was steady moderate pace till completion - about 12hr day. Only break I took all day was near halfway point under Big Shovel Pass. I looked at Watchtower junction with longing, curious about terrain on east side leading down to Maligne Lake road.  8 years passed, but in early September 2014 I returned to hike Watchtower trail from Maligne road and finally reconnected with Skyline.

Watchtower is in stark contrast with uber-popular Skyline trail. While camp sites on Skyline must be reserved well in advance, you are almost guaranteed solitude on Watchtower. Trip is feasible as either day-hike or backpack.  If backpacking, campground in upper basin (~10 km from trailhead) is good base for further exploration of the area or even day-hiking into most popular central part of Skyline. With two cars, 1-way crossing from Maligne Lake road to Athabasca River Valley via Wabasso trail is also possible. Due to budget cuts, Watchtower trail is not maintained anymore by Parks Canada and slowly falling into dis-repair with several bushy and boggy sections in upper basin.  Foot bridge across Maligne river near trailhead has collapsed and is not scheduled for repair requiring rock-hop right at the start; during spring runoffs it might not be possible.

Drive Maligne Lake road 18 km from Yellowhead Hwy and turn into parking on the right (west) side. Rock-hop Maligne river and continue along well-defined trail rising diagonally to the mouth of Watchtower basin. Hike along Watcthower creek to upper basin following flags and cairns. Higher up trail disappears but way is obvious. If going for the campground watch for faded wood sign and flag indicating the spot to cross the creek.  Logical turn-around point for day-hikers is set of lovely tarns and rock-garden below moderate angled scree slope leading to Watcthower col.  Otherwise trail beaten in scree leads to the col then drops on the other side and connects with Skyline.  Ridge leading north from Watchtower col also can easily be hiked for long time offering fantastic views of Maligne range and Skyline; this is recommended option when backpacking.

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