聽Jasper trails beckon as spring heats up!
It is amazing how quickly our trails dry out in the valley. An arid climate coupled with sandy soils cater to this quick dry and allow us to get out on the trails sooner rather than later. As always, there are wet spots that seem to linger, but most can be avoided while the sun does its job.
As with all things spring, it is time to re-awaken our muscles and visit our favourite trails, or perhaps explore new ones. To help plan your next trail adventure, here is a reminder of all the trail work that was completed last year.
The Woodpecker trail, connecting Lake Annette to Jasper Park Lodge, was surfaced. Two kilometres of wide, meandering trail bring you through a magical Douglas fir forest.
Trailhead kiosks with information panels now mark the beginning of every trail in the valley and beyond.
Trail 2j combines new trail with old, providing a quaint, single-track option through the Pyramid Benchlands. Coined the Pony Express, this trail avoids commercial horse areas and accesses stunning views via rolling terrain.
The Edith Cavell area received a much needed facelift. Two short trail loops as well as a viewing area were constructed adjacent to the original Path of the Glacier Trail.
Trail delineation was started on the Whistlers Summit Trail.
Parker Ridge received updated signage.
Posts for new directional signs were installed at the Maligne Lake Day Use Area, Maligne Canyon, Maligne Overlook, lakes Annette and Edith, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls. The signs will be installed this summer.
Last season a new bridge was built across the Brazeau River allowing for continued access to the beautiful Brazeau loop and South Boundary Trail. Several trail re-routes were also built.
Work on a new Fifth Bridge has started; it will be completed this fall.
Some unofficial trails, specifically those within priority wildlife corridors, began to see rehabilitation efforts.
And finally, the Jasper Trail Alliance (JTA), a subcommittee of the Friends of Jasper, was busy training volunteers to clear sightlines on official trails. Shovels were also in the ground on trail 15a. The JTA are always keen to have more volunteers. To lend a hand, call 780-852-4767.
This season the park will have three trail crews working hard in the valley and backcountry. A summary of their 2014 work plan and projects will hit the paper later this month. Stay tuned!
Parks Canada
Special to the 51暗网
