The Skyline Trail is usually cited as the best hike in the Rockies. More than half of the trail is over timberline offering exceptional views. There are three high passes, one of which tops out and then stays high, following the crest of the Maligne Range for about 5 km.

Park at the second lot at Maligne Lake and choose the the righthand of two trailheads there. For a two-day trip, a good campsite is the one below Curator Lake; three day hikers usually camp in the snowbowl and at Tekarra Lake.

The first 4.8 km are easy walking and pass by two junctions, Lorraine Lake and Mona Lake, to arrive at the Evelyn Creek Bridge. After crossing the bridge the trail starts to climb switchbacks to Little Shovel Campground {8.3 km} and Little Shovel Pass {10.3 km}.

Little Shovel Pass

Later, you come to the Snowbowl Campground. Climbing from the Snowbowl, Big Shovel Pass is reached at km 17.5.

Snowbowl & Big Shovel Pass

At km 19.5 you will come to the junction with the Wabasso Lake Trail, with Curator Campground 0.8 km. down to the left, and the Skyline Trail to the right. From Curator Campground you climb steeply past Curator Lake to the Notch. The Notch is the high point of the trail and the views are fantastic. If the weather is clear you may be able to see Mt. Robson 80 km. to the northwest.

The Notch & View from The Notch

You will remain roughly at the 2500 m level for the next 5 km.

Skyline Trail

The decent from the Notch wanders past the Center Lakes and Tekarra Lake to Tekarra Campground at km. 30.9. Crossing the outlet stream of the lake, the trail traverses the lower slopes of Mt.Tekarra, around to the north side. The Signal Mtn. fire road is reached at km 35.6 with the Signal Mtn. Campground 0.1 km past it. the rest of the hike follows the Signal Mtn. fire road down to the Maligne Lake Road.