Maligne Pass and Replica Peak backpacking trail

The Maligne pass backpack trip was once one of our favourite backpacks in the Canadian Rockies. It had incredible wildflowers and alpine meadows and wasn’t as busy as many other backpacks in Jasper National Park. Unfortunately, it is no longer a maintained trail, which means bridges may be washed out and the trail overgrown in places. This means committing to a trip here now requires more experience with route finding and creek crossings.

We do not have a first-hand account of the conditions after 2015, when all the bridges were intact. The trail may be covered with brush in some areas, and bridges have been removed. It is a beautiful area, however please proceed with caution. It is recommended to discuss your trip intentions with parks Canada staff at a visitor center prior to departure. Wildlife frequently travel through this area, so it is important to be cautious and aware during your trip.

Remember that even though this isn’t a busy trip, you still need to book your backcountry campsite in advance. Use the Parks Canada Website for your booking.

Day 1

The first day on the Maligne Pass backpack is a 6.7mi hike from Poboktan Creek Trailhead to Avalanche Backcountry campground. Along the way you’ll gain 1886ft of elevation. The route should take 4-5 hours.

Cross the highway bridge on the north side of the creek behind the warden station. Initially the trail follows Poboktan Creek, reaching a junction at the 3.8mi  mark. The trail to the right crosses Poligne Creek, and takes hikers towards Jonas Pass.

Instead, head left for Maligne Pass, soon reaching a bridge over Poligne Creek. Immediately after crossing the bridge, the ascent will steepen considerably. This is short-lived, and nothing too strenuous.

Avalanche Campground is located 2.9mi from the trail junction, and 6.7mi from the trailhead. There are four sites here, however only one party may book per night, so you will have the campground to yourself.

Day 2

Leave your tent at Avalanche Campground and head out on an epic trail that takes in Maligne Pass, a potential scramble up Replica Peak and return via some alpine lakes. The basic circuit through Maligne Pass and back along the lakes is 7.1mi and gains 1345ft. If you want to add on the scramble up Replica Peak, it is an additional 2.0mi (return) and another 1575ft of ascent

Depart the campground, heading towards Maligne Pass. The trail will deteriorate into a muddy, rocky condition for 1.2mi before ascending towards Replica Peak. Glimpses through the trees on the west will reveal vast alpine meadows. Near the 1.9mi mark, views will open up considerably for the last 0.6mi to the pass and its beautiful blue lake.

2.6mi from Avalanche Campground (and after gaining 804ft of elevation) you’ll reach a point in Maligne Pass where you can either go left and descend along the path to a lake or go right and ascend Replica Peak, which is located to the east of the pass.

We suggest hiking at least partway up Replica Peak, as the views are incredible. Be aware that there isn’t a great nor clear path up, so only do what you feel comfortable doing.

To go up Replica Peak, head up the scree slopes east of the lake, contouring to the right of the steeper, rocky patch. The scree section is loose, so be prepared to slide backwards as you gain the slope. After gaining 820ft from the pass, crest the westernmost ridge of Replica Peak. This ridge offers incredible views in all directions. Ascend the ridge from here towards a 164ft scree chute. This chute should take 10 minutes to ascend with caution before reaching the last bit of solid rock to the summit.

The descent is quick and allows time to explore the meadows below Maligne Pass. We suggest making a circuit for the day and exploring a range of lakes you can only see once you get higher.

So don’t backtrack along the muddy trail you started your trip on, instead head east towards some lakes, initially descending then quickly ascending roughly 328ft to a small lake, at which point you go north for a short-while to another small lake, before heading south, passing a very large lake and several other smaller unnamed lakes. Check out the map and the route while you’re on Replica Peak and the route will make more sense. Have a map or GPS unit with you as well to aid in navigation.

After passing the smaller unnamed lakes, the route is roughly parallel to your hike in, only about 328ft higher. This route requires some mild bushwhacking and route finding, but if you’ve got a good feel for directions and a map (or a gps unit with the track loaded on it), then you’ll be fine. Eventually the route drops you off back at the Avalanche campground.

Day 3

Today is a hike out on the route from the first day, a 6.7mi hike from Avalanche Backcountry campground to Poboktan Creek Trailhead. Some people make a long Day 2 and hike out that day, however that makes Day 2 a really long day. We prefer to really savour Day 2 and hike out on Day 3.

Sample Itinerary:

Note: Total GPS distance varies from each days distance due to side trips and slight route variations each day.

Day 1: Trailhead to Avalanche Campground (6.8mi/1936ft)

Day 2: Campground to Maligne Pass and Replica Peak (7.8mi/1345ft) (9.7mi, 2871ft if you do Replica Peak as well)

Day 3: Campground to Trailhead (6.8mi/-1936ft)