Section A:
- A portion of the West Castle River Trail from Castle Mountain Resort to the Barnaby Ridge trailhead is now the main route of the GDT, eliminating 4 km of road walking. Just before crossing the West Castle River Bridge (a30) turn right at a junction to follow the West Castle River Trail through the forest along the east side of the river, which it crosses on a bridge near the Barnaby Ridge trailhead.
- The South Castle Road alternate route has been extended on the northern end to reconnect to the GDT at Suicide Creek trailhead (a31), creating a contiguous alternate for hikers wanting (or needing) to detour around La Coulotte Ridge.
Section B:
- Additional trail construction continues as we fine-tune the High Rock Trail resulting in a few minor route changes. If you see GDTA trail crews out there this summer, say hi!
Section C:
- Resupply package delivery will continue to be available at the Elk Pass Trailhead in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Resupply packages will be delivered by Nicole Sharpe and stored in bear lockers installed at the Elk Pass Trailhead. Resupply delivery service fee is $35 for GDTA members or $50 for non-members. Contact Nicole at [email protected] to book your delivery service and receive mailing instructions.
Section D:
- Last summer, wildfire damaged a few kilometres of the Ensign Creek Trail, north of the Ensign Creek campground. GDTA crews will be repairing the damaged trail in June, so the trail should be restored to good condition this summer.
- The new Blaeberry campground was built on the Collie Creek alternate route in 2024. It is a very nice site located on the edge of the old Blaeberry floodplain.
- The Amiskwi Ridge alternate route now begins at Amiskwi Pass, where hikers can follow flagging northeast, climbing through the forest to reach open meadows near the Amiskwi Lodge. Camping is strongly discouraged at the lodge. Please camp elsewhere to be respectful of the lodge operations and protect the reputation of GDT hikers. From there, the ridge requires some route finding including at the north end where a flagged route through the recently burned forest will guide hikers steeply down to reconnect with the GDT.
- A new log bridge across the Blaeberry River near Cairnes Creek Rec Site was built in June 2024, restoring access to the Collie Creek Trail on the east side of the Blaeberry River. Two logs have been ratchet strapped together and two overhead tensioned grab ropes have been installed, but hikers should use this bridge at their own risk.
Section E:
- Random camping is not allowed anywhere along Owen Creek within Banff National Park.
- The Six-Passes Alternate Route remains closed to all overnight random camping but is open to random day use activity.
- Trail maintenance on the Maligne Pass Trail has significantly improved that route with much of the deadfall and brush removed over the past couple years. Similar to previous years, the three campgrounds on the Maligne Pass Trail previously available online as ‘Maligne Pass North’ (Mary Vaux, Mary Schäffer, Trapper Creek) are listed in the online reservation system separately, with 1 site per night available at each campground.
- Last summer, Jasper was devastated by wildfire, destroying about a third of the town and many square kilometres of wilderness in the national park. Most of the park has reopened, including all of the Skyline Trail (which was partially damaged by wildfire near Signal Mountain), which means the GDT is completely open in Jasper. Please be mindful that while the park and town have reopened to visitors, businesses and residents are still recovering from the impact of the wildfire.
Section F:
- The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park has been closed for repairs since 2021 but is scheduled to completely reopen this summer. If the trail reopens as planned, hikers can exit here to reach Highway 16 or resupply at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre. Alternatively, hikers can also exit via the Moose River Trail to reach Highway 16.
- The Colonel Creek Trail was cleared of deadfall (again) in 2024.
Section G:
- Exit or resupply via the Blueberry Trail are good options. Resupply package delivery is available at the Blueberry Trailhead delivered by Robson Backcountry Adventures and stored in bear lockers. Please contact [email protected] or 1.780.931.4453 to book your delivery service and receive mailing instructions. Discount for GDTA members.
- The Walker Creek FSR was improved in 2023 and 2024 and should be accessible to Bastille Creek trailhead but still has several rough and muddy sections; 4WD high clearance vehicles are recommended.
The GDTA Itineraries and Campground List have been updated for 2025.
Happy trails and good luck out there in 2025!