Wilcox Ridge

View from the Wilcox Ridge Trail

Unsurpassed, panoramic views of the high peaks and glaciers of the Columbia Icefield from the beautiful meadows along the eastern slopes of Mount Wilcox near the border of Banff and Jasper National Parks.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

• Distance: 6.0 miles (round trip) to Wilcox Ridge
  
• Elevation: 6,730-ft. at Trailhead
  7,950-ft. at Wilcox Ridge
  
• Elevation Gain: 1,220-ft. to Wilcox Ridge
  
• Difficulty: easy-moderate
• More Hikes in:
  Jasper / Lake Louise / The Canadian Rockies

Why Hike Wilcox Ridge

This hike features fantastic, birds-eye-views of the glaciers and peaks around the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center with only a moderate effort. The trail initially climbs through trees and then meadows to a ridge with stunning views of the Athabasca Glacier along with Mount Andromeda (11,290-ft.), Mount Athabasca (11,452-ft.), Mount Kitchener (11,499-ft.) and the ice-capped Snow Dome (11,340-ft.). Soon the Little A Glacier and two unnamed glaciers hanging from the slopes of Mount Andromeda join the scene.

After taking in the views many tourists turn around at the end of the lower section of the ridge for a 2.0 round-trip hike. I strongly recommend continuing the hike. A short steep climb soon moderates, ascending to the vast meadows around Wilcox Pass. Before reaching the pass turn left on the spur trail signed for Wilcox Ridge.

The trail ascends southwest to the ridge crest where magnificent views of the glaciers and high summits unfold. Here you are over 1,300-ft. above the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center and have front row seats to the amazing spectacle of rock and ice.

Elevation Profile

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Jasper / Lake Louise

Region Information:
The Canadian Rockies

Other Hiking Regions in:
Alberta / British Columbia