JASPER GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Ridgecrest Reward: A 1,150‑metre Ascent to Tangle Ridge Above the Columbia Icefield
A guided 7–10 hour day hike from Jasper led by local guide Ben Nearingburg, gaining 1,150 m to a summit picnic with panoramic views of Mount Athabasca, Snowdome and a sea of peaks.
Ridgecrest Reward: A 1,150‑metre Ascent to Tangle Ridge Above the Columbia Icefield.
Perched east of the Columbia Icefield, Tangle Ridge is one of the most hikeable viewpoint ridges in the Rockies: a long forested approach that opens into alpine scree and a faint path to a ridgecrest offering sweeping views across the range.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Summit That Looks Out Over Mount Athabasca and Snowdome
From the ridgecrest you can take in a true mountain sea—Mount Athabasca, Snowdome and countless surrounding peaks—making the summit picnic as much about the view as the effort to get there.
Forest, Alpine Scree and a Faint Ridgecrest Path
A good trail leads up through forest before emerging into the alpine; a faint scree path rises to the ridgecrest. The route covers roughly 10.8 km with 1,150 m of elevation gain, demanding a steady, sustained effort.
Local Expertise and a Summit Picnic
The hike is led by Jasper local Ben Nearingburg, an experienced guide and author who connects hikers with the region’s history and ecology; the operator provides hiking poles, water and a picnic lunch at the summit.
What the day feels like
The Day: Long, Steady, Rewarding
Expect a full mountain day: a 7–10 hour outing that, with lightweight packs and a steady pace, carries you up sustained climbs to alpine terrain where the final scree ascent delivers a broad, panoramic summit and a chance to rest over a packed lunch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Required personal gear includes well‑broken waterproof hiking boots, a small daypack (10–20 L), sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medications and a blister kit; dress in layers suitable for a 7–10 hour mountain day.
The operator provides hiking poles, water and a picnic lunch; guides also carry a tarp and group first aid supplies.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is included?
Guiding, hiking poles and a picnic lunch are provided.
How long is the hike?
The outing runs approximately 7–10 hours.
Where do we meet and how do we get to the trailhead?
The group meets at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre in the morning; the trailhead is reached by a roughly 15‑minute drive north toward Jasper—transportation to the trailhead is not included, contact the operator if you need transport.
How should I prepare physically?
Be comfortable hiking steep hills for 3–4 hours at a time; the route climbs 1,150 vertical metres and can be energetic for guests from lower elevations.
What is not included and are there any risks?
Transportation to the trailhead and personal equipment are not included; all guests must read and agree to the operator’s Release of Liability and Waiver which outlines the inherent risks of mountain travel.