Shovel Pass Trail

Why go

This is the Skyline Trail’s heart-of-the-alpine stretch, crossing Little Shovel Pass and continuing to Big Shovel Pass. You’ll climb from subalpine forest into wide-open meadows, with long views to rugged limestone peaks, U-shaped glacial basins, and summer wildflowers that can go off in August. It’s a classic Jasper experience: big sky, bigger scenery, and a welcome sense of space above treeline.

Route and distance

From the Maligne trailhead to Big Shovel Pass is about 10.8 miles (17.5 km) one way; Little Shovel Pass sits around 6.4 miles (10.3 km). Expect a steady forest climb to Little Shovel Pass (about 2,240 m), then a mostly open traverse toward Big Shovel Pass (about 2,320 m). If you keep going beyond the Curator junction, you’ll enter Curator Basin with tranquil tarns and the option to push higher toward the Notch (the Skyline’s high point). As an out-and-back to Big Shovel Pass, you’re looking at roughly 21.6 miles total.

Difficulty and feel

Count on 4–7 hours one way depending on fitness and conditions. The grade is steady rather than brutal, but the combo of distance and exposure bumps it to moderate-to-challenging. Much of this section is above treeline, which is glorious in clear weather and unforgiving in wind, rain, or surprise snow—even mid-summer. Wildlife is possible; keep an eye on the cliffs for Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats.

History and human footprint

Shovel Pass got its name in 1911 when Mary Schaffer and her guide fashioned makeshift shovels from trees to dig through snow. Just beyond the Curator junction sits historic Shovel Pass Lodge, a rustic backcountry lodge supplied by pack horses; hikers can sometimes book a bed with a reservation.

Tips, add-ons, and escape routes

• Water is found at campgrounds and streams—bring a filter. Campsites like Snowbowl and Curator are popular and require reservations if you’re staying overnight.
• The Notch can hold snowfields that obscure the route; check recent trail reports.
• In foul weather, there are alternate exits (e.g., Watchtower, Wabasso). The Wabasso Creek approach is a steep, often dusty horse route with a faint gully section; most hikers treat it as an access/exit rather than the main ascent.
• No dogs are allowed on this corridor due to caribou habitat rules.

Best time to hike

July–September offers the most reliable conditions, though lingering snow can persist into July and early fall storms aren’t rare. Aim for early starts on clear days for calmer winds and better light. Wildflowers typically peak around August, especially near Little Shovel Pass.