Bald Hills Hike Jasper National Park.

Bald Hills is located on the south west end of Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park approximately 56Km east of the Jasper townsite. Bald Hills offers excellent views of Maligne Lake and the glaciated peaks to the east. No dogs allowed here, it's a protected Caribou range. Bald Hills is a moderate 12km return hike that follows an old fire road up to an abandoned lookout. Allow 3.5 hours return but if you want to explore the ridges beyond the old lookout allow 4-5 hours. Elevation gain to is approximately 495m. Expect to see lots of hikers here during the summer months. The parking lot can fill fast so arriving before 10AM may be necessary. The trailhead is located on the south west End of the Maligne Lake parking lot. Follow the old fire road approximately 4km. At this point you find a signed trail on your left leading straight up to the top. This side trail is much steeper but it will reduce the distance by about 1km. You can stay on the fire road for another 2km but I find fire roads to be a boring trudge. Once you arrive at the top you can keep hiking east along the ridge that leads to another rocky outcrop. Views of Maligne Lake below and Mount Paul, Mount Charlton, Charlton Glacier, Mount Unwin, Unwin Glacier, Maligne Glacier, Mount Mary Vaux, Mount Llysfran, Mount Leah and Samson Peaks are stunning. Maligne Lake has excellent Rainbow trout and Brook Trout fishing. A National Park fishing license is required if you want to try your luck. If you prefer a hike with an incredible amount of wildflowers try nearby Opal Hills Hike. In 1908 Bald hills was named by Mary Shaffer. Don't be fooled by the term 'Hills'. Bald Hills and nearby Opal Hills are mountainous. Mary named most of the peaks near Maligne Lake while exploring this area. I think if she didn't see a glacier on a peak she called it a hill. Would have loved to have met her. Bald Hills lookout fire road is an excellent cross country ski in during the winter months. Avalanche hazard is a concern here. trailheads to Opal Hills, Mount Edith Cavell, Sulphur Skyline, Whistlers Mountain, Maligne Canyon, Horse Shoe Lake and Athabasca Falls are also located in this area. You are in bear country.