A popular trail, especially in the 19th century when the Athabasca Glacier filled the valley where Highway 93 now passes, Wilcox Pass is a pretty rewarding hike due to its instant and easy access to some alpine in the Canadian Rockies.

Given its popularity, the earlier one starts the 11-kilometre hike the better, as this ensures only big horned sheep and squirrels will be there to greet you. 

The trailhead starts on your left (coming from Jasper) about three kilometres after the Icefield’s Information Centre in the Wilcox Creek Campground parking area. Alternatively, you can start from Tangle Falls and work your way south.

The trip can be co-ordinated with two cars, however if you have one car, turning around at the midway point is just as rewarding as completing the whole trail.

Beginning in the treeline you walk through root covered ground and probably have a chance to play with some extremely friendly squirrels that like to dance at your feet.

After walking about 15 minutes, you’ve gained enough elevation that the first small lookout spot is splendid in itself.

But keep walking. As you continue upwards and slowly be eye level with the Saskatchewan Glacier, the sheer volume of snow and ice is overwhelming.

Shortly after, you have the opportunity to enjoy the Athabasca Glacier from a slightly different perspective. Though many enjoy it from the infamous snow-coach, the view from Wilcox Pass quickly puts the size of the small buses and enormous glacier into perspective. 

Once the short hike upwards has finished the wide open flat trail begins and so do the sheep. With a small creek to pass over (with some carefully placed rocks), the small alpine lake lends itself to a refreshing drink for some big horned sheep, who call the pass their home.

Small white flowers scatter the landscape which is towered over by surrounding ridges and peaks well past the halfway mark of the trail.

If you want to keep going, you can head north along the base of Wilcox Peak until the trail begins to descend down the Tangle Creek valley and will finish at the Tangle Falls parking area. 

It is suggested to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions on Wilcox Pass. Despite being an incredibly warm day in Jasper, the pass was significantly cooler with the crisp winds blowing off the surrounding glaciers.