Watchtower Trail

From the roadside trailhead on Maligne Lake Road, the route crosses the Maligne River and climbs beside Excelsior Creek before traversing the lower slopes of The Watchtower. It then turns south into Watchtower Basin, passes the designated Watchtower Camp area, and continues through alpine meadows toward the Watchtower Col and its connection with the Skyline Trail. The mapped corridor is about 12.7 km (7.9 mi) one way; hiking it as an out-and-back is about 25.4 km (15.8 mi) and takes roughly 14 hours. The corridor is stored once, not duplicated on the return.

This is a strenuous, unmaintained route with steep climbing, boggy or muddy sections, faint tread, and limited wayfinding in the upper basin. The Maligne River crossing at the trailhead has no bridge and can be impassable during high water. A creek crossing near the backcountry camp can also require a careful ford or rock hop.

Watchtower Camp provides a possible overnight split for visitors carrying the required backcountry permit. The route can also be used as an approach or escape connection to the Skyline Trail, but a point-to-point trip requires a transportation plan at the other end. Carry navigation equipment, sufficient water, and bear-country safety gear.

Park at the Watchtower trail access on the west side of Maligne Lake Road, about 20 km from Jasper according to route sources. The trail is not maintained by Parks Canada; confirm current access and river conditions before setting out. No bridge should be assumed at the Maligne River crossing.

A scenic, quiet, and serious alpine route for experienced hikers who are prepared for an unmaintained trail, a potentially difficult river crossing, and a long 25.4 km return day—or a permitted overnight trip.