Morro Peak Trail (5.1 km, Moderate) – Jasper National Park

Overview

About Morro Peak Trail

Morro Peak is a short, steep out-and-back scramble from the Overlander/Morro Peak roadside trailhead near the Snaring River. Plan on about 5.1 km/3.2 mi total and roughly 630–680 m (2,060–2,230 ft) of ascent; most hikers should allow around 3–4 hours, depending on footing and pace. The route climbs to the summit area for broad views over the Athabasca River Valley and the surrounding Rockies.

Why go

Fewer crowds than Jasper’s marquee summits yet equally big views
Short drive from Jasper to a signed highway pullout

Heads up

Sustained steep ascent with loose rock near the summit
Limited signage can make the Morro Peak turn easy to miss

This is a sustained, steep climb with loose rocky footing and short easy-scrambling sections near the upper ridge. It suits fit hikers and older children comfortable with steep terrain; it is not a casual family walk. Route signage is limited, so pay close attention at the Morro Peak turn.

Parkwolf’s verdictDifficulty & who it’s for

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation1,002–1,639 m

TrailheadMorro Peak Trailhead (Overlander pullout)53.04180, -118.08791

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Use the small roadside rest area/pullout by the bridge near the Snaring River on Highway 16, at the Morro Peak/Overlander junction. The Morro Peak path starts just beyond the pullout. Do not follow the larger Overlander Trail parking/signage onto the much longer route, and obey Parks Canada signs; never park on the highway.

Best time to go

June–September is the most reliable snow-free window. Spring and fall can be rewarding with cooler temperatures and fewer people, but lingering snow and changing mountain weather can make the steep upper route more demanding.

Safety

Steep sustained climb with loose rock and easy scrambling near the summit. Confirm the Morro Peak turn at the wooden sign, stay on the established route, carry bear-safety equipment, and keep dogs leashed.

8 active Jasper alerts

ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedStay out of closed wildfire-impacted areas and facilities in Jasper National Park; closures protect public safety after the 2024 wildfire and remain in effect while recovery and safety work continues.Official details
Closure93A (Wabasso Road) no through travel during roadworkFrom mid-October to early November 2026, plan for 93A (Wabasso Road) to be accessible from the south entrance only; no through travel is expected during roadwork.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Jasper Tour Guide

Your drive to Morro Peak Trail, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Jasper National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Jasper audio tour

Recorded for this area

Northern Pike: Torpedoes of Talbot’s Shallows

Listen

“The warm, weedy shallows of Talbot Lake are prime territory for northern pike, the lake's top ambush predator.”

Plays on the road 1.6 km from the trailhead in the Parkwolf Jasper Tour Guide.

Hiking Morro Peak Trail

Route overviewPark at the small signed pullout/rest area beside Highway 16 and the bridge near the Snaring…

Park at the small signed pullout/rest area beside Highway 16 and the bridge near the Snaring River. The Morro Peak path starts close to the Overlander Trail junction; do not accidentally commit to the much longer Overlander Trail. Follow the obvious path and the wooden Morro Peak sign through the forest, then climb the sustained ridge and upper slope to the summit area. The mapped corridor is about 2.55 km one way; the app’s 5.1 km figure is the total out-and-back distance. Return the same way.

What you’ll seeExpect forested lower slopes, limestone outcrops and cliff bands, and wide views across the…

Expect forested lower slopes, limestone outcrops and cliff bands, and wide views across the Athabasca River valley from the ridge and summit area. The route passes through landscapes shaped by wildfire, and bighorn sheep may be seen along the way.

TipsWear hiking boots; the upper ridge has loose rock. Poles can help on the descent.

Wear hiking boots; the upper ridge has loose rock. Poles can help on the descent.
Stay on the established line and avoid wandering onto climbing terrain or unrelated Overlander paths.
Dogs are allowed on leash. Carry standard bear-safety equipment and know how to use it.
This is a day hike with no camping along the route.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Jasper

All Jasper wildlife maps

174 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

43 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

40 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsCanada LynxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

315 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

1,028 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Morro Peak Trail