Trail conditions and closures are monitored by the GDTA but much of this information is crowd-sourced and depends on trail user contributions. Please report trail conditions via email.
October 11, 2024
Cooler temperatures, shorter days and morning frost are signs that summer in the mountains is over and autumn has arrived, which means fall colours and golden larches! Thanksgiving long weekend looks to be sunny and unseasonably warm, with cool weather returning next week. Expect snow at higher elevations and wet and muddy sections following periods of rain or snow. Partial closures due to wildfire still exist in Section E (see below).
TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:
- SECTION D WARNING: The Blaeberry and Amiskwi valleys are open, meaning Section D of the GDT can be thru-hiked. The GDTA has assessed the section of the GDT impacted by wildfire north of Amiskwi Pass, and there is significant damage to the trail. The GDTA recommends hikers avoid the damaged section by following Ensign Creek Road between km 587.2 and the start of the Collie Creek Alternate @ km 593.3. BC Wildfire Service still reports the Blaeberry fire as “being held” but please check current status prior to attempting this section of the trail.
- SECTION E PARTIAL CLOSURE: Most of Jasper National Park reopened on October 11, 2024; however some areas of the park remain closed, including the Skyline Trail. This means the GDT is open in Section E from Owen Creek trailhead (e1) to the Maligne Pass trailhead (e25). From there, hikers can detour to Jasper via the Maligne Lake Road, reconnecting with the GDT in 40 km at Soggy Dog Lake (e33).
- SECTION F CLOSURES: Portions of the Berg Lake Trail will remain closed for repairs during the 2024 season, eliminating access to or from the GDT. The Moose River Trail is open and with the partial reopening of Jasper National Park, GDT Hikers have 4 options to use as the GDT northern terminus other than the Berg Lake Trail:
1. Jasper
2. Moose River
3. Blueberry
4. Kakwa - WILDFIRES and FIRE BANS: While fire bans in the Rockies have been lifted, fire restrictions or advisories remain in place throughout most of the GDT. Please be fire smart on the trail and ensure you follow the rules.
- CAUTION – Collie Creek Alternate Route: 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. The 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.
- CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.
- ELK RUTTING SEASON: It is elk rutting season until mid-October. Warning signs that read “ATTENTION – Elk Mating” have been posted at areas where elk herds often gather. Be aware that bull elk become extremely aggressive during rutting season so keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and female elk.
- BEARS: It’s pre-hibernation feeding season for black and grizzly bears which increases the chances of running into a bear on the trail. It is easy to surprise a bear that is focussed on feeding so make noise while hiking in bear territory. Be alert, make noise, carry bear spray and if you see a bear, back away slowly and leave the area.
ACCESS:
- Highway 16 and Highway 93N have reopened, 24 hours/day to all traffic in Jasper National Park, but services are limited. For more information, check out Alberta 511.
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass will be required for all vehicles visiting Kananaskis Country and provincial sites in the Bow Valley Corridor. The pass is not required for people arriving without a vehicle on foot, horseback or bicycle.
- Walker Creek FSR is officially listed as open, classified as a “wilderness road” beyond km 51 primarily due to weight load limits of bridges. The road has been cleared and improved this summer and is accessible all the way to Bastille Creek/Kakwa Lake trailhead, noting high clearance 4WD vehicles are still recommended.
- For more information, check out Alberta 511 and Drive BC.
National and Provincial Park Trail Conditions:
Banff National Park
Jasper National Park – Submit a Jasper trail condition report
Kootenay National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Yoho National Park
Akamina‐Kishinena Provincial Park
Castle Wildland Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park
Elk Lakes Provincial Park
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Kakwa Provincial Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
