The Best Hidden Gem in Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies. With pristine wilderness, towering mountain peaks and glacier fed rivers, every view is a masterpiece. For those willing to explore off the beaten path, Jasper is a beautiful sanctuary of freely roaming wildlife and trails waiting to be explored! Today I want to share my favourite hidden gem in the national park. This location is not signed and you won't find it without a map so let me show you the best spot to watch the sunrise and take in the views.
Having visited Jasper on multiple occasions, there is one hike I do everytime I go because the views you get from it are just stunning. This special spot is remote, tucked behind the trees and offers breathtaking views you don't need to compete for. Sunrise is my absolute favourite time to visit this hidden gem - ‘the edge of the world’ trail.
How to find the trail
The edge of the world is located on Marmot road, as you drive up towards Marmot Basin Ski Resort. On the second last bend before you reach the ski resort, you will find the trailhead. The trailhead is not marked and can be hard to find without navigation.
It's important to note that there is no official parking lot for this trail. Shortly before the trailhead, there is a small pullout on the side of the road and this is where most people park when completing this hike.
In summer, once you've parked and wandered up the road towards the bend, the trail will become somewhat obvious. You’ll notice the small trail beginning on the corner of the bend and leading into the woods. That is what you want to follow.
In winter, this challenge is amplified. As they clear the roads, the snow piles up forming snow banks that hide the beginning of the trail completely. These snowbanks can also cover the pullout completely and you will need to continue up to the ski resort to park. Considering the trailhead will be covered by snow, you may need to climb over the snowbank to make it onto the trail. This is when it's essential to know where you are going.
I highly recommend using AllTrails to navigate to this area! Downloading the trail is always the ideal option but you should have phone service here if you don't have the Pro version of the app, no promises though.
Edge of the World Hike
This 1 km hike would be better referred to as a gentle walk through the woods but we are going to give ourselves credit for getting out of bed and continue referring to it as a hike.
Once you find the trailhead it should take you less than ten minutes to reach the mainview point. Here the trees open up to the most stunning view of the townsite and the valley below.
If you are visiting for sunrise, this is the perfect time to set up a picnic blanket and watch as the sun peaks up and basks the mountains in golden light. Once you’ve spent enough time enjoying the view, you can proceed to hike a little further down the trail to see the waterfall.
If you are visiting in winter, make sure to be careful and wear traction devices such as crampons where possible.
Each time I have visited this area it has been so quiet. I have either had it to myself or only shared it with another hiker or two but generally, you can expect a peaceful experience when visiting.
This is such a worthwhile addition to your itinerary! Watching the sun come up over Jasper as you sit on the side of a mountain completely alone is my perfect morning, how about yours?
Looking for somewhere to stay in Jasper?
If you are still planning your trip and looking for accommodation in Jasper - we stayed at Pyramid Lake Lodge and I couldn’t recommend it more. Right on the shore of Pyramid Lake, this beautiful getaway location was perfect. We stayed during winter and had access to skate rentals, the maintained lake rink, free snowshoes, smores kits and more! During summer you are right on the shore and have access to watercraft and hiking trails everywhere!
Bonus: You’re only 25 minutes away from this hike making it an achievable stop for sunrise!
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Happy hiking!
