Fryatt Valley Backpacking Trail

The Fryatt Valley backpacking route takes hikers through the incredible subalpine valley making a 29.7mi round trip. The total distance may seem long, but with three major campgrounds and an alpine hut along the route, it is easy to customize a trip that works for the whole family.

Leaving the trailhead, the trail follows an old fire road to Lower Fryatt campground, where you will spend your first night. This is an easy section of the trail, so don’t be too concerned about getting an early start. Catch views of the Athabasca River Valley as you make your way to the campground. This campground has four tent pads, and is located along Fryatt Creek near a footbridge below Mount Fryatt. This is where the bike access portion of the trail ends.

On day two, pack up camp and prepare for an uphill effort towards Headwall Campground. The route to your second campsite gains 1640ft over 4.7mi. You will pass Brussels campground on your way to Headwall Campground, which is your destination for the night. After Brussels campground, travel 1.2mi along the shore of Fryatt Lake until you reach Headwall.

Set up camp and take the optional side trip up the headwall itself to the ACC hut. It is a steep trail that gains 2953ft before reaching the Sydney Vallance Hut operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. Enjoy the views of the valley from high above and don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the hut before returning to camp.

For your final day, enjoy the long descent back to the trailhead. Take in the stunning views with a new perspective as you make your way back to the parking area.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1
  Trailhead to Lower Fryatt Campground
  Distance: 6.8mi
  Elevation gain: 502ft
  Campground: Lower Fryatt Campground
• Day 2
  Lower Fryatt to Headwall Campground
  Distance: 4.7mi
  Elevation gain: 1473ft
  Campground: Headwall Campground
• Day 3
  Headwall Campground to Trailhead
  Distance: 11.4mi
  Elevation gain: 164ft
  Campground: N/A