Chaba Trail: Big Bend and Athabasca Crossing

The Chaba Trail follows an old fire road from Sunwapta Falls to two backcountry campgrounds beside the Athabasca River. It is 6.3 km one way to Big Bend, then another 8.5 km to Athabasca Crossing: 14.8 km out and 29.6 km return. Parks Canada describes Trail 126 as a two-to-three-day trip, a sensible plan for the full route. Expect roughly ten hours of walking in total, before campsite time. Parks Canada also lists it as a good early- or late-season option. If you want a shorter walk, turn around at Big Bend for 12.6 km round trip.

The first 6.3 km runs through dense forest on a broad, old road, with a gradual downhill overall and some rolling sections. Roots and muddy patches have been reported. The river stays mostly hidden until the trail opens at Big Bend Campground, right beside the Athabasca. This is the route’s big reward: a wide gravel bar, pale turquoise water and Dragon Peak across the valley. For a photo, frame the river bend with the mountain ridge behind it.

From Big Bend, the trail continues 8.5 km over gently rolling ground with a slight climb to Athabasca Crossing Campground. The upper Athabasca is visible near the end. Stop at the campground: the river crossing beyond it is unbridged, so this is not a through-route toward Fortress Lake. The trail is also open to bikes, which suit the long, relatively gentle road.

Turn off the Icefields Parkway at Sunwapta Falls Resort and park at the end of the side road by Sunwapta Falls. The route begins by the viewpoint bridge. Dogs are permitted. Big Bend and Athabasca Crossing each have four backcountry sites, a toilet and food lockers; there is no food service along the trail, so carry provisions and a way to treat water. An overnight backcountry permit is mandatory. Horses may use the trail but are not permitted at either campground.